Guemes Mountain Preserve
Guemes Island
Year Protected: 2009
Land Protected: 70 acres
Hiking Trails: 1.2 Miles
Trail Difficulty: Challenging
A large community effort protected Guemes Mountain in 2009. Skagit Land Trust (SLT) now owns and manages the conservation area. The San Juan Preservation Trust holds a conservation easement. In 2011 we collaborated with Washington Trails Association and 175 volunteers to build a 1.2 mile long trail from South Shore Drive to the summit.
The trail has an elevation gain of 550 feet. It starts on an easement, winding through forest on a neighboring property. It then emerges onto SLT property, ending at a beautiful mountain bald, with views of the surrounding islands. The habitat at the top of the mountain is unusual and fragile. Please walk on the paths instead of through delicate vegetation.
Access: From the Guemes ferry landing, take a right on Southshore Road. Take a left to stay on Southshore Road. The trailhead is on your right. There is parking for 4 cars and a bike rack.
Low impact day hiking is allowed, with dogs on leash and waste carried out. Please, no biking, horseback riding, motorized vehicles, fires or overnight camping.
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Reviews of this Preserve
The summit of Guemes Mountain has many fantastic photo opportunities. There is a large variety of wildlife to be seen on the way up to the top and summit. I have observed owls, hawks, eagles, woodpeckers, northern flickers, spotted towhee, deer, coyotes, and much more.