Who TF Am I?
What's this, a new blog? I know I have abandoned this blog since life has been busy, but here I am again to bring you my favorite tips for one of my favorite places. I get asked about Catalina all the time, so here's where I plan to answer all of my most asked questions and divulge all of my favorite island secrets... which my husband always reminds me are not actually secrets.
As a quick intro for those who may need it, I'm Bridget. I grew up as a punk kid (and I guess I still am, at 37 years old), I've done various methods of rough but amazing traveling, got into backpacking and hiking, and am a photographer by profession. I am also a self-published travel writer *plugs book*.
The last thing I will mention about myself is my history with Catalina. I did not grow up going to Catalina. My dad and his neighbor own a sailboat together so I arrived for the first time by sailboat in 2015 and have been going back up to a few times a year ever since. It has become probably my favorite place in Southern California. Which most people think I'm crazy for thinking. We still meet up to sail around Catalina every few years, but lately I have spent more time hiking it. I have hiked the Trans Catalina Trail five times, and go out there to camp here and there as well. I do have blog entries about how to book this trail, and entries on my first time hiking it, but keep it mind those are now probably incredibly outdated.
I have always experienced Catalina as a dirty, rough, intoxicated, and smelly hiker or sailor, yet everyone constantly asks me how I could put up with a place that is "just so commercial." Well I'm here to break that stereotype and tell you how to do Catalina the way I do.
What is Catalina?
Let's start with a very brief description of Catalina's history. Catalina belonged to the Pimu Tongva (Pimu is Catalina's original name). It was colonized by the Spanish who moved the Pimu Tongva to missions off of the island, and continued to completely destroy the island by importing invasive plants and animals. The island went through various other hands, such as the Wrigley's, whose heirs gave around 88% of the island to a conservancy they started to protect and preserve the island and its endemic and endangered species. The other 12% of the island belongs to the Catalina Island Company which is basically the tourism, retail, and residential parts of the island.
If you do any hiking in the backcountry of Southern California, you will recognize the island's interior as being that familiar desert landscape filled with manzanita, cacti, coastal sage, and chaparral. People who complain that the island isn't green enough or cool enough or filled with enough palm trees, are on the wrong island in the wrong part of the world. If the island is a commercial playland for the rich, why do I keep talking about the nature? Because Catalina is a gorgeous nature preserve filled with endangered endemic species of plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. A place in California where you can camp (with reservations) on secluded beaches in the middle of the ocean under the stars. Is it physically and financially accessible for anyone to go there? No. It's expensive as hell, and I'm not going to pretend like it isn't. Is it commercial? Compared to almost anywhere else on the California coast, not really. It's probably the only beach town in Los Angeles county with no: Starbucks, hotel chains (although the golf course country club is owned by one), fast food restaurants, chain restaurants (as far as I know?). Think of a chain besides Safeway/Vons, and I doubt they have it. Avalon is a tiny town consisting of a few blocks, that doesn't even allow the public to have cars. It's cute, tiny, and fairly expensive since everything is touristy and imported. Although eating out at any other Southern California beach restaurant is going to have similar prices. Avalon is also just a speck on the map on what is a pretty large piece of conservation land.
Here are some photos that show Avalon's size, and an Avalon tourist map. Middle photo by David Tulis.
All of Santa Catalina Island is technically Avalon, California, but the town strip called Avalon is what most know of Catalina to be. There is also the entire interior and an area called Two Harbors. The interior is only accessible by permit only, and like I said, there is no driving on the island for the public. You cannot go into the interior on a golf cart. All of the roads on the interior and at Two Harbors are also dirt roads. To go into the interior you need to pay for a tour, hike in, bike in, take a shuttle (they don't go all the way through to Two Harbors), etc. I will come back to Two Harbors and hiking Catalina further on.
My Guide to Avalon
Let's get to it!
Lodging and Transportation
This guide wouldn't make sense if you couldn't get out to the island, right? Okay well this is one of the expensive parts. On top of that, a lot of people ask me where to stay in Avalon and I literally can't answer the question. I do not normally pay hundreds of dollars to stay in hotel in Avalon, so I can't tell you all of the best ways of doing so. If you do want to stay in a hotel, book 6+ months in advance and I recommend doing a search through AAA's website. We ended our last TCT hike at Hotel Atwater for one night, which I reserved through AAA in March for a booking in November for $215 for the night. This was our first time paying for a hotel on Catalina, and we did it as a way to spoil ourselves after seven nights of camping and eight days of hiking (we did the TCT out one way, around, and then back again across the island). That was also the cheapest room I could find, and hotel availability was already limited!
