Lopez Hill is often referred to as “The Heart of Lopez.” The
forest encloses its visitors so intimately that they are often
struck by a sense of being far from civilization, despite the fact
that the land is only minutes from nearby homes and roads. This
sense of isolation makes Lopez Hill unique to public lands on Lopez
Island. Its intact inland forest affords a place where we can forget
the limits imposed by the surrounding water. In summer’s
heat, we can retreat to its cool, quiet glades. On dispiriting
winter days, we can revel in the magnificence of a true Pacific
Northwest rainforest—dark and dripping, green and mysterious.
Lopez Hill offers us a chance to retreat and renew our spirits.
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Lopez Hill is also the point of origin for important island
watersheds, and is home to diverse and relatively pristine plant
and animal communities. It affords feeding and nesting grounds
for many varieties of birds and small mammals, and browse and shelter
for deer. A broad spectrum of island flora—from fungi and
saprophytes, lichens, and mosses, to ferns and tender broadleaf
plants including delicate chocolate and calypso lilies, to a full
range of island shrubs and trees—thrive on the hill’s
rocky knolls, shady slopes and moist canyons. In all these ways,
the hill represents a diverse and undisturbed inland sanctuary,
a source of ecological strength and regeneration.
HUNTING on Lopez Hill:
Hunting is currently permitted on all DNR lands, but please
be aware that there are many residences nearby and other users
of the
hill trails.
San Juan County Firearm Rules.
WA Dept Fish & Wildlife
Hunting Info.
Camping and Camp Fires are NOT premitted on Lopez Hill.
For more information... |
The varied topography and dense forest on the hill support an
intricate network of trails, and consequently seems much larger
than other open or coastal preserves of similar size. These trails
currently accommodate hikers, mountain bikers, runners, students,
equestrians, birdwatchers, and hunters.
Download FOLH info (PDF).
Download Trail Map (PDF).
We have printed trail maps available as a means
to raise funds. For a beautiful, 2-sided, full color copy of the
trail map, please send a donation
of
$1.00 (or
more)
to:
PO Box 292, Lopez Island, WA 98261
Maps |
