Moderate Archives - Anacortes Walk Fest

209 — Million-year journey through Fidalgo Island Geology

Tom Decker — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 14:13:08 +0000

Ever wanted to touch the earth’s mantle, usually found deep within the ground. Discover 200-million-year-old metamorphic rocks that make Fidalgo Island’s shoreline rugged and unique.

We’ll explore the “bare” spots of ancient serpentinite mantle rock atop coastal shores, examine glacial grooves and other scars left behind by the Great Ice Age. Learn the story of the mile-thick glaciers that reshaped this landscape only 15,000 years ago. It’s a million-year journey, all within an afternoon in Washington Park.

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402 — Cap Sante Summit, Brewery tour to finish

Tom Decker — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 21:35:49 +0000

Sweet hike, epic views, brewery tour at the finish. Great way to end the 2026 version of Anacortes Walk Fest. Anacortes Brewery is 5th oldest brewery in the whole state, making more than 30 craft beers.

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303 — North Beach to Goose Rock Summit

Tom Decker — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 21:46:12 +0000

All the best of Deception Pass–From beaches to tidepools, rocky ridges to scenic summit, this outing offers you superb elements of Deception Pass Park. Finish with short, moderately steep segments to Goose Rock peak for a stellar views in all directions.

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103 — Anacortes Community Forest Lands–Big trees, little lichens and fungi.

Tom Decker — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 15:17:20 +0000

On this serene trip along Heart Lake, you’ll learn about the forest as an ecosystem, with an added measure of Anacortes Community Forest Lands history. On this outing, you’ll have time for an active, engaging and fun focus on lichens, fungi and mosses beneath the old-growth trees. Peaceful and quiet, the forest will draw you in as wildlife retains your gaze.

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302 — Guemes Island Peach Preserve, Dog Woods–Conservation Highlights

Tom Decker — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 17:54:08 +0000

Discover serene Guemes Island Peach Preserve (protected by the San Juan Preservation Trust), Kelly’s Point, Dog Woods (a restoration forest), all conservation gems. Meander along peaceful trails, beaches and country roads, pausing at meditative spots, many celebrating natural features and local artwork. Low tide timing adds perfect beach walk. The scenic round-trip ferry ride makes for a wonderful island escape. Celebrate at the end with a beverage at the island store.

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309 — Washington Park Loop (Forested Pathways)

Tom Decker — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 02:44:18 +0000

Hiking trail route combines stunning vistas, exposed shorelines, forest glades, distant views to the Olympic range and San Juan Islands. Circle the outer edges of Washington Park, linking segments of the intricate path system. Highlights include gorgeous views, geologic features, history, flora and fauna. Requires nimble feet along some exposed bluffs, rutted rooted paths and some very short steep spots. Forest canopy, superb scenery along the way.

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308 — Cap Sante Viewpoint/East Amphitheater Trail

Tom Decker — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 21:12:50 +0000

Superb views to the west, south and east are the payoffs here. A clear day on the summit Mt. Baker is the highlight to the east and you may spot Mount Rainier 120 miles south. All around are panoramas of water and islands. Follow the historic east side trail to the historic WPA-constructed amphitheater.

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307 — Heart Lake Old Growth Explorations

Tom Decker — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 21:04:22 +0000

Verdant old-growth forests, the canopy of green and lake views create gorgeous scenes on this walk at the center of the Anacortes Community Forest Lands. Watch for squirrels, woodpeckers, frogs and more along the way. Keep an eye out for vibrant wildflowers, if nature cooperates.

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102 — Songbird Forest Ramble–Big Beaver and Mitten Ponds

Tom Decker — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 20:48:06 +0000

May brings prime time for songbird migration. This 2.5-mile circuit around Big Beaver and Mitten ponds has ups and downs and modest elevation gain. Short route but–at a birder’s pace with stops to admire lively birds, forest views and other diverse wildlife– it will require about 2 1/2 hours to complete. Bring binoculars for greater enjoyment.

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401 — Washington Park Loop (Paved Road), Currently unavailable

Kyle Mahoney — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 18:32:39 +0000

A beautiful loop walk around Washington Park, offering spectacular views of forests, bluffs and the San Juan Islands without too much effort. Rated moderate, the route is a gentle, paved roadway with a slight uphill slope, making it perfect for those wanting to enjoy a slower pace. Highlights include gorgeous views, geologic features, history, flora and fauna.

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