Where do I stay in Catalina? I camp. Camping on the island is charged per person, not per site, so this can be cheap or very expensive, depending on how many people are coming with you. Prices also change whether you are there during peak season or off season. In Avalon you basically have one campground to choose from, Hermit Gulch Campground. This section is just for Avalon, but I will get to different campgrounds in different areas of the island as well.
The good about Hermit Gulch:
It's out of town a ways, which means more nature. Foxes, deer, stars, plants, that sage smell, I love it!
Two hiking trailheads are right at the campground, including the Trans Catalina Trail.
It's right next to the Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden, which is really cool if you are into seeing rare native plants. It does cost money, but is fairly affordable. There is also a way to go there for free, if you skip down to my section about hiking...
The bad about Hermit Gulch:
Well you know how I said it's out of town and you can't have a car? That means it's quite the walk! Roughly 1.3 miles each way, with a slight uphill at that. For me, this adds to the adventure, to others I could see it being quite painful mentally and physically. There is a shuttle that goes back and forth for, I believe, only a few dollars. You can also pay to take a taxi up or hire a gear haul service.
California fire bans extend to the island, and because Hermit Gulch is at such risk for wildfires there is only one (huge) fire pit for the entire campground, where you can only use waxed logs (they sell them there, for convenience). Each site does have a BBQ in it though, so some people put a waxed log right in the BBQ and snuggle up to it.
The sites are close together.
The foxes and ravens will tear through your camp eating anything they can, which is very bad for an endangered and endemic species. Please use the provided "fox boxes" to protect them!
Since it's on the tourist map for golf carts, expect to hear the sound of golf carts almost 24/7.
Just like anything else on the island BOOK EARLY!!!
When it comes to transportation to the island the Catalina Express ferry is your only real choice, unless you have access to a private boat (or plane lol). Here is their website. BOOK EARLY. Check the schedule so you can plan your trip around the ferry, and not the other way around. This is one of the more expensive parts of coming to the island, especially if you need to pay for parking at the dock. It costs over $30 per person each way to take the ferry, and they sell out in advance. Parking depends on the dock, but I think the most expensive is $20 a day. Don't forget to get a bloody marry on the ferry! And keep your eye out for dolphins.
When you step off the ferry, if you have quite a bit of time to walk around before check in for a hotel or for the campground, stash your backpack or luggage at the lockers or Avalon Blue Line Baggage (the only nearby luggage holding window). It is pretty affordable.
Bars
If you ask anyone about bars in Avalon, you will hear an earful about Luau Larry's. This is an okay, packed to the brim, tourist bar with fruity drinks. One drink comes with a straw hat and you will see tourists roaming the island in these hats. The coolest thing about Luau Larry's, in my opinion, is that there is one booth that is in a little rock cave hidden away from the rest. Overall I say skip it! Although if it isn't too busy at the time, Luau Larry's can be a decent spot to have a drink if you are waiting for your ferry. But so is the little food and bar window at the boat dock on the beach (Eric's On The Pier).
Here are my must-go bars for Avalon:
Descanso Beach Club - Drinks are expensive AF but you get to sip them right on imported white sand like you're the fanciest person in the world. It's a must-do even for just one drink. Bring a towel and suit if you want to swim, although the beach is a bit rocky. This is a bit of a walk from the rest of Avalon, but a gorgeous walk on a flat path, a mini-tour of Avalon in itself. You also get to walk right up to the casino, which is an old timey word for event space, which is what it is. No casino for gambling, sorry! Descanso Beach is a daytime place and closes right around dinner/sunset, keep that in mind! If you end up there around closing time, check out the lawn by the bathrooms to look for cute lil families of deer.
Marlin Club - Do you love dive bars? This is Avalon's dive bar, which is often equally full of tourists and locals. Friday and Saturday late night it can get busy, but there are times even on weekends when it's not too bad. The Marlin is a spot I go to every time I'm in Avalon. Keep a lookout for the Marlin Mermaids (they are up on the wall).
The Sandtrap - See description for this below in food!
