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This trail is part of a system of paths at the Four Springs Lake Preserve. The 50-acre preserve is home to several streams, a small lake, wooded trails and a large open meadow.

The area boasts several picnic areas along with the Four Springs House, a facility that can be rented.

Several structures hearken back to the early years of agriculture on Camano Island.

Distance: 1.5 miles

Destination: Loop trail

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation gain: Minimal

Getting there: From I-5, take Exit 212 (Stanwood/Camano Island). Head west on Highway 532. Take it through Stanwood, crossing over a bridge to Camano Island. At a “Y” in the road, stay left on E. Camano Drive. Follow E. Camano Drive through a stoplight. Pass Camano Plaza on the left and a sprawling alpaca farm on the right. Turn right on Camano Hill Drive. At this time there is a detour. Follow it. Turn right on Lewis Lane. Lewis Lane will make a 90-degree left turn. Turn right on a gravel road entering Four Springs Lake Preserve. Continue around the loop. At the second “T” intersection, turn right. Park in the grass lot.

The Trek: After parking, set out. Locate the map post and head in the direction of the Perimeter Trail. Other trails include the Holton Nature, Ravine and Drop Off.

In about 10 steps, you’ll reach a sign that describes the grassland in front of you. Several types of grasses and numerous wildflowers make up the ground cover. There are also several invasive plants, including dandelions, Scots broom and crabgrass.

Keep an eye out for wildlife, which may include robins, finches, flickers, deer, mice and rabbits.

Walk under the branches of a huge maple tree and continue past an old corral and barn. The barn has been deemed dangerous to enter. Heed the warning.

At the next intersection, go to the right for the Perimeter Trail. The large grassy area on the right has plenty of flat spots where deer appear to have bedded down for what have been some very chilly nights.

Continue downhill on a mowed path and enter the forest.

At the next junction, stay straight on the Perimeter Trail.

The double-wide trail continues down a short pitch before bending sharply to the left at a gate. Head uphill, reaching a sign explaining the benefits of snags. From this spot, one also gets a view of Four Springs Lake. It’s not much of a lake. It more closely resembles an oversized pond. Atop a knoll directly across from here is Four Springs House.

Follow a split-rail fence downhill. At the bottom of the hill, the fence ends and the trail turns left uphill. At the bottom of another descent, cross a footbridge. Heading up the other side, reach an intersection at the midway point of the climb. The trail to the left leads to the North Loop and Holton Nature trails. Continue straight up the hill.

Pass several makeshift homes behind a barbed-wire fence before descending into a lush ravine. The way down is slick with decaying leaves and mud. Pass a huge Douglas fir tree and several massive stumps. Switchback to the left, then back to the right, winding your way down to the ravine’s floor, which is blanketed with moss, ferns, leaves and fallen logs.

Cross another footbridge before reaching another junction. Go right. Head uphill, passing an old cedar whose branches drape over the trail. Atop the hill, break out into a clearing and follow the signs to the right. Re-entering the forest, venture past charred stumps.

Another sign explains the significance of the Natural Layered Habitat that unfolds before you. A variety of plants come together to form layers that make great nesting for wildlife.

As the trail returns to a mowed swath, reach an orchard surrounded by a fence. At the next intersection, proceed left and return to the rig.