Submitted by the San Juan County Land Bank

Thanks to the efforts of San Juan County Land Bank volunteers and staff, there is a new hiking trail at the Westside Scenic Preserve on San Juan Island. Join San Juan Island Preserve Steward Doug McCutchen and field assistant Charlie Behnke as they head up the trail at 10 a.m. for a toast at the top on Saturday, June 2, to honor National Trails Day.

The newly forged Goldenback Trail is a half-mile switchback trail that ascends the part of the land bank’s preserve that was generously donated by the Reiss family in 2016. The trail was named for the uncommon native plant found along the preserve’s hillside and is associated with the coastal prairies of the Salish Sea. Multiple expansive viewpoints can be enjoyed along the short hike, and thanks to the Reiss family, the public will enjoy those views forever.

The trailhead is directly across from the Westside Scenic Preserve’s northern most parking area. Parking is limited so staff are offering two free shuttles from town leaving the San Juan Island Grange, at 152 N. First St., at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on June 2.

Call Tanja Williamson at 360-378-4402 or visit sjclandbank.org for more information.