Best Hikes on Whidbey Island

Located in the northwest corner of Washington state, Whidbey Island is a place where fishermen find their prize and hikers find their paradise. On this charming island, you’ll find yourself surrounded by verdant forests and rolling hills, with vistas that span from Mount Baker to the Olympic Mountains. You can reach the tallest peak on foot or hop in a car to explore all the trails in one day. In this article, we’ll give you a glimpse of the magic of this locale in our list of the best hikes on Whidbey Island. Let’s dive right in!

Ebey’s Landing Trail

Standing on a forested knoll overlooking Puget Sound, Ebey’s Landing is one of Whidbey Island’s most popular hiking destinations. With a round distance of 5.6 miles, this trail is a moderate hike, with just a few steep sections that will have you working up a sweat. You’ll start your hike at the Ebey’s Landing parking lot and then head toward Bluff trail, where you’ll start to gain elevation. Towards the top of this leg of the trail, you’ll have a nice view of Puget Sound, where you can look out to see all kinds of marine life, including seals and orcas. The trail then continues around a series of ridges.

One such popular ridge is Prairie Ridge, which features a T junction. From there, you can move to the right and head up to the summit to enjoy the 360-degree views of the surrounding area, including Cascade mountain and Mount Baker. This trail gradually descends to the junction of Bluff and Prairie trails, offering beautiful views of the lagoon, which is a great spot for birdwatching.

Although the area is well maintained, you might encounter muddy sections. It is important to note that you must get a Discover Pass for $10 to park in the area. Also, camping is not allowed at any trailhead. You can bring your dog, but he must be on a leash.

Oak Harbor Waterfront Trail

Oak Harbor’s Waterfront Trail is a postcard-perfect hike, with views of the water and the occasional eagle or red-tailed hawk. This trail starts to the left of the parking lot and follows a paved path. You will wind through Freund Marsh, Windjammer Park, and Flintstone Park before hitting the water. Along the way, you’ll pass by some beautiful gnarled old trees, tall grasses, and even a big bald eagle or two!

Once you’re at the marina, you’ll have the option of turning right and walking along the water or heading left toward town. Since this is a Navy project, you will find a chainlink fence near the marina, but you can still get a good water view. The best part? This gate has been locked for so long that it has vines growing all over it, so you can capture some pretty amazing shots for social media!

Dugualla State Park

Spanning 586 acres, Dugualla State Park is a beautiful natural space that’s perfect for a hiking adventure. The park has seven great trails, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. For those looking for an easy hike, there’s the one-mile Wetland trail and North Trail. Both trails are perfect for those who want to see some of the park’s most beautiful sights, including its wetlands and local wildlife.

After crossing the forested area, you can walk down the sandy shores of Skagit Bay. All these trails are well-maintained and marked, so you won’t have to worry about getting lost. Plus, mountain biking is also allowed in the park, so if you’re up for an adrenaline rush, take your bike (Class A) and explore this beautiful place!

Deception Pass State Park

Located at the north end of Puget Sound, Deception Pass State Park encompasses over 3854 acres of land with more than 20 miles of hiking trails. Since this park is located on two different islands, namely Whidbey Island and Fidalgo Island, the trails are separated into various sections.

Over here, you can climb up the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail, which is 1200 miles long but well worth the effort. With 710 feet of dock and 1980 feet of moorage, this trail also offers plenty of outdoor activities like fishing, boating, swimming, and diving.

If you’re looking for a less challenging hike, you can go for the 2-mile-long North Beach Trail or the 3-mile loop Goose Rock Trail. These trails offer a serene view of Puget Sound, marine life, and other species of animals inhabiting this land.

The park’s terrain is varied, from sand dunes to steep mountains and rocky shorelines — no matter your preference, you’ll find it here. Unlike some national parks in Washington state that have been devastated by wildfires and are still recovering, Deception Pass has not been affected and boasts a wide variety of flora and fauna, so you won’t get bored!

South Whidbey State Park

A haven for dendrophiles, South Whidbey State Park is a must on our list of best hikes on Whidbey Island. It’s home to 3.5 miles of hiking trails, each with its own unique charm. While the park’s main trail offers stunning views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountain, the trails that meander through the forest are just as beautiful. From old-growth Douglas Firs to fern-covered boulders, this park boasts a diversity of natural beauty that will leave you breathless.

You can choose between the park’s nine trails based on how much time you have and how energetic you are. If you’re looking for a quick hike, try the Ridge Loop Trail, which starts at the park entrance; this trail is only 1 mile long but offers some of the most stunning views on Whidbey Island. You can explore the Hobbit Trail, Beach Trail, and Fern Gully Trail. All of these trails are less than 2 miles long, but they offer a little more solitude and a chance to see some of the park’s unique plant life.

Wrapping Up Whidbey

If you’re looking for someplace to get off the beaten path, this list of best hikes on Whidbey Island gives you some great options. From the rocky terrain of Deception Pass to the rolling hills of Coupeville, this island has something for everyone. And no matter which direction you go, you’ll have an unforgettable experience. So lace up your boots, pack up your bags, and get ready to explore this awesome island!