In the News

March 26, 2018

Kukutali Preserve

Thanks to a partnership between Washington State Parks and the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Kukutali Preserve (Swinomish for “place of cattail mat”) in Similk Bay near La Conner opened to the public on June 16, 2014. A Washington Trails Association website entry reads in part: “With the help of the Trust for Public Land, Washington […]

March 23, 2018

State Rep. Lytton to retire

State Rep. Kristine Lytton (D-40th Dist.) announced on March 14 that she will retire from the Legislature “to spend more time with the local community.” An announcement on her website stated in part: “Since first being elected in 2010 as a state representative for the 40th Legislative District, Rep. Kris Lytton has been an advocate […]

March 22, 2018

Wednesday night on Fidalgo Bay

The race elements of the scene are a mystery to me, but I love to see the white sails and occasional splashes of color from spinnakers as local sailors compete on Wednesday evenings on Fidalgo Bay. Spring is here!

March 18, 2018

Port report on Olson Building

Members of the community have started to weigh in on the future of buildings on this block, including the Olson Building in the foreground. Building integrity is under review by the Port of Anacortes following a consultant report (Evaluation, Options, and Cost Estimates for the Marine Hardware Block Buildings), attached (left mouse click on photo). […]

March 14, 2018

Pass Island splendor

Standing amidst the swirling waters of Deception Pass is Pass Island, a tiny island upon which bridge footings are planted. Right now, wildflowers are starting to bloom (Take care if you hike to stay on paths to protect these fragile beauties.). A Discover Pass is required to park in the center-bridge parking area.

March 13, 2018

Rosario Beach

Although it might not seem to be part of Deception Pass State Park, Rosario Beach is actually one of the park’s most extraordinary assets. Family-friendly trails, inspiring vistas, beach access, Native American story pole and a colorful bird population are among the features awaiting visitors to this park. You will need a Discovery Pass to […]

March 12, 2018

New pool facility?

Officials at the Fidalgo Pool and Fitness Center have scheduled four dates for informational meetings relating to preliminary new pool design, as well as potential paths to replacement of the 42-year-old facility. All public meetings will be held in the Anacortes Library annex from 5:30-7 p.m. The dates are: April 2 April 16 May 1 […]

March 7, 2018

Little Cranberry Lake

It had been awhile since I visited, so I set my compass for Little Cranberry Lake. I went in the Georgia Avenue entrance, but on my hike around the trail I traveled familiar paths — parts of the route my Dad and I used to take after descending to the lake from the east side. […]

March 6, 2018

Ship Harbor ferry wetlands

Ship Harbor: very much “Present” in terms of state ferry service to B.C. and the San Juans; “Past” as former site of fish canneries; “Future” as one of the favorite access points of a Tommy Thompson Trail that will hopefully stretch to downtown Anacortes, and then beyond to March’s Point. These photos were taken on […]

February 26, 2018

City widens bicycle path

Currently under way is a March’s Point Road bicycle path widening project from the east end of the Tommy Thompson Trestle to 1,200 feet south of the trestle. This project is designed to allow safer travels for cyclists on a heavily trafficked route for area cyclists, and riders touring from other areas on their way […]

February 26, 2018

April 2 ‘Go’ on Miller/Gibralter

Contractor crews from Tapani, Inc. are planning to start work on SR 20 at Miller/Gibralter roads on Monday, April 2. According to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT): • Tapani crews will close one lane of SR 20 at Miller/Gibralter and begin alternating traffic through the area. • A flagger will stop southbound traffic […]

February 23, 2018

Lakeside starts work on “spur”

By now many Anacortes residents have noticed construction signs and some day work on the “spur” between Commercial Avenue and the state ferry terminal on the west side of town. Andrea Petrich of the Washington Department of Transportation reports that the work will continue next week as contractor crews from Lakeside Industries 1) improve pedestrian […]