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This trail is in Sharpe Park/Montgomery-Duban Headlands. There are 110 acres of forest and about a mile of shoreline.

Even on the worst of days, this hike is worth the effort. The trail may be muddy or covered with standing water, but the scenery more than makes up for damp feet.

This hike incorporates the Sharpe Park, Bluff Shortcut, Starbucks Connector, Sares Head and Upper and Lower trails.

To get to Sares Head, just follow the wooden signs on the trunks of trees at intersections.

I hiked both the Upper and Lower trails, just to check them both out. Neither stands out. So the choice is up to the hiker. Making the loop on both trails covers a mere .35 of a mile.

Distance: 1.7 miles

Destination: Sares Head

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation gain: Minimal

Getting there: Highway 20 west. Just before the Deception Pass bridge, turn right on Rosario Road. The park entrance and parking area are on the left in 1.7 miles.

The Trek: After parking in the rather cozy lot, set out. Skip the stairs leading down to the trailhead, particularly if they are wet. Like the exposed roots and rocks found along the route, the stairs can be slick. It’s best just to step around them.

After checking out the map at the kiosk, set out.

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

If you haven’t been to the Wetland Viewpoint, go right at the first intersection and check it out.

To skip the viewpoint, go left.

Going left, it’s a short distance before a bench is passed as one skirts around the west end of a marsh. With warmer weather, the trail is slowly drying out.

Reaching another fork, proceed right to the Montgomery-Duban Headlands/Rocky Bluff. Going left leads to Sares Head. This will be the route taken when returning. Continuing on, one is greeted by more mud and more lush greenery.

At the next intersection, go left on the Bluff Shortcut. This was the return route in last week’s Hike of the Week.

The trail meanders along, passing several large blowdowns. The trail soon resembles a stream as water has chosen the path of least resistance.

Reach a bench and go left on the Starbucks Connector Trail. The view from here is certainly worth a pause. Still, this view pales in comparison to what lies just down the path.

Venture through a forest of madrona trees, hiking high above the waters of Puget Sound. Switch back downward, reaching an intersection. Continue straight.

The trail soon heads uphill through a stand of fir trees. Snags have been decimated by the local woodpecker population.

Cross a footbridge spanning a brook and traipse upon a boardwalk that keeps the mud from caking on one’s shoes.

At this point, the sun was just beginning to burn through a layer of foggy marine air. The outlines of the Olympic Mountains were barely discernible.

Continue uphill past a shattered cedar tree and make your way around an enormous Douglas fir.

Zig-zag downhill, hopping over a madrona tree.

The trail climbs steeply to a “Y.” To the right is a bootleg trail that leads to a precarious overlook. Stay on the main trail that climbs directly below a rocky face.

A sharp turn to the right leads between two pairs of fir trees. Squeeze your way between the twins and continue on.

Break out onto a rocky, bald face of rock. The trail soon turns left and continues uphill.

With each step, the views improve.

Eventually, the trail re-enters the forest. At a “T” intersection, go right to Sares Head. To the left lies the Lower Trail.

The green of the forest soon gives way to the greenish-blue waters of Puget Sound. At the next “Y,” stay to the right. Going left leads to the Upper Trail.

After trudging through a muddy section of trail, walk along a slope. Roots and rocks lead up and over.

Climb up on a massive stump for an excellent view. Just above are the flanks of Sares Bluff.

Scurry up a rocky face and break out onto the bluff. It’s 180 degrees of jaw-dropping scenery. As I walked across the rock, a hawk soared just below.

Venture onto the bluff for spectacular views of Deception Pass, Deception Island and Rosario Beach. The San Juan Islands dominate the views to the northwest.

With the marine layer all but gone, the snow-capped Olympic Mountains stood out against the blue sky.

Pull up a chunk of rock and relax. On a sunny day, Sares Head can’t be beat.

For the return route, retrace your steps and take either the Upper or Lower trails. Both lead through vast fields of ferns and reunite with the Sharpe Park Trail.Take it to the right and return to the rig.