Cold Turtleback Hike

February 10, 2014

It has been a cold winter recently, but islanders don’t let that inhibit them from enjoying the beautiful--if less inviting--outdoors. The Turtleback Trail is one of the most popular big hikes on the island, and must be experienced this time of year.   

View of the path on the West Sound trail

There are two entrances to the park, one from the old Crow Valley School house, which winds around the mountain, and the other from West Sound, which takes the hiker virtually straight up the mountainside. Today the West Sound trail was sprinkled with snow that fell through the thick tree cover. 

A spider web frozen between two rocks on the trail

Even the spider webs had frozen. 

Marine views from the tippy top of your Turtleback hike

Although it is chilly, the steepness of the trail keeps one very warm, and the rewarding view at the top makes it all worth it.