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Hiking to the summit of Guemes Mountain is another great dog-friendly four season hike in the Pacific Northwest. As an added benefit, this adventure includes a short ferry ride from Anacortes to Guemes Island. It seems like even a short ferry ride gives an island and its residents that relaxed, friendly, island vibe.
Where is Guemes Island?
Guemes Island is about 80 miles north of Seattle, WA
How Do You Get to Guemes Island?
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| Guemes Island Ferry Dock - Anacortes, WA |
The Guemes Island Ferry
The only are only two ways to get to Guemes Island - by air or sea. If you don't have a plane, helicopter or your own boat to cross the channel, Skagit County operates a ferry between Anacortes and the island. The ferry can hold 10-20 vehicles, but a less expensive and fun option (in my opinion) is to board the ferry with your dog as walk-on passengers. There is a handy free parking lot near the ferry dock where you can leave your car.
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| Anacortes to Guemes Island Ferry Parking Lot, Anacortes, WA |
Taking Your Dog on the Skagit County Ferry System
The Guemes Island Ferry is part of the Skagit County Ferry System, which is dog-friendly if you don't mind making the short crossing outside. There is a small passenger area inside, but dogs must stay outside.
We checked the Guemes Island Ferry Schedule to plan our trip and arrived about 20 minutes before the ferry departure time, with plenty of time to park, walk to the terminal, purchase our ticket and board the ferry. Human foot passengers must pay to use the ferry, but dogs ride free!
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| The Guemes Island Ferry Pilot House |
We checked the Guemes Island Ferry Schedule to plan our trip and arrived about 20 minutes before the ferry departure time, with plenty of time to park, walk to the terminal, purchase our ticket and board the ferry. Human foot passengers must pay to use the ferry, but dogs ride free!
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| Boarding the Guemes Island Ferry Photo by Kathy Lossaco - used with permission |
After a quick ten minute trip across the channel, the ferry arrives at the dock on Guemes Island.
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| Approaching the Guemes Island Ferry Dock - Guemes Island, WA |
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| The Guemes Island General Store |
We started our hike to the Guemes Mountain Trail by turning right from the ferry dock and walking approximately 2 miles along South Shore Road to the trail head.
A Map of Guemes Island
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| A sign with a map of Guemes Island at the ferry dock |
Although this was on a weekend day, the traffic was sparse, perhaps only 3 or 4 cars passed by us on the road. For the majority of the distance the road follows the shoreline of the island with lots of opportunities to enjoy views of the water and spot seabirds and other wildlife.
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| South Shore Road, Guemes Island, WA |
Guemes Island is one of the San Juan Islands and like the other islands in the archipelago, it has a colorful history. This Isle of Guemes by Helen Troy Elmore was published in 2011 and recounts the colorful history of Guemes Island. Interestingly it was also at one time called "Dog Island" and not in a good way. The Samish tribe at one time raised dogs on the island for their fur. Fortunately today Guemes Island is dog-friendly in a good way.
The Guemes Mountain Trail head is unmarked from the road. Look for a bike rack and a wide spot on the shoulder of the road where there may be a car or two parked.
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| Guemes Mountain Trailhead |
A short distance from the trail head is the first of many informational sign boards with a map of the trail. From the trail head to the summit of Guemes Mtn is a little over a mile with an elevation gain of approximately 500 feet. Roundtrip it is 2.3 miles with a 550 foot elevation gain
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Guemes Mountain Trail Map |
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| Border collies hitting the trail |
The beginning of the trail up Guemes Mountain is through a forest of tall trees with ferns and other typical Pacific Northwest forest under story. The beginning of the trail is nicely graveled, but isn't wide enough for Tim, Hank and I to walk side by side, so I made use of a little dog power to help pull me up the incline.
Hiking with my dogs still leading the way, after a mile through the forest, the trees thin out as we get closer to the summit of Guemes Mountain. In early spring there were some muddy spots on the trail that were a little slippery.
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| An opening in the forest along the Guemes Mountain Trail |
Guemes Island is a great place to see bald eagles. This is one perched in a tree was the first of many we saw on our hike.
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| Bald Eagle in a Tree - Guemes Island, WA |
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| The Story of the Guemes Mountain Trail |
One of the interpretive signs along the Guemes Mountain Trail tells the story of how several groups worked together to provide this wonderful place for everyone to enjoy. The mountain was preserved for public use by the efforts of the Skagit Land Trust, San Juan Land Trust and the residents of Guemes Island. The construction of the trail was done by volunteers coordinated by the Washington Trails Association.
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| The Summit of Guemes Mountain |
Tim and Hank posed (reluctantly) for a photo from the summit. On the day of our hike it was cloudy, but even with the low cloud ceiling there were amazing views in every direction.
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| A 360 degree view from the top of Guemes Mountain |
The View from Guemes Mountain on a Clear Day
To see more of the island, instead of retracing our route along South Shore Road to return to the ferry dock we made it a loop hike by walking along Edens Road. Although there aren't sidewalks or much shoulder along the edge of the road, I think a total of about four cars went by in either direction and as I recall every driver either slowed down and waved or stopped to talk with us. Ahhh, the pleasures of the relaxed pace of island life and friendly people!
Pastoral Scenes of Guemes Island
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| Farm and Barn on Guemes Island, WA |
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| Guemes Island Fields and Cows |
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| Edens Road - Guemes Island, WA |
Anderson's General Store
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| Anderson's General Store - Guemes Island, WA |
Anderson's Guemes Island General Store was established in 1877 and, as the name suggests, is a store where you can buy just about anything you might need. It is a gas station, restaurant and gathering place for both island residents and visitors where wine tastings, concerts and other events are held. There is even a designated place that serves as a hitching post for your dog while you go inside to shop or eat. I love their motto: "If we don't have it, we'll explain how you can get along without it"
The Ferry at the Guemes Island Dock
Guemes Island Ferry at the Guemes Island Dock
The ferry arrives back at the dock and it is time to board and end our Guemes Island adventure.
Helpful Information for Planning a Hike to Guemes Mountain - Links to Websites About Guemes Island
Guemes Island Sunset
Dog Friendly Hotels on Guemes Island
If Guemes Island looks like the kind of dog friendly destination where you would like to sit, stay, relax and explore for more than a day, there are rustic dog friendly overnight accommodations available at the Guemes Island Resort.
Helpful Links for Planning a Trip to Guemes Island
- Guemes Mountain - Washington Trails Association
WTA constructed this trail to the top of Guemes Mountain on Guemes Island. The one-mile trail will lead to an incredible viewpoint overlooking nearby islands and ocean straits, the Skagit River delta, and the volcanoes and jagged spires - Guemes Island Ferry
Skagit County Government - Skagit Land Trust
The Skagit Land Trust focuses on permanently protecting all types of natural and resource lands with exceptional conservation value throughout Skagit County. - Welcome to Anderson's Store on Guemes Island
Welcome to Anderson's General Store "If we don't have it, we'll explain how you can get along without it ...." Store Hours Monday - Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday
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