Little Cranberry Lake trail

Location: Anacortes.

Length: About a 2-mile loop.

Level of difficulty: Level-to-moderate dirt/gravel trail, somewhat muddy in places after rain. Many roots/rocks make trail slippery in winter, so wear sturdy footwear and use caution (not difficult in places to take a misstep into the shallow lake).

Setting: Set off for a hike in the Anacortes Community Forest Lands (ACFL), a splendid 2,800-acre preserve in the heart of Fidalgo Island within the city limits of Anacortes.

These lands hold 20 miles of trails and are the beloved treasure of local residents. Originally a pond, the lake was dammed in the early 1900s (you'll cross over the dam at the north end of the lake). In 1921, a portion of the dam gave way, and the waters of the lake poured northward into the bay, temporarily trapping workers in shoreline canneries.

Highlights: A trailhead kiosk holds a trail map (you can buy ACFL maps at the parks department, the Anacortes visitors' center or at several local stores). The area is laced with trails, so keep to the trails nearest the lake. The trail is thickly fringed with salal within a mixed second-growth forest, and small boggy islands in the lake contain distinctive wetland plants such as bog cranberry, bog laurel and Labrador tea. Keep an eye out for signs of beaver or river otter, and bring binoculars to identify waterfowl.

Facilities: None.

Restrictions: Leash and scoop laws in effect; no bikes on lakeside trails.

Directions: From Interstate 5 north of Seattle, take State Route 20 west to Anacortes. When you reach town, turn right on Commercial Avenue, and then left on 12th Street (follow the signs to the San Juan Island ferries). After you start to parallel the water, turn left on Georgia Avenue (streets are alphabetical), and turn right at the Cranberry Lake sign to reach the parking lot.

Information: 360-293-1918 or www.cityofanacortes.org or www.friendsoftheacfl.org. Free guided hikes are available, although less often in winter (see Web sites).

Cathy McDonald, a Renton-based freelance writer, is a regular contributor to Northwest Weekend.