Make sure to pick up a map from the box at the trailhead. Not only will this keep you heading in the right direction, but there are numbered posts along the trail coinciding with interesting facts on the map.

Looking north from the parking lot, Fourth of July Beach lies far below. The beach is littered with driftwood. This was at one time the sight of Old Town Lagoon. This denizen of debauchery sprung up about the same time as American Camp. It was a place for the soldiers to get away and carouse.

Distance: 3.2 miles

Destination: Sweeping loop trail

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation gain: 300 feet

Getting there: Once in Friday Harbor, turn left on Spring Street and left on Mullin Street. Pass a sign for American Camp. After passing the airport, Mullin Street becomes Cattle Point Road. Pass the entrance for American Camp. After about 1.7 miles, take a left at the sign for Jakle’s Lagoon.

The Trek: After parking in the small lot, descend into the forest. This is a rarity. The vast majority of the area is barren, the exception being acres of rolling grassland.

Both types of environments — forest and grassland — will be encountered on this trek.

This particular swath of land is coastal forest. The trail descends immediately through lush greenery to sea level. Learn about such arbors as the western hemlock and the western red cedar.

Through gaps in the forest, the emerald waters of Griffin Bay are seen. Be on the lookout for the enormous Douglas fir trees that inhabit the area.

Venturing on, sword ferns, salal and the shrub oceanspray line the trail. Look closely at the remains of fallen trees to discover lichens and mosses that dominate the understory.

Listen closely for woodpeckers and the calls of other birds that call the canopy home.

Continue past the No. 5 marker, staying to the left. A spur trail to the left is met a short time later. A couple of strides lead to the rocky shores of Griffin Bay.

Returning to the main trail, continue left.

Another intersection leads south. This will be the return route. For now, continue straight and proceed around Jakle’s Lagoon.

The lagoon is a mass of tangled logs. Some litter the shoreline, while others bob in the bay’s waters. This adds to the beauty of the area.

Loop back around, meeting up with the return trail.

Trek up a steep incline and emerge from the forest onto a praire of grassland. This area is called an ecotone, a transition zone between ecosystems.

Once atop the incline, you now stand upon a flank of Mount Finlayson. Notice the trees have a harsh bend to the east. This is due to the winds that ravage the area.

Go right and head downhill toward the parking lot. A road is on your left.

In the distance in front of you stands American Camp. South Beach can also be seen from this vantage point.

Follow the trail back to the rig.