Best Hikes Close to Home

Right in the Neighborhood

Sometimes you want to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful views that only a hike can offer, but there just isn’t enough time to make a day out of it. Fortunately for those in the Stanwood and Camano Island area, there are two great hikes just a few minutes down the road.

Barnum Point Preserve Loop Trail

On the eastern shore of Camano Island lies a 2.75 miles round trip hiking trail called Barnum Point Preserve. This walkable trail is full of views across Port Susan Bay towards the Cascades, and on a clear day, you may be able to see snow covered peaks in the distance.

This land holds a semblance of historic significance, as a man by the name of Sterling Jones Barnum purchased it in 1904, relocating his entire family in the process. His granddaughter, Carolin Barnum Dilorenzo, ran an inn on the land well into the 2000s.

Four Springs Preserve Loop

This 1.6 mile hike through the woods resides in the center of Camano Island. You can expect to see some large maple trees, luscious ferns, and several kinds of wildflowers in the summer. Depending on the month, you may also run into some gurgling streams and water-bogged sections of land. This quick hike is great if you’re pressed for time, and is quite family friendly.

Make a Day Out of It

There are more beautiful trails with a lot to offer in the surrounding PNW region. Though a bit of a longer drive (averaging 1 to 2 hours away), these hikes are worth the trip—you might even be inclined to bring your camping gear with you!

Oyster Dome

Located in Blanchard State Forest near Samish is Oyster Dome Trail, a 5.0 mile round trip hike. Throughout your journey, you’ll see a collection of trees including Douglas fir, Western redcedar, and alder trees. Many of these trees are second-growth, as the Chuckanut area used to be known not only for its oyster fishing, but for its logging. Be sure to keep an eye out for the Olympic mountains in the distance!

Lime Kiln Trail

East of Granite Falls by the Robe Canyon Historic Trails Park is the 7.0 mile round trip Lime Kiln Trail. Expect to be greeted with forests, streams, stony river banks, small canyons, and more as you traverse the mossy forest. A short way off the trail stands a towering kiln that was built in the 1890s and used through the early 1930s to produce lime (calcium oxide) from limestone.

Gothic Basin

This magnificent piece of nature lies on the western edge of the cascades and is a ~9.0 mile round trip, depending on how far you wander. This trail is full of deep forests, creeks, an abundance of summer wildflowers, towering rock faces, and a scenic waterfall. Once you get here, you won’t want to leave.

Mount Baker

Mount Baker National Forest has an abundance of trails of varying difficulty and length, and several trails require you to have a recreation pass. You can cross rivers, see waterfalls, pristine lakes, and gurgling streams, and breathe in the fresh air. Be sure to check the difficulty level first and look through the dozens of trail options to choose from before setting out!