Today I visited Andy’s Marine Park on Anderson Island while the pups were still in boarding. But the park happened not to allow dogs. I had picked this place for the short loop distance. My bruised feet wouldn’t let me walk fast after my recent trip.
See more trip photos here.
Andy’s Marine Park at a Glance
Access: Claussen Road
Round Trip: 2.1 miles
Elevation Range: 20′-160′
Gear: none
GPS Track: not available
Dog-Friendly: no pets
Anderson Island
I haven’t spent much time in south Puget Sound. So I knew very little about the area around Anderson Island. I also didn’t realize that the island existed until this trip! To think I have lived in the Pacific Northwest for over 30 years.
According to Wikipedia, Anderson Island is the southernmost island in Puget Sound. Like many other islands, it is only accessible by boat or a short ferry ride. The place has been a retirement destination since the 1960s, with a median age of 54 years. There is also just one general store on the entire island.
See more trip photos here.
Andy’s Marine Park
Andy’s Marine Park spanned 81 acres. And it also sat in the southwestern corner of the island. But it was just a 10-minute drive from the ferry dock. Like before, I followed the descriptions of my favorite WTA low-key reporter Eric. In the last few years, his reports have taken me to several hidden gems in the Greater Seattle area.
I arrived at an empty parking lot in the late morning. Then slowly, I walked on the main trail and went down toward the beach. The map at the trailhead had marked the park boundary. So it helped keep out of the private property. It was great to see signs with names of the native plants and trees along the way.
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Old Growth Loop
Soon, I strolled through the lush woodland. Then in less than half a mile, I arrived at the 4-way junction. There I took the Old Growth Loop and made my way down toward Carlson Cove. Later I took the wooden steps down to the water. But I couldn’t walk the shore in its entirety. So I left right after checking out Puget Sound.
Back on the main trail, I continued on the path toward Carlson Bay. Then I crossed the wobbly footbridge onto the sandy beach. There I noticed a big house perching above cliffs to the north. Later, I walked south on the shore and then took a break to enjoy the view. My only sighting of marine life was a dead crab.
See more trip photos here.
Outro
Next, I located the southern trail before the cliffs. Then I went up the path past the area designated for a future shelter. Soon in less than .25 mile, I made left at the Lower Lagoon Trail junction. Going straight on the pathway would have taken me into private property.
The trail had two long stretches of mud. The more extended section was impossible to bypass without getting dirt on the shoes. Soon I arrived back at the 4-way junction. Then I made a right onto the main trail and walked back to the trailhead. I saw a group of three as they began their trip.
See more trip photos here.
I love the moss on the trees
Yes it’s quite pretty!