Washington Park - Part 2

The picnic area from the last vacation post is about halfway through the park. The park is 220 acres and has camping, a boat launch, day use picnic sits and a group tenting area.  A paved scenic loop road winds through the park.  There are one car parking areas cut out of the woods, with small footpaths leading to the grassy bluffs.  Continuing on through the park there is a larger parking area and more picnic tables - and an amazing view of Burrows Channel.

One of the first things you notice are the many Manzanita Trees in the park (also called Madrone and in British Columbia, Arbutus)

The peeling bark is one of their charms, along with the red wood underneath.  In the spring they bloom with large spikes of flowers.

Some day I hope to see an eagle in the dead snag in the park.

Small boats have to make it through the pass at certain times of the tide because the currents are strong enough to dash a boat against the rock cliffs.

The currents are strong as the tide rises and falls through the narrowed channel

Mt. Erie is seen in the background, on Fidalgo Island, near Anacortes.

And yes, the water is that green.  It is an amazing sight.

Often you will see boats waiting offshore for the tide to change so they can dash through.  The rocky cliffs are always a danger.

The scenic loop is 2.2 miles and is one way.  There are often walkers, runners, and hikers on the loop - but bicycles are not allowed.  There are tight switchbacks as the route twists and turns and climbs up and down and vehicles with trailers are also not allowed.  If you are in the area (out past the State Ferry docks), take a trip around Washington Park - it is spectacular.