Blanchard Mountain Loop

It has been a while since I've been up on Blanchard Mountain. Too long, for my own backyard run, as I think of it. Over the past few years, I've made it over there less and less, though still now and then. Each time, I'm moved by the little changes I see.

Starting out, I immediately noted that selective logging has taken place, sometimes very near the trail, and then sometimes over across the way. Sometimes this left for open views down towards the Skagit Valley, or of the logging road up to the scenic overlook. Then, the section between the overlook and Oyster Dome is remarkably more busy than it ever used to be. I passed many persons going either way on this section. Once upon a time, this was a pretty remote, rough trail. However, the fisherman trails have been turned into longer, gentle shortbacks, and many are out, even in the earlier AM weekend hours.

But once you get past Oyster Dome and head towards Lilly and Lizard Lake, the population thins. There is a new bridge crossing a creek I used to rock hop. The trail between Lilly and Lizard was peopleless, and full of mushrooms. Fall colors are still happening. The alt-incline too, empty, but for me.

I ran faster than I have in recent years, but not fast. My ankle did not turn, but the next day my right foot ached in ways that reminded me that I ran Blanchard the day before.

This was one of the good days.

Blanchard Mountain - April 2016

I've made it up to Blanchard Mountain to run and hike on the past two weekends. It had been a while, and I was struck by all the changes that have happened up on my local hero hill.

My usual routine is to park at the upper trailhead on the I-5 side.  I head up to the Larry Reed Trail, then the Samish Overlook, and then up to Lilly and Lizard Lake and finish on the Alt-Incline Trail. If you understand this, great. If not, basically I do a loop around the mountain.

The first surprise was the logging on the latter end of the Larry Reed Trail as you approach the Samish Overlook. Trees down, trees down! The trail seems different for a portion.  I saw a woodpecker on the lone tree in a field, which made me think of the Lorax.

The Overlook has more space.  This area has gradually changed over the years, with the addition of a restroom, a paved parking lot, railings for horses, etc. Most notably this time around is the overlook looking out towards Orcas has been improved upon, turned into a park like setting.

The hill formerly known as Kill Bill is now a series of switchbacks. It's still a climb, but the trail is much smoother, and a bit longer, with extended turns. This trail used to be somewhat technical, and a series of three miner's climbs. No more, though it is still a slog to get to the top junction for Oyster Dome-Lilly Lake. The Washington Trails Association, one of my favorite non-profits, has been busy working on the improvements.

I think the most pronounced change is there is an increase in use. Lots more people on the trail. Now, I went mid-day each weekend, which isn't really my M.O., and so perhaps that's why it seemed like more were on the trail. But I don't think so--I think the word is out about Blanchard Mountain. I'd say three to four times as many as I would've seen on a Saturday a few years ago.

It's a great place. The improvements are good, but are hard to embrace, as some of those old routes seem like friends. Change is slow, but the changes over time are significant.

Now, Blanchard is the subject of further conservation discussions and media reports, as the Department of Natural Resources will need to have the timber on the mountain cut unless Olympia acts to protect the area. Reports say $7.7 million is needed.

Hard to imagine that they would cut this area, with so many people using the land for recreation purposes, and in light of the ecological value of the sea to Cascades route here. Also, there's that Pacific Northwest Trail which goes through Blanchard, and is receiving increased attention and appreciation.

In other news, I volunteered at the Tulip Run this weekend. Spring has sprung, and the flowers are blooming. I'm making plans for summer activities. My "Sisyphean" effort to get in better shape continues. Happy to have opportunities to challenge myself.