Day Hike - Anderson Lake State Park

This hike is intended to be a safe space for leaders of any activity, who are preparing for spring trips, enduring life challenges, or haven't led in awhile and want to talk about challenges with group leadership. 

Anderson Lake does have seasonal mud, occasional downed trees, a few short creek crossings (built for bikes so low to the ground), and sections with tree roots.  Bringing a trekking pole is suggested. There is signage throughout the park with some interior signage worn off, so using a map or app is helpful.   There will be time to network, discuss any potential issues or risks we find on the route, photography/birding, and navigation.   

For those who want more mileage after lunch, we'll be trying out the short "uplands" loop at Gibbs Lake, the quieter section of the park.  Overall, this is a multi-use area with a lake, flat stretches, uplands with some good-sized trees and roots, out & back lollipop with some designated bike trails.  There is definitely seasonal mud and downed trees.  There are trails marked that allow horses or do not allow e-bikes.  No pass required and there is a portable restroom in the parking lot.   Combining all areas is a potential 7.5 mi day hike, to be entered into the database soon.  

Due to limited parking during winter months at Anderson Lake State Park, carpooling is recommended.   Depending on the group,  we may come up with other parking options before the hike.

We'll meet up at 8:30 AM at the Olympic Peninsula Gateway Visitor Center near the roundabout/intersection of Hwy 104 & 19 at 93 Beaver Valley Road, Port Ludlow.   From there it's about 20 minutes to the trailhead.   Approx. start time for the hike at 9:00 AM.   Discover Pass is required.   There are vault toilets near the end of the route before returning to the cars.  

Following the hike, there will be an optional brown bag lunch/stop at Finn River Cidery & Farm in Chimacum and stop at Gibbs Lake County Park for an extra 2 mi & 200' elevation gain with more navigation.   The trailhead is about 15 minutes away from Anderson Lake State Park via W. Valley Road (different directions than what's online to arrive at the trailhead).  

For more information and maps:

https://parks.wa.gov/find-parks/state-parks/anderson-lake-state-park  

https://jeffersoncountywa.myrec.com/info/facilities/details.aspx?FacilityID=9901