I T I N E R A R Y
Easy San Juan Island Day Hike : Mt . Finlayson
DEEP FOREST LAGOONS , SWEEPING
GRASSLANDS , and an iconic lighthouse make this easy jaunt a favorite for visitors and locals alike .
At the southern edge of San Juan Island , you ’ ll find the longest stretch of public beach in the archipelago . The preserved waterfront property is thanks to the Pig War — an 1859 confrontation between the U . S . and Great Britain . While remnants of battle installments and officers ’ quarters can be found throughout the island , the ‘ war ’ was far from gruesome . Just one shot was fired and the only casualty was a hog .
Throughout the 3.6-mile hike , you ’ ll be treated to a rich variety of ecosystems . The hike begins at the parking lot , from which you ’ ll follow the narrow path up a grassy hill . At the junction , located . 3 miles from the trailhead , signs will point towards a Nature Walk and Mount Finlayson . Head towards Mount Finlayson .
The trail will take you up a series of switchbacks to the mountain ’ s summit . You ’ ll be rewarded for your 100-foot elevation gain by expansive views of the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca . During the summer , wildflowers dot the grassy expanse . Here , butterflies and ladybugs abound . Foxes , deer , and eagles are also frequent visitors .
The path intersects with another junction labeled Lagoon Trails . Those who want a shorter route back to the parking lot can take the trail headed northeast . You ’ ll loop past Jakle ’ s Lagoon
and back to the parking lot .
However , those who continue straight will be treated to a view of Cattle Point Lighthouse and Lopez Island . On clear days , Mount Baker is even visible from this vantage point .
Quickly , the trail descends . At the information kiosk , hang a left towards the Third Lagoon . You ’ ll cross through a grassy meadow and a forest of towering Douglas fir trees . The trail continues to loop back around to the parking lot . Follow the signs to Jakle ’ s Lagoon , wrapping around the lagoon and back to the parking lot . Distance : 3.6 miles round trip Elevation Gain : 408 ft . Highest Point : 290 ft . Difficulty : Easy to moderate Accessible : Year-round Dogs : Permitted on leash
ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD PUZZLE ON PAGE 34 .
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