Word to the Wild #4: Watery Walks for Rainy Days
Word to the Wild #4: Watery Walks for Rainy Days
McMillan Spire in the North Cascades’ Picket Range has been on my peak-baggers to-do list since the 1980s. Barely a week ago, three friends and I finally locked in plans to head into tha
McMillan Spire in the North Cascades’ Picket Range has been on my peak-baggers to-do list since the 1980s. Barely a week ago, three friends and I finally locked in plans to head into that vertical stone world right about now—just as the rains arrive. There’s even snow in the forecast at 7,000 feet. As much as I’d like to trudge up there anyway, my not-yet-faded memories of mountaineering in the rain suggests something more sensible, like a quick trip to the Bumbershoot Fest in Seattle this weekend. According to latest updates from the terminally happy TV-weather people, Bumbershoot-goers should be elated.
So instead of scaling a scarp to a scary spire, I think I’ll scurry somewhere a little closer to home this weekend. Summer in the low country, like, say, a beach, can be pretty darn nice also, even if my September instincts are tugging me upward. So let’s consider a watery walk on the rainy side. Here are a few suggestions for some coastal carousing:
South Beach/Mount Finlayson, American Camp, San Juan Island – There’s enough great walking here to fill up a day or a weekend, and a chance to see members of the orca J-pod or associates cruising not far offshore. The hike along South Beach is about as beachy as it gets around here. Start at Grandma’s Cove for maximum effect. With a little luck, a quick stop at the orca-friendly park at Lime Kiln Point might get you a better camera shot. Emphasis on 'might'. Otherwise, the short trek along the meadowy crest of Mount Finlayson remains my numero-uno favorite island hike in Washington, although I often save it for spring (for wildflowers).
Deception Pass/Rosario Head/Bowman Bay – If there’s a breeze coming down the strait, you can pretend you’re on the outer coast at Rosario Head, watching the surf pound against sea stacks. Hold onto your hats—and the kids. Cliffy ground abounds, but there are several good trails to great views. Head west on Highway 20 toward Deception Pass, but follow the signs to Rosario Beach. If there’s time for Deception Pass, too, the trail to North Beach is among the best. There should be some fine beach walking at both places this weekend, particularly late morning and early afternoon while the tide is out.
Backdoor Bicycling to White Rock, B.C. – If a basket of fish and chips under an awning at a little waterfront café in a foreign country sounds appealing, then consider the surprisingly quick and easy jaunt to seaside White Rock. An upscale promenade, pedestrian pier and people-friendly business district can easily keep you wandering for an hour or two. No need for a car, since you can often get there by bike in less time than it takes to get your Prius through the border line-up. Most mortals can manage the bike ride in 20 minutes or less. Unload the bikes at Peace Arch Park, walk them down the path to the highway, then ride or walk to Canadian Customs. Go right up to the building—no one expects you to wait in line behind all that exhaust. Flash your passport and you’re on your way in a jiffy. A very short ride north along the shoulder gets you to Beach Road. Turn left (when it’s safe) and follow this quiet dead-end street to its end, where a short path leads to a footbridge. Cross, then go left on 8th Avenue for the waterfront. Note that the big inviting promenade is closed to bikes. So lock them to something solid, like a Mountie, then go live it up as a veritable globetrotter on a ten-dollar budget. Reverse the strategy to get yourself back to U.S. Customs. Tell them your car is at the park and they can point the way, if needed.
While in Blaine, take the time to explore this town’s pedestrian-friendly waterfront as well. Park off Marine Drive to access shoreline trails along Semiahmoo Bay to a public fishing pier, and a pleasant walkway around the boat harbor. For two bucks, the little foot-ferry, Plover, will run you over to Semiahmoo Spit and back, where plenty more walking opportunities await (the Plover’s season ends Labor Day).
So instead of scaling a scarp to a scary spire, I think I’ll scurry somewhere a little closer to home this weekend. Summer in the low country, like, say, a beach, can be pretty darn nice also, even if my September instincts are tugging me upward. So let’s consider a watery walk on the rainy side. Here are a few suggestions for some coastal carousing:
South Beach/Mount Finlayson, American Camp, San Juan Island – There’s enough great walking here to fill up a day or a weekend, and a chance to see members of the orca J-pod or associates cruising not far offshore. The hike along South Beach is about as beachy as it gets around here. Start at Grandma’s Cove for maximum effect. With a little luck, a quick stop at the orca-friendly park at Lime Kiln Point might get you a better camera shot. Emphasis on 'might'. Otherwise, the short trek along the meadowy crest of Mount Finlayson remains my numero-uno favorite island hike in Washington, although I often save it for spring (for wildflowers).
Deception Pass/Rosario Head/Bowman Bay – If there’s a breeze coming down the strait, you can pretend you’re on the outer coast at Rosario Head, watching the surf pound against sea stacks. Hold onto your hats—and the kids. Cliffy ground abounds, but there are several good trails to great views. Head west on Highway 20 toward Deception Pass, but follow the signs to Rosario Beach. If there’s time for Deception Pass, too, the trail to North Beach is among the best. There should be some fine beach walking at both places this weekend, particularly late morning and early afternoon while the tide is out.
Backdoor Bicycling to White Rock, B.C. – If a basket of fish and chips under an awning at a little waterfront café in a foreign country sounds appealing, then consider the surprisingly quick and easy jaunt to seaside White Rock. An upscale promenade, pedestrian pier and people-friendly business district can easily keep you wandering for an hour or two. No need for a car, since you can often get there by bike in less time than it takes to get your Prius through the border line-up. Most mortals can manage the bike ride in 20 minutes or less. Unload the bikes at Peace Arch Park, walk them down the path to the highway, then ride or walk to Canadian Customs. Go right up to the building—no one expects you to wait in line behind all that exhaust. Flash your passport and you’re on your way in a jiffy. A very short ride north along the shoulder gets you to Beach Road. Turn left (when it’s safe) and follow this quiet dead-end street to its end, where a short path leads to a footbridge. Cross, then go left on 8th Avenue for the waterfront. Note that the big inviting promenade is closed to bikes. So lock them to something solid, like a Mountie, then go live it up as a veritable globetrotter on a ten-dollar budget. Reverse the strategy to get yourself back to U.S. Customs. Tell them your car is at the park and they can point the way, if needed.
While in Blaine, take the time to explore this town’s pedestrian-friendly waterfront as well. Park off Marine Drive to access shoreline trails along Semiahmoo Bay to a public fishing pier, and a pleasant walkway around the boat harbor. For two bucks, the little foot-ferry, Plover, will run you over to Semiahmoo Spit and back, where plenty more walking opportunities await (the Plover’s season ends Labor Day).
