Destination: Loop trail

Elevation gain: Minimal

Getting there: Highway 20 westbound to just before the Deception Pass Bridge. Turn right on Rosario Road. The park entrance and parking area will be located on the left in 1.7 miles.

If you go: This trail can be found inside Sharpe Park/Montgomery-Duban Headlands. It boasts 110 acres of forest along with about a mile of natural area shoreline.

Even on the worst of days, this hike is worth the effort. Granted, the trail may be muddy and standing water the norm, but the scenery found along the way more than makes up for damp feet.

This hike incorporates the Sharpe Park Trail, Upper Loop Trail, Bluff Trail and the Bluff Shortcut Trail to make a loop. Just follow the well-placed, wooden signs strategically located on the trunks of trees.

The Trek: After parking in the rather cozy lot, set out. Skip the stairs leading down to the trailhead, particularly if they are wet. The steps are as slick as ice, just like any of the exposed roots and rocks found along the route. For now, it’s best to just step around the stairs. After checking out the map located at the kiosk, set out.

Pass a lush meadow that boasts several picnic tables as you make your way along the gravel path. Before entering the forest, pass a sundial with benches on three sides.

It had been raining hard on this day, so constant, audible drips accompanied every step.

Reaching the first fork, proceed to the right to reach the marsh overlook. The vast marshy area before you is home to plenty of aquatic life including numerous croaking frogs as well as fowl.

After taking in the marsh, return to the main path and proceed straight.

Pass a bench and begin to skirt around the west end of the marsh. The trail becomes extremely muddy, complete with pockets of standing water.

Reaching another fork, proceed right to the Montgomery-Duban Headlands/Rocky Bluff. Going left leads to Sares Head. That route will be featured in the future. Continuing on, you’re greeted by more mud as well as more lush greenery.

At the next intersection, continue straight. Left puts you on the Bluff Shortcut. The dripping sound of water is soon replaced by the sound of rushing water as the trail borders a stream. The flowing waters are all but hidden from site by thick foliage. Continue downhill along a rocky outcropping, passing several large cedar trees along the way. Along the base of the rockery, the trail is strewn with root and rock. Lichens cling to practically everything.

Reaching another fork, go right on the Upper Loop, leaving the Lower Loop for a later time. Immediately head uphill as the trail climbs steeply. At the sign for the park boundary, proceed left. Encounter the first of many madrona trees after reaching the top of the incline. Breaking out on to a rocky clearing, madrona trees are now the norm, as are banana slugs. Several slugs were making their way along the path this day.

On a clear day, hikers may get a glimpse of Puget Sound. On this day, however, Mother Nature did not cooperate and the view was shrouded by low-hanging clouds.

The trail descends rapidly. Reach a “T” and go to the right. The trail twists and turns as it makes its way over, under and around trees of various species.

The next intersection is for the Starbucks Connector. Stay to the right to reach the bluff and continue downhill. The green waters of Puget Sound can be seen through the trees, and waves heard crashing upon the rocky shoreline far below. Continue past several twisted madrona tree trunks as you snake your way downward. Negotiate a rocky outcropping as kelp can now be seen in the waters below.

Now directly above the waves, make each step a marked one. A misstep here could lead to disaster as the trail is narrow. Don’t get distracted by the awesome views. It is easy to do, particularly if the day is clear or the wildflowers are blooming.

Several side trails lead onto the rocky outcroppings.

These overviews offer bird’s-eye views of the headlands. Rocky crags can be seen to the north and south while others disappear under the constant siege of saltwater. Here again, watch the footing.

Continue to hike along the bluffs face. Wildflowers with blooms of reds, yellows and pinks paint the hillside. Make your way around a gnarled madrona tree as the sound of crashing waves fill the air.

The trail now climbs on what is the Starbucks Connector. It leaves the rocky bluffs and re-enters the forest. The route is steep.

The Starbucks Connector continues south, passing a bench. Pick up the Bluff Shortcut directly to the left of the bench. It may be signed, however, I didn’t see it. Up from the bench, proceed to the right.

The trail meanders along, passing several large blowdowns.

It soon closely resembles a stream as water seeks the route of least resistance.

Reach the Bluff Shortcut intersection passed previously. Go to the right and return to the rig.