Tucker House Inn on San Juan Island is surrounded by gorgeous natural features and elements. From far away mountains to nearby pebble beaches, the landscape is serene and breathtaking. During your vacation stay on the island, be sure to explore the outdoors as much as you can to soak in that beauty. There are so many peaceful places to go kayaking, hiking, biking, and more. One of these places is Mount Grant, a gorgeous ridgeline that covers over 140 acres about five miles away from the Town of Friday Harbor. Once known as Lawson Ridge, Mount Grant on San Juan Island features great views and an all-around scenic beauty. Access Mt. Grant via hiking trails leading up to the peak through old-growth Douglas fir forests. The panoramic views you will experience at the top will be simply stunning! But don’t take our word for it; discover it yourself!
Hiking Mount Grant
There are a couple of trails along Mount Grant and among the surrounding natural elements ideal for hiking. Overlooking Beaverton Valley, Griffin Bay, and the outer islands, these trails offer lovely forest scape views as well as a great outdoor recreation on San Juan Island. The 736-foot high Mount Grant rises subtly from the earth in between Mount Dallas and Cady Mountain, inviting visitors into an expanse of native meadowland and forest. A multi-purpose road leads to the summit, marking the most visible trail, and a pedestrian trail is also marked. While nearby Mount Dallas is located on private property and is not accessible to visitors, Mount Dallas has been recently acquired for public use. This makes it ideal for a Mt. Grant hike.
The area also makes a great birding sanctuary, while various plant life and wildlife are also highlights along the hike. Kickstart your hike with a short drive or lengthy walk to Mt. Grant from Friday Harbor (starting right here at Tucker House Inn). Just take Guard Street west out of town, which will turn into Beaverton Valley Road and then West Valley Road. Five miles from town, you will run across a signed turn-off that will lead to the Mount Grant Preserve. Turn left and arrive at the gated parking area.
Save Mount Grant Preserve Campaign
The Save Mount Grant Campaign was started by the San Juan Preservation Trust and San Juan County Land Bank. This campaign has undertaken the goal of raising $4.2 million to purchase the land for the Mount Grant Preserve and begin a stewardship fund for habitat restoration and maintenance of visitor amenities. $1.5 million in public funds from the San Juan County Land Bank has already been donated. The remaining goal is $2.7 million in private funds to complete the project in three years. If the money is not raised in this time, then the land reverts back to the original sellers.
The goals for Mount Grant include a balance of land protection with recreational accessibility. Activities might include hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, birding, and picnicking. The long-term goals also include environmental education and community engagement. With these goals in mind, Mt. Grant could become so much more than it is today!
Stay at Tucker House Inn
During your Mount Grant explorations, make Tucker House Inn your home base retreat. After a long day of hiking through beautiful old forests and along calloused ridgelines, settle back at our peaceful Friday Harbor bed and breakfast. Soothe your aching muscles with an in-cottage massage or enjoy a celebratory feast at the Coho Restaurant. Either way, you will be able to settle into your comfortable bed for a relaxing evening before waking up rejuvenated to a gourmet breakfast. For more adventures to embark upon in the area, download our free vacation guide!
