Hike 3/3 Whistle Lake Loop & Sugarloaf
Tuesday, March 3, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
6 miles, 800 feet elevation gain.
Meet at Everett Station Park & Ride Lot --
B
You can usually count on the Anacortes area to be a little drier than most places during the wet-weather months, so it's a good place to go for a late winter hike. And with so many nice trails on the Anacortes Community Forest Lands (ACFL), finding a peaceful getaway is easy. We'll explore a pair of ACFL gems on this trip as we trek the forest trails around Whistle Lake, and take a side trip up the steep path to the top of Sugarloaf. The rocky bluff has great vistas from an overlook 1050 feet above the nearby Salish Sea. After finishing the hike to Sugarloaf and Whistle Lake, you may find yourself wanting a little more sugar or something to wet your whistle, so we'll stop for goodies at The Store in Anacortes, right on our way home from the trailhead.
Expected Conditions:
Trail conditions in the Anacortes Community Forest Lands should generally be good, with few if any obstacles, and mostly dry and clear trails. The trails have some short rugged spots, and there are ups and downs going around Whistle Lake, as well as some moderately steep bits leading to the top of Sugarloaf. We'll take our time and make sure everyone can handle whatever comes our way. We'll start on the outskirts of Anacortes at about 400 feet in elevation. The trail reaches Whistle Lake after only 15 minutes of walking, and we go around the lake most of the way before branching off to go to the top of Sugarloaf (1050 feet). There's no snow here. We return to the Whistle Lake Loop and finish the rest of the way back to our trailhead.
Other Considerations:
Wear good traction hiking shoes or boots for this hike. Trekking poles will be useful and are recommended. Pack food and water in your pack and plan to have a lunch break on top of Sugarloaf.
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