John Tursi Trail

Enjoy a trail on Fidalgo Island between iconic Deception Pass State Park with the Anacortes Community Forest Lands. This trail was made possible thanks to efforts from John Tursi, Skagit Parks and Recreation, Skagit Land Trust, WTA volunteers, and other state, local and private partners.

Discover the natural history of South Fidalgo Island on this beautiful forested route. Traverse past meadows and rocky balds, a red rock quarry, a miner’s shack, the “rock” of artist Morris Graves’ lore, and views of Pass Lake, Campbell Lake, and Mount Erie.

The trail serves as both recreation route and and Wildlife Corridor, passing through one of the most picturesque valleys on Fidalgo Island. With moderate elevation gain, the trail provides a nice way to get a short leg workout in, or connect the state park and community forest lands for an all-day visit.

Please stay on trail or road as some of it crosses private property.

John Tursi's Background: John Tursi came to Fidalgo Island under a depression-era program as a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). He and the crew helped build much of the Deception Pass State Park infrastructure that still exists today. After the CCC, John settled in Anacortes and married Doris Anderson. John worked for several canneries on Fidalgo Island and then became a supervisor at Shell Puget Sound Refinery, where he worked for over 20 years before retirement.

Community was a very important part of John and Doris’ lives and they made generous contributions to help the people, animals and nature of Fidalgo Island. Over the years, John ensured that the places he fell in love with would be here for future generations.

Not only did he help build the infrastructure at Deception Pass State Park, but years later he and Doris donated a conservation easement on Fidalgo Bay to Skagit Land Trust. In addition, John was the largest donor in the campaign to forever protect the Anacortes Community Forest Lands.