Food
Catalina has lots of decent food, but since this is the non-yuppie guide I'm not going to be talking about fancy restaurants. I also have only been to a few of those, and there wasn't anything too notable about them.
The Sandtrap - The Sandtrap is an outdoor Mexican food patio located between the Avalon strip and the campground. It is right up against the golf course. This is a super cute place with an outdoor bar. It's not the best Mexican food in the entire world, but a great budget option. I have never left the Sandtrap unsatisfied. There aren't too many hole in the wall spots, and this one has more of that feel.
Vons - DIY, the grocery store is also a bit pricey because everything is imported!
Original Antonio's Pizza - This pizza window is a great option for cheaper and quicker food.
Catalina Coffee & Cookie Co. - Decent place for coffee and breakfast, they have some vegan pastries too.
Eating vegan: Many of the restaurants have vegan options. I usually get a veggie pizza with no cheese (and add jalapeños) from Antonio's, make my own food, or I eat at the the Sandtrap. Their beans are vegan, their rice is not. They do not have specifically vegan dishes, but their accidentally vegan dishes are great, and they have always been very nice, accommodating, and understanding. They have a loaded version of nachos without cheese on their menu. I think it's called Jalapeño Chips, and it's vegan by accident. Even though it's easy to make quite a few things vegan on the menu, this is my go-to because I crave it every time. For breakfast I get a side of beans, side of corn tortillas, side of potatoes, side of jalapeños, and salsa and make my own breakfast tacos. The menu is huge an easy to play around with.
Swimming and Snorkeling
You'd think the swimming would be a big part of what people do in Avalon, but honestly most people seem to be more interested in bars and restaurants. The few strips of beach sand off of the strip get filled quickly with families. Diving is a whole other story, there are lots of dive spots all around the island, but I don't dive so I don't have many tips for that! The beach areas right off of the strip are next to a boat dock and boat moorings. The water is really not bad for swimming around boats though. Descanso Beach Club has an okay beach, but there are lot's of rocks. It's a great place to take a floaty and float. Both of these spots would be fine for snorkeling (snorkels and dive equipment can be rented behind the casino, usually), but I would recommend Casino Point Dive Park (also behind the casino).
This is not gentle snorkeling in crystal clear warm water surrounded by tropical fish. Remember, it's still Southern California, not Hawaii. Casino Point Dive Park is sectioned off so a boat can't hit you. For snorkeling its large and deep. It's also a bit exposed and choppy. I would recommend something to float with and/or fins. You will see lots of fish like garibaldi, possibly a seal, and if you go out far enough there are kelp forests!
Museums
Catalina Island Museum is a great little museum. I only went once and they had an exhibit on modern Tongva art.
I already mentioned the Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden above!
Hiking
A lot of the most awesome hikes are in the interior, but I recommend this hike as a shorter day hike out of Avalon - Head up Hermit Gulch Trail and then down Garden to Sky Trail (approximately over three miles). What to expect on this hike: No matter how cool the weather is at the beach, or even in the campground, expect the possibility of high temperatures in the interior and on Hermit Gulch Trail practically year round. Expect heat, sun, and no shade. Be prepared with lots of water, a hat, sunscreen, etc, and start early if you can. The views at the top are worth it, you can see the ocean on both sides of the island! From the top of Hermit Gulch trail, go left/South-ish on the dirt road until you see signs for Garden to Sky Trail. When you come down Garden to Sky Trail you will end at a fence into the back of Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden. You are allowed to go in for free coming back on the trail! Download or save a hiking map to your phone, just in case, or buy one from the Conservancy Trailhead Store.
Other
Grab a beer from a liquor store and walk to the hidden little pet cemetery on the outskirts of town (check Google Maps). Stay for sunset and watch all of the solar lights light up.
Stop into the Conservancy Trailhead Store for souvenirs, hiking/camping supplies, and to learn more about the island.
Just Outside of Avalon
The two public campgrounds closest to Avalon are only for the adventurous. They are both considered primitive campgrounds, and one is boat-in, the other is hike-in. If you want to get out of the hustle and bustle of Avalon and only have a short amount of time, these could be a possibility, although it would technically be easier to just skip to the Two Harbors section.
