03. MCMICKEN ISLAND

03. MCMICKEN ISLAND

HARSTINE ISLAND & MCMICKEN ISLAND STATE PARKS

There is no bridge or ferry service to little McMicken Island in Case Inlet,but you don’t need a kayak or boat to visit. When the tide is low, a sandbarconnecting the island to the mainland (or in this case another island) isexposed allowing you to hike to the island. Hike the island’s small half miletrail, picnic in its small meadow, and explore its rocky intertidal zone. But be aware of an incoming tide, lest you end up stranded.

Start your hike from Harstine Island State Park taking the trail on the eastern end of the parking lot. The trail heads towards Case Inlet along the edge of a 100’ high forested bluff. It descends into a cool and dark ravine graced with big cedars and firs and reaches a junction. Head left here through a row of big cedars and via a series of steps descend into the ravine. After crossing a creek reach a deserted beach. Directly east lies Herron Island and the Key Peninsula. Look south to McMicken Island against a backdrop of Mount Rainier.

If the tide is high, you’ll have to wait to hike the beach as overhanging trees prohibit passage. But in a low tide, a big wide beach awaits your footprints. Walk for more than a mile undulating between cobbles, mud and sand and crossing a handful of creeks. Look for eagles, herons and a myriad of seabirds. The entire way is on public tidelands. But a parcel of private property located between two large state park properties abuts the shoreline. Respect this posted private property.

The tombolo (sandbar) is distinctive in low tides. But in high tides it is completely submerged.

It’s really fun to hike across when a receding tide first reveals it. Tap your inner Moses and part the seas watching the land bridge emerge as you cross it.

Once across the sandy strip, reach McMicken Island. All of the island except for a small fenced parcel with a couple of cabins is state park property. At the island’s western end is a picnic area in a grassy opening. Near a composting toilet at the eastern edge of the field is a small nature trail. Hike it weaving a half mile through towering firs and madronas to bluff top views on the eastern end of the island.

If time permits explore the rocky tide flats surrounding the island. Be sure to keep track of the incoming tide so you don’t get trapped on the island.

Highlights: Beach walk hike upon a spit to a small island; excellent birdwatching Distance: 4.0 miles round-trip Elevation gain: 150 feet Difficulty: Easy Permits: Discover Pass Season: Year round Notes: Hike is only possible in low tides. Consult tide tables and plan accordingly. Kid & Dog Friendly: Yes Amenities: Privies, picnic tables GPS waypoint: N47 15.737 W122 52.236 Contact/Map: Washington State Parks; parks.state.wa.us/545/McMicken-Island Trailhead Directions: From Shelton, SR 3 east for 7.8 miles. Turn right onto Pickering Rd and drive 3.3 miles. Bear left onto Harstine Bridge Rd and come to a T-junction upon entering Harstine Island. Go left on North Island Dr and after 3.0 miles turn right at the island community hall onto East Harstine Island Rd. Proceed for one mile and turn left onto Yates R. Continue 0.9 mile and turn right into Harstine Island State Park. Reach trailhead parking in 0.2 mile.