SKAGIT AUDUBON HIKING SCHEDULE
By Joan Melcher
Hikes in May will take us from the North Cascades National Park to the shores of Puget Sound. As usual, weather, logging, construction or other unexpected conditions might cause changes or cancellations in the following hikes.
Call JOAN MELCHER 360-424-0407 any time up until 45 minutes before the scheduled meeting time for information on or questions about the following. All the hikes are on Wednesdays. Dogs are discouraged on Audubon-sponsored hikes. If dogs are on a hike, they must be on a leash at all times
MAY 7
THUNDER CREEKHike up to 12 miles round trip, up to 1000 ft. total el. gain on one of the best forest hikes in the North Cascades. Meet at 7:30 a.m. on the east side of the Sedro-Woolley Food Pavilion parking lot. Return time is 3:30 p.m. If snow prevents us from doing this hike, we will do an alternate hike.
MAY 14
OYSTER DOMEHike to the Oyster Dome on Blanchard Mountain. 9.1 miles, 2000 ft el gain if you start on Chuckanut Drive with a 2:30 p.m. return to T.H.; or 6.0 to 7.4 miles, 900 ft el gain if you start at the Samish Overlook with a 2:00 p.m. return to T.H. Opportunities for side trips to North Butte, Lily Lake, and Lizard Lake. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Cook Road Park-n-Ride, exit 232 from I-5.
MAY 21
EBEY’S LANDING and THE KETTLES AT FORT EBEY STATE PARKToday’s hike will be done in two sections. Each car of hikers will be its own group so plan on riding with others who will do the same hikes you do. The first hike will be a 3.5 mile loop hike up the bluff, down to the beach, and back to the cars. Low tide of -2.1 feet about 11:30 a.m. The next hike will be a self-guided hike on the Kettles trails near Fort Ebey State Park. Miles hiked here depend on the individual. There should be wild rhododendrons in bloom. Meet at 9 a.m. at the Similk Park-n-Ride. (At the stop light at the intersection of HWY 20 and the Christianson and March Point Roads, turn RIGHT and then an immediate RIGHT turn onto the frontage road and soon turn LEFT into the Park-n-Ride.) OR meet at Ebey’s Landing at 9:45 a.m.
MAY 28
PORT TOWNSEND AREASeveral choices from walking on trails south west of the ferry terminal to hiking to Fort Worden. Up to 10 or more miles. Little elevation gain. Walking shoes recommended. We will travel to Port Townsend as foot passengers on the 8:45 a.m. sailing from Keystone. To pool rides, meet at the Similk Park-n-Ride, at 7:30 a.m.
JUNE 4 MAY 21
ROSS DAM TO DIABLO DAMHike about 7 miles one way along the north side of Diablo Lake between Ross Dam and the community of Diablo. One can hike mostly downhill from Ross to Diablo, 900 ft el gain; 2200 ft el loss or one can hike mostly uphill from Diablo to Ross, 2200 ft el gain; 900 ft el loss. Drivers will exchange keys. There should be wild flowers. Meet at 7:30 a.m. on the east side of the Sedro-Woolley Food Pavilion parking lot. Return to Diablo trailhead by 2:30 p.m.
SATURDAY JUNE 7
NATIONAL TRAILS DAYJoin the Pacific Northwest Trail Association and others to help build a trail in the Hoypus section of Deception Pass State Park. We will work from around 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a snack break around 11 am. At 2 p.m. a picnic lunch will be provided. Meet at 8:15 a.m. at the Cook Road Park-n-Ride, exit 232 from I-5, across from the 76 gas station OR meet at 9 a.m. at the Cranberry Lake parking lot. Wear old clothes, have gloves, snacks for the snack break, and fluids to drink. Tools will be provided.
