Naturalist Guided Hike

Embark on an enriching journey through the natural wonders of one of Anacortes’ most popular hiking destinations. Join us on Sunday, April 28 and May 19, from 12 - 2:00PM for a guided hike at Deception Pass State Park to learn about its unique ecological features and plant, animal, and fungal inhabitants.

EVENT DETAILS

• Date: Sunday, April 28 and May 19, 2024
• Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
  Occasionally, we will take our sweet time and hike a little longer than two hours. We will not continue past 3:00 PM unless you’d like to go to the pub afterwards. You are welcome to leave at any time, but arrival after 12:15 is discouraged.
• Location: Deception Pass State Park
  The exact trail and meeting location will be shared a week before the hike starts.
• Registration Fee: $25 per person
  Kids under 12 are free, but all students under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent or a legal adult guardian. We love teaching youth programs and would love the opportunity to support their learning.

Explore diverse ecosystems, from lush forests to tranquil meadows, as we uncover the secrets of the plants, animals, fungi, and ecology that call Deception Pass home. With each of our guided hikes in Washington State, you'll deepen your connection to the natural world while gaining valuable insights into the intricate web of life that surrounds us. Suitable for all ages and experience levels, these guided hikes offer a unique opportunity to learn, explore, and appreciate the beauty of our local wild areas.

COURSE SCHEDULE:

12:00 PM - 12:15 PM: Meetup and Introduction

• Gather at the designated trailhead for a brief orientation.
• Meet your knowledgeable naturalist guide and fellow participants.

12:15 PM - 1:45 PM: Guided Hike

• Set off on a captivating journey through the natural landscapes of Skagit or Snohomish County.
• Learn about the diverse flora, fauna, fungi, and ecological processes of the area from your expert guide.
• Enjoy leisurely stops along the way to observe and discuss key features and points of interest.

1:45 PM - 2:00 PM: Conclusion

• Return to the trailhead with newfound knowledge and appreciation for the local environment.
• Wrap up the hike with a group discussion and opportunity for questions and reflections.

GET TO KNOW YOUR GUIDES

MATT HALE

Matt Hale grew up exploring the mountains and forests of Washington’s Sky Valley. Since childhood, he dedicated his time to deeply knowing and understanding the flora, fauna, and fungi of the Pacific Northwest. He graduated from Alderleaf Wilderness College in 2015 where he earned a Permaculture Design Certificate in association with the Bullocks Permaculture Center, as well as a Cybertracker Track & Sign Level II certification. Matt is a talented outdoor educator with a passion for human psychology, wilderness emergency medicine, natural building, and sustainable farming. When he’s not foraging for wild edibles or identifying mushrooms in the forest, you can find Matt dropping into half pipes on his skateboard, or crafting in the wood shop.

ANSLEY ROBERTS

Ansley has a background in forestry and environmental science, working for the National Park Service and various nonprofit organizations before she moved to the Pacific Northwest in 2021. As a prior river guide and rock climbing instructor, she blends her love for outdoor adventure and land stewardship into her passions for herbal medicine, wilderness leadership, and nature connection. Ansley is just as likely to gush over a rad custom motorcycle build as she would a tiny wildflower or towering tree. She’d be happy to trade you a story for a look at an interesting feather or animal bone and eagerly discusses ancestors, dreams, rites of passage, and poetry with strangers.