Distance: There are about 1.5 miles of trails in this section.
Elevation Gain: Approximately 200 feet loss/gain.
Seasons: The trails are hikeable in all seasons, but parts of the park and its facilities (such as some restrooms) are closed in winter.
Description: From a parking and picnic area near the campground, you can walk some easy yet pretty trails to the southwest. Head over to the band shell, and from there follow the signed trail under the railroad tracks. Once you go under the tracks, you have a choice to go right or left. Walking to the right leads you down to a sandy and rocky cove, with a freshwater stream emptying onto the beach. At high tide there is just enough beach to walk on. Continue on up to the next point for a view into Wildcat Cover where the boat launch is. If you go left at the fork, you’ll walk over to a rocky headland, where you can see out to the west and south. Please obey the signs and fences on these trails and don’t try to go around the safety fences. There are steep cliffs, so keep an eye on young children who might wander off trail.
Directions: From I-5, take Exit 231, Hwy 11, Chuckanut Drive. Follow this winding road for just over 14 miles to the park entrance on the left. (Pass by the first park entrance for the Lost Lake Trailhead.) Park in the first parking area near the campground, or drive a bit farther down toward the Band Shell for more parking. There are restrooms near both parking areas, but the upper ones might be closed in winter. You can also reach Chuckanut Drive from the north end, in Fairhaven. You’ll need a Discovery Pass to park; there are several pay kiosks throughout the park where you can purchase one.
Links: For more information, check out the State Park website. You might also be interested in a local geologist named Dave Tucker who has written interesting articles about the unique geology in the area. Read our trip report for more pictures.