Anacortes

Anacortes, WA. This is not my home, but I come here often.

An easy wildlife-spotting hike that can be done year-round, with views of the San Juan Islands.

Located in Washington Park in Anacortes, this 220-acre park offers great ocean views. From the trailhead near the restrooms, start downhill and meet up with the small, one-lane loop road that travels through the park. The trail parallels the road, crosses over for some portions and connects with other trails. All of these trails can be hiked in one day.

By hiking a combination of the road and trails you'll get the best views of the Sound and the San Juan Islands as well as the ferries heading out. There are always lots of kayakers paddling offshore, and if you watch closely you can see bald eagles, great blue herons, seals and, if you're lucky, maybe a killer whale. The hike to Green Point Trail offers particularly good views, and from the top of the loop, you can take in panoramas of Burrows Island, Burrows Pass and Flounder Bay. On the south side of the peninsula, a variety of side trails lead to the park's campground and the water's edge.