The Pacific Northwest Trail passes by a variety of ocean-going vessels in the Anacortes Marina. Photo by Michael Sawiel courtesy of Outdoor Project. All rights reserved.
Puget Sound Gallery
Pacific Northwest Trail – Section 8
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The Puget Sound is the most easily accessible region of the Pacific Northwest Trail. A maritime climate offers year-round hiking and cycling, world-class wildlife viewing, and thousands of miles of shoreline to explore.
Some of most popular trails on the PNT pass through Washington State Parks in the Puget Sound. With easy trails along sandy beaches and steep climbs to views from high rocky bluffs, the Puget Sound offers opportunities for a variety of trips for visitors of all ages and interests.
In the Sound, garden like trails add to the diversity of the PNT experience. Hedge rows of coastal salal line bluff side footpaths overlooking spouting whales, colorful sailboats, and the island chains of the Salish Sea. Elegant Pacific Madrone and twisted shore pine cling to seaside cliffs while harbor seals swim among the straights hundreds of feet below Deception Pass Bridge, one of the scenic wonders of the Northwest.
In this populous area, long-distance travelers can go light, carrying a minimal amount of provisions between seaside communities, all less than a day’s walk apart. Along the way, roadside stands and restaurants serve up refreshments, local berries, and fresh seafood.

The Tommy Thompson trail spans Fidalgo Bay connecting the City of Anacortes to March Point on the PNT. Photo by Michael Sawiel courtesy of Outdoor Project. All rights reserved.

Fort Ebey was constructed as a coastal defense fort during the Second World War. Today, exploring the fort and state park is great fun. Photo by Michael Sawiel courtesy of Outdoor Project. All rights reserved.