Hike to Lovers Leap on Stuart Island

This hike is only doable if you are already on Stuart Island! There is no public transportation to Stuart Island, so you must already be there or have a plan to be there in order to complete this hike.

I frequent this island during the summer months and it is one of my favorites. I always stay in Prevost Harbor, located on the north side of the Island. Leaving from Prevost, follow the general trail heading towards Reid Harbor. After heading down the stairs and reaching the Reid Harbor campground, there is a gravel road on the far side that climbs up the hill. Once you conquer this hill it is smooth sailing from here. At the top of the hill there is an amazing little schoolhouse that has the library and museum part of it always open to the public. Great place to learn about the island and the school itself. If you have a few extra minutes, I would highly suggest popping in for a bit.

Also located at this school is a sweet little t-shirt business run by a local family. Fun shirts, hats, postcards, etc are all located there. The best part of this business is that it is run on the honor system. Take a shirt or whatever you please, each one has an I.O.U located inside with various ways to pay. Please be honest, very few of these types of things exist, lets not ruin it.

Walking past the school you will come to a Y intersection, turn right! Keep following the gravel road past farm land and catch a glimpse of Mt. Baker as you look towards the east, across the water. You will then come to a "T" intersection, turn left! follow this road past the airport, and away from the farmlands. The road will take you into the wooded area once again. You will descend a steep hill, be gravel! Loose gravel has caused more than one to slip. Once you descend the steep hill you are reaching your destination. Now it is important to keep an eye out for the turn off. The only thing suggesting it is a turn out is a little sign that reminds you no camping and no fires. There is a little trail on your left hand side, follow that out onto an open, rocky viewing area for some of the most spectacular sunsets. I would recommend bringing sunglasses, it can be rather bright to be looking directly into the sunset.

Once the sun goes down, remember to stay for just a bit longer as the colors are usually the best once the sun has gone down behind the islands you are looking at.

As you head back, make sure you are following the proper road, in the dark, and it gets very dark, it can be tough to remember exactly which road to take.

Round trip is 5 miles if you are hiking from Prevost, only about 4 if you are hiking from Reid.