Hike of the Week: Anderson Lake

A serene scene from the shores of Anderson Lake

Anderson Lake

Quiet state park makes for a fun “rhodie” trip


by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

May 13, 2005
Quick Facts
Location: Quimper Peninsula
Land Agency: Washington State Park
Roundtrip: 2.5 miles
Cumulative Elevation gain: 50 feet
Access: From Port Townsend, head south on SR 20 for 6.5 miles, then turn left (east) onto Anderson Lake Road. Proceed for one mile to park entrance. From the Kitsap Peninsula, follow SR 104 west to SR 19. Head north on SR 19 to Chimacum. At Milepost 10, one mile north of Chimacum, turn left (west) onto Anderson Lake Road. Park entrance is 1.7 miles farther.
Notes: Day use fee required ($5 per car or $50 annual pass good for all Washington state parks). Dogs permitted but must be on a leash. Park open April 30 to October 31.

Most hikers who head to the Quimper Peninsula, home of Port Townsend and Port Hadlock, set their eyes on the beach. After all, this area contains three of Washington’s finest maritime state parks; Fort Worden, Fort Flagler, and Fort Townsend. What many Washington hikers don’t realize though is that this area contains another state park protecting precious shoreline. But it’s lakeshore-not seashore.
Nestled in a quiet valley just one mile east of Discovery Bay is 70-acre Anderson Lake. Once the centerpiece to farmland owned by William F. Anderson, the lake and it’s surrounding forests and fields are now part of a 410-acre state park. Very little of the property has been developed, and that’s what makes this park so appealing. Where cattle once grazed, you now have free reign to discover the simple beauty of this tranquil little spot.
Over seven miles of trail traverse the park. The 2.5 mile hike around the lake will appeal to all hikers-old and young, fast and slow. From the parking lot and boat launch, walk .3 mile down the gravel access road through rolling pasture to the Savage Memorial Trail, named in honor of former state and US rep Charles R. Savage.
On well-built trail travel through mature stands of fir and cedar as you make your way to the lake’s outlet stream. Cross it on a sturdy bridge and come to a junction. Take the trail that bears left-the Lakeside Trail, for a shoreline clinging journey around the lake back to the parking lot. Openings in the forest allow you to admire the cloudy waters of Anderson Lake. Puffy white clouds often reflect in its placid waters.
When you’re not absorbing the subtle beauty of the lake, tune your senses to the forest. In spring, trilliums and wild strawberry blossoms carpet the forest floor. Honeysuckle and thick stands of rhododendrons crowd the lofty evergreens. By May, the rhodies’ showy flowers bust onto the scene. A dazzling arrangement of white, rose and purple blossoms will surely mesmerize you.
Complete the hike, taking with you a newfound appreciation for one of the state’s least known parks.