Boat in/Kayak in - Willow Cove -
*I have not been here,* although I do want to go. This campground consists of only ONE site (so again, book early). It's all yours at night, but during the day I guess it can be a popular picnic spot. It is 2.75 miles by boat from Avalon. You can rent a kayak in Avalon and get to it that way, if you know what you're doing. There is no road or interior access whatsoever from this site, it is up against cliffs. Just you, the ocean, and a picnic table. No power, faucets, or bathrooms. It's possible there is no phone service as well.
Hike in - Black Jack Campground -
This is the first site on the Trans Catalina Trail (ask the Trailhead Conservancy Store for a permit - $3). If you want to backpack into a primitive campsite (it has pit toilets, potable water, and very limited cell service) but don't have time to do the whole trail, this could be a decent option (although hiking a section from Two Harbors could be more worthwhile, if you were okay with skipping Avalon). Black Jack sits at mile 11 on the TCT and is a great little shady campground with minimal spots (which equals more seclusion). There is a two night stay minimum on the weekends for non TCT hikers. From here you can also hike just under two miles to Airport in the Sky which has great food, beer, souvenirs, and an optional shuttle back to Avalon (could be a bit pricey, call to ask (310) 510-2800). There is also a company who will rent you a bike to ride back to Avalon, which I know nothing about. Google is your friend. Bikepacking the island is also a thing! Remember: Hiking on the interior is MUCH more exposed with much hotter conditions than Avalon (your weather app will show you cool beach temperatures). Expect hiking in the interior to be hot and exposed year round. Bring sunscreen, water, and a hiking umbrella can also be nice. When it comes to opposite weather extremes - the trail is closed if it rains. The trail dirt is made of clay, which when wet is impassible and ruins the trail if it is walked through.
My Guide to Two Harbors
The crowd on/off the ferry in Avalon: Tommy Bahama shirts, designer bags, tourists with rolling luggage bags, people on golf carts zipping through town.
The crowd on/off the ferry in Two Harbors: dusty bikepackers, backpackers, campers, boaters, boyscouts, a few families.
Two Harbors consists of... two... harbors... but besides that, a campground, a restaurant/bar, sometimes a food window, a small corner store type of market, one twelve room hotel called Banning House Lodge (never been there, but I should go!), some public bathrooms and showers, a tiny laundromat, and an information booth. That's about it. It's a rural area of the island. I can't really tell you the best bars and restaurants, beaches, or secret spots, because there are basically only one or two of each. But lets get into the guide...
Lodging and Transportation
Transportation
The same ferry to Avalon also goes to Two Harbors, but only to/from certain ports on certain days of the week, during certain days of the year (it goes year round, but the schedule changes seasonally). For Two Harbors, definitely build your itinerary around the ferry schedule. If the ferry schedule isn't out yet for the season, I use the one from that season of the previous year and I haven't had any issues (yet, knock on wood). Do not expect to get from Avalon to Two Harbors (or vice versa) unless you have a ton of money to blow, because you have to hire a private taxi that goes down dirt roads across the entire island and it's not cheap. There is a tourist speed boat called the Cyclone that takes people between Avalon and Two Harbors seasonally but it has never been a helpful and reliable option for me, ever, although it looks fun as hell. Maybe it could be an option for you if you need it? Again, book and plan EVERYTHING... far... in... advance.
Lodging
The good about Two Harbors Campground:
Right on the damn ocean
Two Harbors is cool, and it's you're only camping option *evil laugh*
You can add firewood or BBQ supplies onto your booking and they will deliver it to your site, unlike Hermit Gulch, you do have your own fire pit (and BBQ) inside your site.
The bad about Two Harbors Campground:
I have bad luck here with screaming children running through all of the sites. Not always, but it seems to be common enough.
The foxes will ravage everything. Keep your things in a fox box or take with you to the bar. Even toiletries. There are also lockers at the dock. Do not be an asshole and feed them anything on purpose, the conservancy does a lot to keep them from extinction.
Not much shade
It's a walk uphill out of "town." Not anything like the long walk from Avalon to Hermit Gulch. I'm talking like a quarter mile up a slight hill. I don't think it's that big of a deal, but people love to complain about it. If you have a lot of gear it could be a pain in the ass, but maybe look into the gear haul service.
Banning House Lodge
I've never been, Google it :)
Bars
There is only one... that is also three... it moves around. Depending on the season and time of day, there is a beach-beach bar, a porch beach bar, and at night a dive bar at the back of the restaurant. In the evenings you can skip the restaurant host to go straight to the bar and also order food from there.
