Hike of the Week: Ebey's Landing

Author enjoys a sunny day at Whidbey's Ebey Landing

Ebey's Landing

A Sound Hiking Adventure





by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

December 2, 2005

Quick FactsLocation: Whidbey Island, WA
Land Agencies: Washington State Parks, and National Park Service
Roundtrip: 4.5 miles
Elevation gain: 300 feet
Access: Cemetery Road in Coupeville or Ebey Road on way to Fort Casey
Notes: Dogs must be leashed. Washington State Park Pass ($5 day/$50 annual) required at Ebey Road access.


Puget Sound sure has changed since Captain George Vancouver sailed this way back in 1792. And if the good captain were able to make a return trip, he wouldn’t recognize the area-except perhaps for the island he named in honor of his subordinate, Joseph Whidbey. For only on Whidbey, at Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, could the colonial-era seafarer still catch a glimpse of a wild and undeveloped Puget Sound coastline.
And only at Ebey’s Landing could Mr. Vancouver take such an incredible hike that includes towering bluffs, salt-sprayed maritime forests, rolling prairies, and lonely beaches. Named after the first European settler on Whidbey, Ebey’s Landing is comprised of state, national, and private parcels totaling 17,400-acres. This area invites “explorers” of all ages to set sail on its trails and beaches.
For the best of Ebey’s Landing, begin at the Sunnyside Cemetery parking area for a 4.5-mile lollipop loop-hike. Through some of the prettiest country this side of the North Cascades, follow a well-trodden trail through an expansive emerald prairie. You’ll feel as though you’re hiking in Ireland – complete with crashing surf in the distance. But, look again- the snowcapped Olympic Mountains in the background quickly remind you that this is the Pacific Northwest.
Beyond the prairie, turn right at a well-marked junction and begin climbing to the top of the bluffs. Rounding heights 300 feet above the Sound, the view becomes simply awesome. Gaze out toward Vancouver Island and the San Juan Islands. Watch ferries and ocean vessels ply Admiralty Inlet. In springtime, admire a mosaic of blooming wildflowers swaying at your feet. Look for majestic eagles perched in ghostly snags. Be captivated by the stark beauty of Perego’s Lake – a lagoon formed by a narrow spit – directly below you.
Now descend the bluff and head south on the beach. Bird watch at Perego’s, scope seals in the surf, cock your head back and stare at the bluffs. Hike the wild beach to the Ebey’s Landing Wayside, then round back up the trail to the prairie closing the loop. This hike should give you the same appreciation that ‘ole Captain George had for this gorgeous area over 200 years ago.