Mitten Pond loop from Anacortes

If you're looking for a rewarding, moderately challenging touring cycling route near Anacortes, the Mitten Pond loop from Anacortes is definitely worth your time. This 10.5-mile (16.9 km) route, rated moderate, features 809 feet (247 metres) of elevation gain and can typically be completed in about 1 hour and 34 minutes. It's an excellent choice for cyclists who appreciate natural beauty and a mix of terrain without overly technical demands, offering a great way to explore the Anacortes Community Forest Lands.

What to expect on Mitten Pond loop from Anacortes

The route guides you through the serene Anacortes Community Forest Lands, a mosaic of evergreen forests, wetlands, and meadows. You'll find yourself cycling past the beautiful little Mitten Pond, noted for its peaceful marshland setting. While the broader ACFL offers diverse terrain with some "short punchy up and downs" and moderately technical sections, the specific Trail 10 around Mitten Pond is generally wide, dirt or mud, and gently rolling, making it manageable for many touring setups. Expect a journey through natural beauty, suitable for touring cyclists comfortable with unpaved surfaces.

Planning your visit

The Anacortes Community Forest Lands boast an extensive network of over 50 miles of multi-use trails, allowing for significant customization of your ride. While specific parking details for this exact loop aren't highlighted, the area is well-known for its accessibility within Anacortes. Maps of the trails are readily available locally and online, which is highly recommended for navigation given the interconnectedness of the trail system. This route is best enjoyed when the trails are dry, as some sections can become muddy.

Trail details

• Distance: 10.5 miles (16.9 km)
• Elevation gain: 809 feet (247 metres)
• Difficulty: moderate
• Estimated time: 1 hours and 34 minutes