Food
The above bar info is the same for restaurant food. They used to have a breakfast/lunch window for pre-bar hours. That kind of disappeared during covid, then came back but their hours have always been weird when I've been there. Either way, the market started selling more fresh food as well. There is one tiny little market for groceries that sometimes sells pizza, coffee, and ice cream. They have microwaves to use with utensils and condiments, so you can buy frozen food and cook it if you have no other options. It is all imported so a little pricey. You can buy souvenirs, beach toys, sunscreen, toiletries, basic hiking/camping gear and meals, a bit of produce, liquor and beer, canned/packaged food, and frozen food.
Eating vegan: The market has at least one microwavable vegan meal, they now also have Beyond sausage and quite a few other vegan items in the frozen section. They often also have vegan jerky. The restaurant usually has something they can tweak to be vegan, whether it's tacos or a veggie burger, and the servers are pretty nice about it. I know there have been times when I've resorted to a large salad with fries, but it was satisfying enough.
Swimming and Snorkeling
I'm pretty sure you can rent snorkel gear at/near the info center on the dock. I think Two Harbors is great for swimming when it's warm out. It is similar to Avalon, but a little more clear. There is an area within walking distance, if you are willing to walk around seven miles each way, that has crystal clear blue waters. It is called Emerald Bay. Bring lots of water to drink and sunscreen if you make that walk. It's a beautiful walk. Download the hiking map too, because there is no cell service.
Hiking
Some of the best, yet hardest parts of the Trans Catalina Trail are on either sides of Two Harbors. These hikes I would highly recommend for the views. There are other alternate campgrounds you can hike to instead of staying in Two Harbors, which I will describe here and in the next section! Here are some nearby trails and TCT sections that are worth exploring (download or buy the trail map before hiking):
Short and easy [under 1 mile out and back] - Grab a coffee to go and walk over to Cat Harbor. Look out for seal bones, buffalo, walk the little dirt roads around "town," look up for bald eagle.
Easy peasy [2 mile out and back] - Ballast Point Road hike - This is a short 0.9 mile each way that looks out over Cat Harbor. Look up for bald eagle.
Let's add a bit more elevation [4 mile out and back] - Cat Harbor Overlook - Walk two miles uphill past Banning House to a lookout spot over the ocean, then turnaround and walk the two miles back to town. I have not done this one but I've passed it many times on the TCT.
Easy, flat, but a long day [16-ish mile out and back] - Parson's Landing via West End Road - One of the coolest primitive campgrounds on the island is Parson's Landing, and there are two (sort of three), ways to get there. This is the easiest. Walk a flat, winding, seemingly never ending dirt road with non-stop ocean views for about 8 miles, then turnaround and do it back. This is exposed, and there is ZERO water the entire out and back, not even at Parson's Landing campground. Bring lots of water, sunscreen, snacks, etc. You will pass two pit toilets, but I recommend bringing toilet paper just in case. Bring a bathing suit in case you plan to take a dip in Emerald Bay.
The same hike as above, but make it DIFFICULT [15 or 19 mile loop] - Hike to Parson's Landing, but on Silver Peak Trail, then walk back on the flat West End Road [approximately 15 miles] - This is all a large section of the Trans Catalina Trail, so follow that gold line on the trail map. This has a lot of elevation so start early to beat the heat, wear really good shoes, bring a ton of water because again there will be NONE whatsoever, bring a light jacket in case the wind picks up on the ridgeline at the top of the mountain (great views!). This section has an infamous brutally steep downhill into Parson's. It's the part on the map called Fenceline Road. You can also skip it, or hike this backwards if you would rather hike the steep part up hill, but be aware of the heat doing it later in the day. Skipping it adds a few more miles [approximately 19 total round trip miles instead of 15], one more hill to climb, but has even more amazing views. And it is totally secluded. To hike it this way, pass Fenceline Road and continue on the ridgeline/Silver Peak Trail. When you go down a baby long steep downhill (compared to the other one) take a right on the intersection with Old West End Road. Old West End Road and West End Road split, which is confusing, stay to the right/on OLD West End Road. The other way towards the water is horrible. Keep in mind this is considered difficult hiking, you might not see many other people, you most likely will have no phone service, you will be out around rattlesnakes, possibly buffalo, sun and heat exposure, as well as possible high winds.
