Hunting Treasure: The Annual Northwest Glass Quest

Not All Treasure is Silver and Gold

“The water runs from frozen ponds / A broken entrance, a tree that does not belong.” So read the final stanza of the riddle I was so close to cracking. The middle of the riddle had led me to the Four Springs Preserve atop the spine of Camano Island. I took the Drop Off Trail into the ravine; I found the frozen ponds. Maybe that remnant of a gate was the broken entrance? On this dreary February day, I found myself on day five of traipsing about the woods on Camano Island, peering under mossy logs, inside rotting stumps and behind clumps of sword fern like some kind of mad man. Earlier in the week, my two nephews joined in the fray as we visited Elger Bay Preserve farther south, pacing one section of trail for probably 45 minutes, but leaving empty handed. Today, my parents had tagged along for their second time, as we retraced the same sections of trail we so frantically examined the previous afternoon. And then there it was, a single dead hemlock with no others nearby. My phone flashlight proved the final tool, as my eye suddenly caught a glint of something obviously not of nature. I reached into the brush, and slowly pulled out…a clear plastic ball covered in Sharpie scribbles?

Northwest Glass Quest

This madness is the Northwest Glass Quest, the greatest annual treasure hunt in the Pacific Northwest! Now in its 16th year, the Glass Quest is hosted by the Camano Island Chamber of Commerce, annually attracting thousands of people to visit local businesses and parks, vying for the chance to take home a coveted hand-blown glass float. With February falling between the busy seasons of Christmas and Spring, and often featuring less-than-inviting weather to sightsee or get outside, the initial inspiration for the Glass Quest was to attract shoppers and visitors during a time when traffic and income in stores and restaurants is typically low. The premise was simple: participating businesses could each have a few glass floats to give away, but the winners had to do some sleuthing first. An inconspicuous 3-inch plastic ball stood in for the float, and was hidden somewhere in the public-facing areas of a store, or in a local park if the business was not set up for regular visitor traffic. Businesses could come up with riddles or clues to follow, and could even cloak the ball with some camouflage, but could under no circumstances give away the secret location.

As the event grew in popularity, more businesses saw the benefit of participating, and the original artist Mark Ellinger began cranking out more and more glass floats. Joined this year by regional glassblowers Aaron Sertich, Colin Satterfield and Johnathan Tardif, over 400 glass floats are now up for grabs! The event now runs for 10 days, from February 14 through 23 this year. Questers, as participants are affectionately called, come from far and wide to hunt through the area, but the Camano Chamber hopes the unexpected treasures are held just as dear, such as the views of the snow-capped mountain peaks and beaches with abundant wildlife. Eagles soaring overhead, tiny toadstools along the trails, and trickling streams delight children from 1 to 99, while Questers form bonds with others trying to crack the same stubborn riddles. Top it all off with some tasty local cuisine and quaint shops, and it is hard to have a bad day out on the hunt.

Into the Forest I Go

My favorite locations to Quest are the various “community sites,” which range from small public spaces up to large parks and preserves. My 3 top spots are all located on Camano Island, making for a convenient chance to hop from one to the next if I strike out following a specific clue.

The largest is 134-acre Camano Island State Park, with 4 miles of forested trails, plus a scenic expanse of beach. Spotting a bald eagle or great blue heron is common here, along with deer in the woods. I found my first ever clue ball 4 years ago in a rotten stump along one of the trails here. My wife and I were following a specific clue, and were confident we were on the right trail and that the location was something rotting. After searching high and low for what felt like an hour, we were ready to give up, and headed back toward the car. On a whim, I stuck my hand one more time into a small stump, and felt not rotten wood, but something harder and smooth…a plastic ball! For your own Quest, the park also features a campground with 77 standard campsites, along with 5 cabins that are perfect for a cozy winter stay.

If visiting on the weekend, consider going a little bit north before or after your hike for brunch at Cama Beach Cafe, where you can nosh on savory biscuits and gravy with wild mushrooms and sausage from Silvana Meats, drool-worthy brioche French toast or some classic sandwich varieties, and of course a bubbly mimosa or a soothing spiked hot chocolate.

My next favorite site, and the location of the clue ball mentioned in the intro story, is Four Springs Lake Preserve, located in the center of the island. Spanning 50 acres of varied terrain forestland, the preserve features multiple hiking trails and looping options. It is a great spot to spy the tiniest of flora, as a variety of mushrooms grown in the low brush and leaves alongside the trails. The ups and downs provide just enough elevation change to require a little extra effort in your walk, making the preserve an excellent place to take kids.

Just off the main highway a few minutes from Four Springs, I always pull off at the Kristoferson Farm farmstand for lavender goods, tasty treats and great gift ideas. A Glass Quest participant for over 10 years, Kristoferson Farm also offers zipline tours, seasonal u-pick lavender, workshops and special events.

