Submitted by: Starfish Pony Adventures. Visit her page for more trail reports on places you have probably never heard of!
Heart Lake Loop is a 4-mile loop within the Anacortes Community Forest Lands, located in the northern area of Washington’s Puget Sound. This public land has over 3000 acres and 50 miles of multi-use trails within the trail system.
Trail Stats:
- 4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 600 feet
- Elevation Loss: 600 feet
- Max Elevation: 700 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
↗ What does this mean? - Footing: Single track, dirt, all weather trail. Some roots and rocks, but not technical on this loop. The larger trail network has some more steep, rocky, step-up and technical footing sections.
- Hoof Protection: Barefoot OK if not sensitive. Other portions of this trail network would benefit from boots/shoes.
- Other User Notes: The Heart Lake Loop pictured here can be ridden either direction. The portion across the road from the lake consists of a long uphill grade and then loops back on a long downhill grade that does require at least a small amount of conditioning. Riding the loop counterclockwise puts this at the end of the ride when horses are more warmed up.
Facilities: Dedicated trailer parking. Bathrooms. Day use parking. Hitching posts.
Water Sources: Access to Heart Lake from the parking area if you really need water, but horses not allowed on the trail closest to the lake.
Trail Info: The Heart Lake Loop pictured here can be ridden either direction. The portion across the road from the lake consists of a long uphill grade and then loops back on a long downhill grade that does require at least a small amount of conditioning. Riding the loop counterclockwise puts this at the end of the ride when horses are more warmed up.
Trail Challenges: Bicycles, road traffic, motorcycles (April – Oct), leashed dogs.
Permits: None needed.
Backcountry Sites: Not suitable for backcountry use.
Cell Service: T-Mobile – good service.
Road Conditions: Road all paved, parking lot at Heart Lake is gravel with a few easily navigated pot holes.
Fuel: Texaco Anacortes – 7601 State Rte 20, Anacortes, WA 98221
GPX File: WHT: Heart Lake Loop
Maintained By: Unknown.
Directions: Head south on Commercial Avenue and then turn right on 32nd St. Turn left on H Ave. H Ave eventually turns into Heart Lake Rd. Continue south on Heart Lake Rd approximately 1 mile.
The Heart Lake parking lot will be on your right. Park at Heart Lake parking lot. Pull down towards the boat ramp and then go left to large parking area for horse trailers. Click here for Google directions.
Resources:
Map:
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