Medium-hard [5-ish miles out and back] - Hike to the bench overlooking Little Harbor *recommended* - Walk uphill on a dirt service road on the TCT for about 2.5 miles, to an overlook with the best views on the island. This can be very hot and exposed, start early, bring lots of water, sunscreen, a hat, a light jacket in case of wind at the top, and good shoes. Cracking a cold beer at the top is also highly recommended. This is an out, and back, so hike the same way back to Two Harbors. Please share the bench since it has the only little bit of shade at the top. TCT hikers will definitely need it, as they will be coming up a much more difficult stretch of trail.
The same hike as above, but make it DIFFICULT [10-ish mile out and back] - Little Harbor - Why stop when you get to the bench, when you can go down the mountain all the way into Little Harbor? This downhill is probably the most treacherous but also most beautiful part of the Trans Catalina Trail. Expect steep trail with no switchbacks until you get into Little Harbor Campground (a good place to see buffalo). There IS drinking water in this campground. Keep in mind that if you do this in one day, you have to turnaround and hike the mountain back up during a hotter time of day. I have done it, and there is usually an ocean breeze here, but if you are very new to hiking this might not be a good idea. And please, please don't bring a dog unless it is an expert at difficult hot weather hikes. Another idea for both of the difficult hikes listed here is to plan to stay at the campground, then hike back out the next day. For this you will need to pack in your food and camp supplies, or pay for the gear haul/rentals in advance. The one time I stayed at Little Harbor I did not add firewood delivery to my camp reservation and I highly regretted it, FYI. There is also a company that can pick you up and drive you back to Two Harbors, but I know nothing about it.
Just Outside of Two Harbors
Two primitive campgrounds on the TCT, both which have been mentioned in the hiking sections above. Neither of these campgrounds have accessible camp hosts or reliable cell service, so book everything you need well ahead of time.
Little Harbor/Shark Harbor
The campground: A little oasis on the beach under palm trees right on the ocean, in a small canyon between desert hills. Most people say this is the best campground on the island. That title could easily be challenged by Parson's Landing. I'm not sure if I could choose which is best. Campground has: Fairly clean port-o-potties, drinking water, and a fire pit, BBQ, and fox box in each site. I recommend adding firewood delivery to your camp reservation. This is the only way to get firewood. You will probably see buffalo here, make sure to give them space.
How to get there: Hike in (read section above), or pay to have a company take you there in an off road vehicle. I have no idea who to call or how much this costs, I just know it exists. I'm sure it's easily Google-able.
Parson's Landing
The campground: Only a few sites right on the beach sand. Very secluded. No reliable cell service, NO WATER, pit toilets (bring toilet paper just in case). Each site has its own fox box, BBQ, and fire pit. Foxes and ravens will rip open your bags to get to your food. Keep them in your fox box at all times, unless you are eating. Look up for bald eagles. Because there is no water at this campground you are required to pay for a locker that consists of a few gallons of water and a bundle of fire wood. I think it's around $25, and it's so worth it. Check in at the info window at Two Harbors before setting off to get your combo for the locker!
How to get there: Read the hiking section above for a few different options, hiking in is the only way.
Hiking the Trans Catalina Trail
The Trans Catalina Trail is a 38.5 mile hike across the island, starting in Avalon and ending in Two Harbors (or you can do it backwards). No permit is needed because your camp reservations act as your permit, and you can only camp in designated campsites.
Should I do an updated entry on this? Tell me in the comments! Or read my old outdated entries.
Support the Conservancy - Get Discounts
It doesn't always give you much, but supporting the conservancy is a great thing to do for the island and its plants and animals. It can get you a discount on SOME campgrounds.
How You Know You Did it Right
The more of these you saw or experienced, the more you know you did Catalina right!
Saw a garibaldi, the state fish
Saw a bald eagle
Saw a fox
Saw a deer
If you drink alcohol and consume dairy: Drank a Buffalo Milk, Catalina's famous mixed drink
Sat in the sand at Descanso Beach
Saw the mermaids at the Marlin Club
Bought a sticker from the Trailhead Conservancy Store
Bonus point: Had a breakfast burrito at Airport in the Sky
Bonus point: Had a beer in the dive bar in the back of the restaurant in Two Harbors after a long day of hiking
Thanks for reading! Please comment or contact with questions, and share with anyone you know who would be interested in this information.
So good! Thanks for all the info. Would love a post on your itinerary/process for the hike!