South Little Mountain Lollipop

The South Little Mountain Lollipop trail is located within Little Mountain Park in Mount Vernon, Washington. Parking is available at the trailhead within the park. For more detailed information on park access, you can visit the official Mount Vernon website: mountvernonwa.gov.

The South Little Mountain Lollipop hike is approximately 4.2 kilometers (2.6 miles) long and typically takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete. This duration can vary based on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the views.

While the trail starts easily, it quickly transitions into significant inclines, earning it a 'moderate' difficulty rating. It's known for providing a vigorous workout. Some sections, like Fred's Trail, are among the steepest in the park. If you're a beginner, be prepared for a challenging climb, though the park does offer longer, gentler routes if you wish to avoid the most strenuous parts.

The terrain is varied. You'll encounter dirt trails that are generally well-maintained but can become muddy. There are significant inclines, especially on sections like the Darvill Trail and the 'Up Quick' trail. Some parts, like the very rocky trail, require careful footing. The Ridge Trail is described as a 'leg burner' due to its sustained climb.

You'll hike through a mature second-growth forest, rich with sword ferns, salmonberry, and Oregon grape in the understory. In spring, native bleeding hearts often carpet the forest floor. The trail offers fine forest walking, particularly on the south slope of Little Mountain.

Yes, the effort of the climb is rewarded with several lovely viewpoints. You'll find the View of Mount Vernon from Little Mountain Park and the Little Mountain Lookout. The summit of Little Mountain Park features two distinct viewpoints: the North Viewpoint offers vistas of Mount Vernon, Burlington, Padilla Bay, North Puget Sound, the San Juan Islands, and Mount Baker, while the South Viewpoint provides panoramic views of the lower Skagit Valley, Puget Sound, Camano and Whidbey Islands, and the Olympic Mountain Range.

Little Mountain Park is accessible year-round, making it a great option when higher elevation trails might be snowed over. Spring offers the beauty of native bleeding hearts, while other seasons provide lush forest scenery. Be prepared for potentially muddy conditions, especially during wetter months.

Yes, the trails within Little Mountain Park are generally dog-friendly. However, it's always best to keep your dog on a leash and practice Leave No Trace principles by picking up after them.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access Little Mountain Park or hike the South Little Mountain Lollipop trail. It's free to enjoy.

Yes, the South Little Mountain Lollipop route utilizes several trails within Little Mountain Park. You'll find yourself on sections of the West Loop, Julieann, Bonnie & Clyde's, Ridge Trail, and Taylor's Trail, among others, as you navigate the lollipop-shaped route.

The South Little Mountain Lollipop route includes some of the park's steepest sections, like the 'Up Quick' and Ridge Trail, which can be quite challenging. If you're looking for a slightly less strenuous ascent, Little Mountain Park offers a variety of trails. You can opt for longer, more gradual routes to reach the viewpoints and then connect back to the 'lollipop' for the descent, allowing you to tailor the intensity to your preference.