Winter on Camano Island is quiet, misty and beautiful. The summer crowds are gone, the eagles are out over Saratoga Passage, and on a clear day the snowcapped Olympic Mountains line up across the water. If you want a peaceful getaway north of Seattle, a couple of beach walks on Camano make a great plan.

Even better, you can start every walk from a warm, renovated apartment in Old Town Stanwood, right at the gateway to the island.

Camano Island State Park: An Easy Bluff Loop

The loop trail at Camano Island State Park is about 2.6 miles round trip with roughly 200 feet of elevation gain. It is rated easy and works well for kids. The trail follows the bluff above the water, with views through madrona trees down to the beach and out to the Olympics.

Along the way you will find a forest section, stairs down to South Beach, and a marsh trail known for songbirds. Watch the sky over Saratoga Passage for bald eagles, too.

A tip: beachcombing is best at low tide. At high tide the water can reach the base of the bluff, leaving no path along the beach, so check a tide chart before you head down.

Cama Beach Historical State Park: Trails and a Rocky Cove

Just up the shore, Cama Beach Historical State Park is open from 8 a.m. to dusk year-round for day use. It has up to 15 miles of hiking and biking trails and a rocky cove shoreline facing Saratoga Passage. A one-mile trail connects Cama Beach with Camano Island State Park, so you can link the two for a longer outing.

The Cama Beach Cafe serves breakfast and lunch on weekends during the off-season, so a Saturday or Sunday walk can end with a warm meal. The historic resort cabins are closed, so plan on day trips only.

Before You Go

• Parking pass: A Discover Pass is listed for parking at Camano Island State Park. Check Washington State Parks for current pass rules at both parks.
• Directions: From Stanwood, head west on Highway 532 onto Camano Island and follow the signs for the state parks. Cell service can be spotty, so download your directions ahead of time.
• Dress for the weather: Rain jacket, warm layers and shoes that can handle mud and wet rocks.
• Daylight: Winter days are short, so start by late morning to enjoy the trails before dusk.

Where to Stay: The Retro Willows in Old Town Stanwood

The Retro Willows is a renovated one-bedroom apartment on the second floor of an 1890 Victorian landmark in Old Town Stanwood. After a chilly, windy beach walk, it is a cozy place to come back to:

• A bathtub for warming up after the trail.
• A full kitchen and coffee bar for slow mornings and packed picnic lunches.
• A queen Lull mattress and room-darkening shades, sleeping up to 4.
• Laundry on site for muddy hiking clothes.
• Fast Wi-Fi, a workspace, keyless entry and free parking.

You can walk to Old Town shops, cafes and the grocery store, and the drive onto Camano Island is short. On another day, La Conner, Mount Vernon and the Skagit Valley are an easy drive north.

Good to know: the apartment is up one flight of stairs, pets are not allowed, and quiet hours start at 9 PM.

Book Direct

Planning a quiet winter weekend in Snohomish County? Book direct with the host, or call or text 360-913-5965 with questions.