We had a nice sunny day at the end of March so a few friends and I ventured to Whidbey Island to hike Ebey’s Landing. This hike is so beautiful and different from most other hikes I have done as it is a coastal bluff hike. To get here you can either take the ferry over from Mukilteo to Clinton or drive around via Anacortes over Deception Pass. We took the ferry over. If you decide to drive around, you might consider doing a bonus hike at Deception Pass. The Ebey’s landing hike is pretty easy and not very long, so this might be a nice way to make a day of it.
Here are the stats per WTA:
5.6 miles round trip, gain 260 feet, high point 260 feet.
Parking Pass: Discover Pass.
For more info and directions see: www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/ebeys-landing
There are two ways to do this hike, you can start at the lower parking lot down by the beach or the upper parking lot up higher on the bluffs. I recommend starting higher at the Prairie Overlook trailhead.
On a clear day when you set out on this trail, you can see Mount Baker behind you. Unfortunately it was a little bit cloudy when we went and there was no mountain view, however the beach and ocean were very scenic. You will pass by a couple of old cabins that are of some interest as you access the bluff trail. I am unsure if these were part of the old fort or from Pioneers. Keep in mind on the start of this trail you are on private land. Please be respectful of land owners.
You will come to a T-junction, at this junction head up the hill (right) to go on the bluffs above the beach. We were treated to views of some eagles and a hawk when hiking along these bluffs. Keep your eyes open (also keep small dogs on a leash).
The trail will eventually make its way down to the beach. This section of trail can be a little bit confusing as people have made shortcuts cutting switchbacks. If you want to be a little more gentle on your knees follow the switch backs down. Once on the beach enjoy the driftwood, rocks and seabirds. On a clear day you will be able to see the Olympics.
From the beach you go back up the trail towards the t-section and back to the trailhead, it is a gradual easy climb back up. Don’t forget to look back/up to enjoy the view.
One of the women in our group mentioned that she did this trail once when the tide was high and you could not access the beach. WTA does not mention anything about checking tide tables. It may be a good idea to check tide tables when you venture out to do this hike.
After your outing head to Coupeville and enjoy some Penn Cove Mussels, yum. We went to Front Street Grill and it was very good.
dayhikeblog 
You must be logged in to post a comment.