I saw a Lions Park sign from I-5 headed northbound in Mount Vernon and was like, that's where I…read morewant to be. This past Thursday, the 22nd of April and Earth Day 2021, I decided to celebrate the Earth by doing some exploring on foot in Mount Vernon. I parked my car at Mount Vernon Lions Club Roadside Park because I couldn't easily spot if/where the parking lot was for North Lions Park. After parking my car I explored south on the Skagit Riverwalk to the River Jam Memorial and the Skagit Riverwalk Park. After exploring south I made my way north and to the North Lions Park. Walking to the park I noticed a couple of sandy stretches along the Skagit River at the base of a treed area. I got all excited and hopeful that I would find access to the beach in the park. The paths I encountered in the park were dirt paths and relatively flat except at the junction with the beach patches. It took me a few tries to find the right paths that led to the beach, but I eventually found two different beach spots. I sat and relaxed at each spot for a little bit. The sun was out and the trees provided speckled shade. Flowers were starting to bloom and the Song Sparrows had fun watching me from the side of the trail and singing. The water was relatively quiet, no boaters nor big birds in the water here. Tiny minnows did swim in the shallows close to shore. I only encountered one other person while I was here (a little under an hour). The noise from the highway does carry so it is not absolutely quiet. The trails were well maintained and cleanly. Nice place to take in some nature while in Mount Vernon.

Great riverside walk through huge trees. Slight beach access. Good for dogs, dog poop bags are…read moreprovided. A little muddy at parts. Nice grass field. Connects with the other riverside trail going past the playground and old Mount Vernon.

Underwhelming views, tbh, but I like that there is a hiking spot and an elevated platform to have a…read moremini picnic. Only one table, but at least there is something. Enough parking for visitors, but I came on the lesser busy type of days, which was the weekday on an overcast day. I like that you can see Mount Vernon landscape a bit, but idk...Washington state def has more to offer than just what this place has. I also bought lemonade, blackberry jam, and cookies from a stand run by neighborhood kids, which was cute. They are very enthusiastic and where you make a right turn to go into the road that leads into this hiking trail. That is if they still set up at the same spot, haha! In Southern California, insane view, but Washington state got sooooo much more. Promise!

Great thinking experience! Very near to my parents' place at big Lake we could run there if we…read morewanted to, but we did take the car for this.

When I'm in the mood for some gorgeous views over Anacortes, Cap Sante Park is one of my go-to…read morespots. Perched high on a point across the harbor from downtown, it's the perfect spot to take it all in. And with its northerly views, you can not only watch the boats arrive at the marina far below, but peer across the mountains for breathtaking sunny day views of Mount Baker, too. It also has a "lover's lane" vibe, so I'll give it an extra star for romance potential. There are a view benches, as well as rocky outperches, to sit and ponder all the beauty. Fall potential is high, so I wouldn't let little ones wander around on their own here. Parking can be a hassle on sunny days.

Went during a sunset and it was spectacular. Even saw a rainbow. There were parking spots when we…read moregot there though it was also a lot of people concerning it was already past 9PM. Wonderful views of the marina and the islands! And beautiful Mountain views.

If you have young children or are not a strong swimmer, this is a fantastic location to swim in a…read morelake. There is a large shallow area for you to swim in as well as a fantastic playground for kids. Parking in the summer is extremely challenging on hot days or the weekend so you'll want to plan ahead.

Heavily used during summertime,free parking,lots of activities to do in here,clean…read more (Full review to fallow)

Great place to walk the dog along the beach and on trails. Wide open beach that goes on for a long…read moreways!

Level ground walking trails. Shaded (mostly) trails. Rest room, water. Coastal views, beach access…read moreand wildlife. Great opportunity for pictures & photography. Parking in two areas. Requires Discovery Pass. Easy access to the park off Crosby Road and coast road. Kyack launch area just outside the park. Try it you'll like it.

We stopped by to waste some time before we could check into our hotel. When we arrived, there was…read morelive music, food trucks and booths selling goods. There was a sandbox, swing set, a swimming lagoon, beach access, a playground and the cutest splash pad. We were just looking for a grassy area to sit and play and when we found Windjammer Park, we hit the jackpot! I highly recommend this park. It has something for everyone and it's dog friendly!

Windjammer Park is located along the waterfront in Oak Harbor. It has a paved walking path that…read moreruns along the beach, but not on the beach itself, that has staggered informational placards to the side. The park is a pleasant place to come even when there is thick wildfire smoke. The breeze from the bay might not completely clear the smoke away, but at least it provides some circulation of the air. My grandma and I like to come here and eat lunch together. We like to sit and eat at a covered pavilion stocked with picnic tables and a kitchen, though the kitchen requires advance reservation to use. A playground is adjacent to the eating area. My grandma likes to people and pet watch as we eat, I prefer to watch the water and try and spot any birds or other critters that might be out. It can get a bit cold depending on the weather and the wind. Even in the summer months, we both bring an outer garment to wear. The parking lot by the baseball fields is where we park and it can get a bit crowded if busy. Still, it is a parking lot easy to maneuver in.

I stopped at Bowman Bay one day on my way to Oak Harbor to visit my grandma. I had packed a lunch…read moresince I was traveling in the morning to midday and traffic was starting to pick up. My sister had recently come here to go kayaking and recommended it as a spot to visit. So, I decided to give it a try as a lunch spot. Discovery passes were required for parking, fortunately I had thought ahead and it was in the glove compartment of my car. I arrived towards the morning side of noon on 1 September 2021 and parking was abundant. The weather was sunny with a slight wind. So I decided to park, grab my lunch and eat on a piece of driftwood on the beach. A group of kayakers were just heading out as I ate and a few dog walkers made their way up and down the shore. Just up from the beach there were picnic tables and a large grassy expanse. A trail led off into a wooded area. The restroom building not far from the parking lot was kept cleanly.

This is one of those perfect little bays where time passes you by. Clean bathrooms. Easy parking,…read moremore spots down the road where they rent kayaks if it's full. An absolute lovely hike to Rosario Beach and Rosario Head, about a mile and hugs the coastline.

Skagit Riverwalk Trail is a walking trail extending south of, through, and north of Downtown Mount…read moreVernon. For the most part the trail is paved. A stretch north of Mount Vernon Lions Club Roadside Park extending to the North Lions Park I found to be a dirt/gravel pathway. The trail runs alongside the Skagit River and has a guard rail between the trail and the river with occasional signs/placards in the railing providing context and background about the river and area. Trees and tulips speckle the walkway near downtown. Occasional signage provides arrows to nearby locations. A number of parks, businesses, and the Skagit River Jam Memorial are located along the trail. I have walked the trail a few times now exploring both north and south and checking out the different parks and memorial. Traffic each time has been pretty light, typically I come mid-afternoon, and occasionally there are birds out on the water of the river or in the vegetation between the river and the guard rail. All around an enjoyable place to come walk and take in the beauty and harmony of nature and Mount Vernon.

Beautiful place to spend some time outside. Lovely place for a walk when the weather is niceread more