Things to Do in Cypress Highlands Natural Area Preserve

Cypress Highlands Natural Area Preserve is a protected area on Cypress Island, part of the San Juan Archipelago. It spans 1,072 acres, preserving rare freshwater wetlands, native fescue grasslands, and unique forest communities, including Washington's only low-elevation serpentine forest. The preserve is managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.

The preserve offers opportunities for hiking and jogging. While Cypress Island is boat-access only, komoot provides guides for various activities in the broader region, including Hiking, Running, Touring cycling, Road cycling, and Mountain biking.

Yes, the preserve features the Eagle Cliff Trail, which can be accessed from Eagle Harbor and Pelican Beach. This trail allows hikers to experience diverse landscapes and observe wildlife. More information can be found in the Hiking in Cypress Highlands Natural Area Preserve guide.

Komoot offers a guide specifically for Easy hikes in Cypress Highlands Natural Area Preserve. These routes are suitable for those seeking less strenuous options while still experiencing the preserve's natural environment.

Yes, there are trails suitable for families. The Family-friendly hikes in Cypress Highlands Natural Area Preserve guide provides options for outings with children. Visitors should note that recreation sites are primitive and not ADA accessible.

The preserve protects unique ecological communities, including rare freshwater wetlands and native fescue grasslands. Its steep topography offers vistas of the San Juan Islands, mainland Washington, and the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges. It also contains the only low-elevation serpentine forest in Washington.

Cypress Highlands Natural Area Preserve has received an average rating of 4.81 out of 5 stars from more than 80 ratings. Over 1,500 visitors have explored the region using komoot, sharing their experiences and routes.

Pets must be leashed within the preserve. However, dogs are not permitted on the Cypress Lake or Eagle Cliff Trails to protect sensitive species. Komoot offers a guide for Dog-friendly hikes in Cypress Highlands Natural Area Preserve for areas where pets are allowed.

Cypress Highlands Natural Area Preserve is located on Cypress Island, which is accessible by boat only. Visitors must arrange private boat transport to reach the island and its recreational sites.

Yes, the Eagle Cliff Trail is subject to seasonal closures from February 1 through July 15. These closures are implemented to protect threatened, endangered, and sensitive species and their habitats during critical periods.

Information about Cypress Highlands Natural Area Preserve can be found on the Washington Department of Natural Resources website. The relevant page is www.dnr.wa.gov/CypressHighlandsNAP.

While there is no direct phone number for the preserve itself, inquiries can be directed to the WA DNR Northwest Region office. The phone number for the Northwest Region is 360-856-3500.