Little Mountain Park - Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon's largest and most impressive park, comprised of 480 acres, is located at the south end of the city. A 1.5 mile paved road leads to the top of Little Mountain, an elevation gain of 934 feet. There are 2 viewpoints that provide a spectacular look at the Skagit Valley, San Juan Islands, Olympic Mountains and the tulip fields. The north viewpoint has a spectacular view of Mount Baker. The park also provides numerous hiking trails including one that climbs the mountain from the bottom of the park just after the entrance gate. The forests are second growth. The summit also serves as an excellent hang gliding location with a paved ramp. At one time, there was a fire lookout on the summit and even an Aircraft Warning Service cabin for watching any enemy aircraft that might approach the region's nearby coastal waters during World War II.

From Interstate 5, take Exit 225, and at the end of the exit ramp, turn east on Anderson Road. Immediately take the first left onto Cedarvale Road, which heads north alongside I-5. Turn right on Blackburn Road, go up the hill, and in 1.2 mile, get in the right turn lane and turn right on Little Mountain Road. In 0.5-mile, turn right into the well-marked park, and drive to the top.