Iverson Trail Preserve

If you’re looking for a hidden gem on Camano Island, Iverson Trail Preserve offers an easy, scenic hike perfect for families.

Iverson Spit Preserve is a ~6 acre watefront park located by Livingston Bay in Camano Island, WA. It has a series of short hiking trails that will take you on a 1 mile walk along the beach and through the woodlands.

The entire path is flat and easy and very kid and toddler friendly. We visited the park and did the 1-mile hiking loop with our 3 year old and had such a blast! After the hike, we spent quality time at the beach which we found to be more sandy than the other Camano Island beaches.

Camano Island is the only island near Seattle which you can drive to and don’t have to take a ferry. This family-friendly trail on Camano Island is an amazingly easy hike near Seattle with a rewarding beach stop.

Keep reading to discover trail details, the best time to visit, and tips for making the most of your day at Iverson Trail Preserve!

Iverson Trail Preserve Hiking Guide

Here are all the things you can see / expect to do at Iverson Spit Preserve on Camno Island.

1. Hobbit Trail Camano Island

From the parking lot, you will walk on a short boardwalk that serves as an overlook with views of the beautiful bay. Take a few steps down to the trail and you will find yourself walking along the beach taking in the laidback seaside atmosphere.

The trail can get muddy at some places, but there are wooden planks laid out which helps crossing over without completely muddying your shoes.

After a short 5-10 min walk, the trail will go inward through a wooded path and loop back to the beach. This is where we were drowned into the cacophony of bird sounds and were blown away with the atmosphere it created.

Maybe it was just something we were not expecting which created that wow effect or it was jus that moment for us, it felt very unique. Iverson Spit Preserve is rightly popular for birdwatchers.

On the trail a fun twist awaits: a gnome hunt! Visitors have left these small treasures along the path, turning the hike into a motivating adventure for kids who might otherwise need a little encouragement.

2. Iverson Beach Camano Island

After or before the Hobbit Trail hike, you can head to the beach. One thing to note is that you will be able to access the beach only during low tides. During high tides, the whole area outside of the trail will be covered with water.

Our first visit was co-incidentally during low tide which gave us an amazing beach experience at this park. The beach is more sandy than the other Camano Island beaches. The water is shallow almost like a large natural wading pool. And the water was also relatively warmer inspite of it being a cold spring day.

Getting to the beach does require maneuvering through the driftwood. Nothing scary at all, but you will have to watch your little ones. Best to go during lowtide if you want to enjoy beachtime. There is also a picnic table near the entrance.

3. Scenic views

Another bonus of visiting this place is that you can enjoy amazing views from the trail and the beach. You will get views of Port Susan Bay on the opposite side.

On a clear day, you will enjoy the views of Cascade mountains in the distance which always adds to the photo-ops. For those who can’t walk too far, the boardwalk at the entrance serves as a good viewing platform.

Iverson Trail Directions and Parking

Iverson Spit Preserve is located ~7 mles / 15 mins drive from the closest mainland city of Stanwood. That is where you cross the bridge to get to Camano Island. From Seattle, it is about 60 miles / 1-1.5 hours drive.

The preserve is at the end of the Iverson Beach road and passes through residential area. Putting Iverson Trail Preserve on your GPS/Google map will take you to the trailhead.

There is a gravel parking lot that can accomodate ~15 cars. It was empty when we visited in spring. But I suspect it may be busier in the summer.

Tips for Visiting Iverson Spit Preserve

Food, Stay and Amenities

• Restroom facilities – huneybucket available near parking lot. Clean and well maintained.

• Cellular network – available

• Food – Not available at the location, but you will find plenty of options in driving distance near Stanwood. For Quick Service Restaurant options, there are many along I-5 near Everett to get a variety of take outs.

• Stay – There are many campgrounds and beach facing Airbnbs around this area. You can easily spend a weekend at Camano Island.

Kid and Family Trip Report

• Infants (upto 1 year) – Very easy for parents to carry in a carrier on the trail. Climbing over the driftwood to get to the beach might be tricky but manageable.
• Toddlers (1-3 years) – Trail is safe and hassle-free for toddlers, where they can walk independently. They will enjoy spotting the gnomes along the trail the most.
• Pre-school (3-5 years) and above – Can enjoy the beaches and the trail independently. They will love walking over the driftwood.
• Families – Great for older parents, group or family activity.

Iverson Preserve Trail Trip Planning

• Estimated Activity Time – You can estimate ~1-2 hours for this activity i.e. spending time at Iverson Beach and walking the trail. Add to that drive time from Seattle whic would be 3 hours for round-trip. So a total of 5-6 hours.

• Day trip – Camano Island is a fun day trip destination. It is a good 1+ hour drive from Seattle so the long drive serves well as toddler / kid naptime if timed well. After the trail and beach time, you can drive to Cama Beach or Camano Island State Park to explore the other end of the island. Or take a scenic drive from Arlington to Darrington for a scenic drive or more kid friendly hikes.

• Weekend trip – Camano Island is amazing for a weekend trip. You can easily spread out your activities acorss all the Camano Island beaches over the weekend. There is also a zipline that makes for a good fun activity.

• Best time to visit – Year-round – summer, spring, fall, winter,

Final Thoughts

We first discoverd Camano Island when we went camping at Camano Island State Park. And that led to repeat visits to other Camano Island hikes and attractions such as Cama Beach and Iveron Trail Preserve. This is one of those local adventures that rewards us with a nice change of scenery without having to go too far.

For other smiliar adventures around Seattle, consider the following options –

• Discover 10+ other toddler and family friendly hikes that make for awesome daytrip from Seattle.

• Visit Mt.Erie, Cap Sante Maria or Washington Park in Anacortes.

• If you want to extend your trip further up north, then head to Bellingham for its scenic drives, lakes and waterfall parks.