North and East Hoypus Point Trails

I've downloaded yet another app to help me with my hiking. It is called Map My Hike and I tried it out today on part of the Pacific Northwest Trail that goes around Hoypus Point on Whidbey Island. So far it gets two thumbs up!

I parked down on Angler's Haven Drive and took the trail up to Hoypus Point. There used to be a wooden sign that said PNT on this trail but some one has removed it, so the trail, although obvious if looked for, is no longer marked. It is the trail that starts to the left of a metal gate with a No Hunting sign.


PNT goes on the trail to the left of this metal gate

The trail lead steeply up hill and eventually popped out at the East Hoypus Point Trail with this sign directly in front.

I took the trail to the right (north) and followed that around to where it turned in to North Hoypus Point Trail. The trail was in okay condition with a few blow downs and I had to skirt at least three large mud holes. Wearing boots was a good choice. Eventually the trail came down to the old service road for Hoypus Point where a couple picnic tables sat forlornly. The service road ends down at the beach but that section was washed out in 2007 and has been closed to vehicles ever since.



Trail to the left goes down to the beach. Trail to the right is North Hoypus Point Trail.

The trail down to the beach is worth a side trip if you've never visited this area. It leads down several hundred yards to where the old ferry would pick up and drop off passengers before Deception Pass Bridge was built. There was a large metal saw blade attached to a post that passengers would pound on when they wanted a ride. The ferry captain, who happened to be a woman, lived on the other side of the water on Fidalgo Island. When she heard the gong sound she'd come over and pick up the people.

I followed the asphalt pavement to Cornet Bay, enjoying the views of the back side of Deception Pass Bridge.


Cornet Bay and Deception Pass Bridge

After making use of the stellar public restrooms at Cornet Bay, I turned around and headed back.


Closed service road that leads to North Hoypus Point

Oddly, the official PNT marker takes one up into the old growth forest along the CCC Trail instead of going to the end of the point and taking North Hoypus Point Trail. I personally don't understand it because the forest is dark and gloomy with no views and taking the service road all the way down to North Hoypus Point Trail has MUCH better views of the water. The steps saved taking the CCC Trail are nominal at best.


Entrance to the CCC Trail with PNT marker on 2nd post

I wanted views so I went back the way I came. North Hoypus Point Trail eventually met back up with  East Hoypus Point Trail.

Trail to the left is East Hoypus. Trail to the right is I believe Fireside.

PNT marker on East Hoypus Point Trail

The trail back down to Angler's Haven is also flagged with some pink tape. It winds to the left from in front of the sign.

Unsigned trail down to Angler's Haven Road

This hike ended up being about 5 miles round trip. I estimate that all together it was approximately 520 feet elevation gain.