Across the street, I also like to make a stop at Camano Plaza IGA, a community market that goes all in for the event, with daily and bonus clues and clever hiding spots throughout the store. Fridays feature NW wine tasting, or you can check out their expansive beer and cider selection any day of the week. Consider grabbing a couple items here to donate to the West Camano Little Food Pantry or the “Boogie Bin,” which collects pet items for local rescues (you can drop these items off at the Camano Center). Further still, you can round up your purchase this month to help with funding for Freedom Park!

Finally, Iverson Spit Preserve along the north east shoreline is a great go-to any time of year and offers something for everyone, with beach access, a loop through mature forest, and an inviting Hobbit Trail, complete with great views of the Cascades and numerous waterfowl species.

On the way to or from Iverson Spit, you’ll pass Camano Commons, which serves as a great fuel stop, with coffee, baked treats and fun gifts. Be sure to get your picture with the Life’s Better on Camano Island crab board! I also bring my old American flags, as a local Scout troop has a collection box at the commons for proper flag retirement. For indoor paradise inspiration, Cactus + Co. is just around the corner and up the stairs, with cowboy hat-wearing cacti, radiant green ferns and trailing tendrils of pothos.

If you left your hiking shoes at home, smaller parks such as Church Creek Park east of Stanwood, Heritage Park near downtown and Freedom Park on Camano Island offer grassy expanses, play equipment, and space to run. East of the area, the Snohomish County Parks duo of Wenberg and Lake Goodwin Parks also get in on the fun with hidden clueballs. For little legs or those short on time, try the grounds of the D.O. Pearson House in downtown Stanwood or the small but mighty Lions Park east of town.

Even if it snows for the event, my green thumb is always itching, and I like to take some time to browse at Orchard’s Nursery, just a short drive from several of the Stanwood parks. Initially hesitant to participate in the Glass Quest due to traditionally low seasonal plant inventory, Orchard’s now is back for their third year, using the event as a chance to showcase more of their own plant productions and new seasonal items. I love this time of year for the hellebores in bloom, along with indoor favorites like cyclamen and about-to-bloom Easter cactus. Despite being a difficult spot to find a clueball, I spotted one just a couple days ago in the indoor plant section!

Back on the island, I like to make a stop at Camano Plaza IGA, a community market that goes all in for the event, with daily and bonus clues and clever hiding spots throughout the store. Fridays feature NW wine tasting, or you can check out their expansive beer and cider selection any day of the week. Consider grabbing a couple items here to donate to the West Camano Little Food Pantry or the “Boogie Bin,” which collects pet items for local rescues (you can drop these items off at the Camano Center). Further still, you can round up your purchase this month to help with funding for Freedom Park!

Après-Hunt

When the day is wrapping up, Tapped Camano pours a variety of local beer and cider favorites, paired with an excellent fried chicken sandwich or fish & chips, not to mention the loaded tots with Beecher’s cheese. Also featured here is a quirky, locally-inspired mural by offbeat Seattle artist Henry.

Another top-notch local spot for a pint and some grub is Stanwood’s SAAL Brewing, set in a historic firehouse, and serving up some of the area’s best street tacos, plus a pork banh mi with the perfect amount of heat, and zesty gyros. SAAL is known for presenting some of the more challenging riddles, inspired by the surrounding nature. After I’ve had my fill of both riddles and pub grub, I wash it all down with one of their signature beers or a guest cider.

Another great option for any time of day include Mustard Seed Baking in downtown Stanwood, where offerings run the table from bearclaws and gooey cinnamon rolls to sandwiches and soup. Check their Facebook page for daily specials!

Kindness Matters

Regardless of which stops your tour includes, and in spite of the end result of your hunt, we kindly ask all visitors to be respectful and kind, bringing extra doses of patience and selflessness. Please follow all event rules. In stores, be respectful of property, being mindful that you should not have to move things around to spot the clueball. Making a purchase is not a requirement, but please remember most locations are local, family-run businesses, and your support, no matter how small, helps sustain their livelihood.

When hiking, please follow Leave No Trace principles. Clueballs should not require you to leave the trail, nor require any destruction of vegetation. In past years, I have seen tree stumps mutilated, shrubs trampled and saplings uprooted. Please also show courtesy to other trail users, especially those who might not be out Questing, but just trying to enjoy our native environment. Finally, consider taking a small grocery or produce bag with you and look for items of trash to pick up, leaving the park better than you found it (Picking up trash just so happens to be one of the items you can mark off the Kind Quester sheet for a chance to win a handmade glass button).

For full information on the Glass Quest, along with rules, tips and lists of participating businesses, visit the Northwest Glass Quest website or their Facebook page. Be sure to download a .pdf of the event booklet or download their app, and start mapping out your hunting route! Note that many of the participating businesses will utilize social media for clues and updates on each glass float.

For media and publication inquiries: eric@corneroffirstandadventure.com