Take a Look At / From Islands’ Best-Kept Secret

— from Craig Canine, Preservation Trust —

Quick: From what publicly accessible high point in the San Juan Islands can you see three of Washington’s five volcanoes?

If you guessed Mount Constitution, guess again. The answer is Mount Grant Preserve on San Juan Island. The sweeping 360-degree views from Mount Grant’s summit take in volcanoes
Mount Baker, Mount Rainier, and Glacier Peak, plus postcard-worthy vistas of the surrounding islands, the Olympic Mountains, the Cascades, Canada’s Gulf Islands, and lots more.

It’s the most spectacular payoff from a one-mile hike (two miles round-trip) that you’ll find anywhere in San Juan County—a true hidden gem that no islander or visitor should miss. The Preserve is open 7 days a week for hiking, and you can also drive to the top during this summer’s “Sundays at the Summit,” held each Sunday from noon til 6 p.m. through September.

Save these dates for two special Summit Sundays coming up in July:

• Plein Air Art Day, July 24 – Watch fine artists capture the Preserve’s beauty on their easels.
• All Islands Day, July 31 – Come one, come ALL islanders to this special day on the mountain. Free shuttles to Mount Grant Preserve will meet walk-ons in Friday Harbor from the 11:20 a.m. arriving interisland ferry. Once at the Preserve, hike or take a ride to the top, where you’ll find refreshments and entertainment.

Mount Grant Preserve is a very special 131-acre property that is being acquired for public enjoyment thanks to a partnership between the San Juan Preservation Trust and the San Juan County Land Bank. The summit is one of just a few destinations in the islands, and the only one on San Juan Island, that combine breathtaking views with drive-up accessibility.

A campaign to raise $4.2 million to purchase the land and maintain the Preserve in perpetuity is entering its final stage. Raised so far: $3.25 million. Thanks to the generosity of five island families, a $500,000 matching fund has been established. Every dollar donated during this final phase of the Campaign for Mount Grant Preserve will be matched 1:1! This means the Campaign still needs $450,000 to ensure the preservation of this island gem forever. Help us reach the top! Donate at sjpt.org/MountGrant.