Ebey’s Landing

Ebey’s Landing on Whidbey Island is an easy, family-friendly loop trail with a fantastic view of the Pacific Ocean.

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The trail starts either from the Prairie Overlook Trailhead or the seaside parking lot at the end of Ebey’s Landing Road. Washington State Discovery Pass is required to park in the parking lot.

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Looking at Penn Cove where the famous namesake mussels are farmed

We began our hike from the Prairie Overlook Trailhead, passing a field of aromatic alfalfa plants

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Once on the bluff, the view opens up. On a clear day Mount Baker rests on the horizon to the east and other Cascade peaks march away to the south. To the west, the Olympics loom large over Puget Sound. The ocean view extends as far as Victoria Island in British Columbia and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

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Dense fog permeates Port Townsend of the Olympic Peninsula

Although there is not much of an elevation gain for this hike, the bluff trail is narrow and steep at times. Wild flowers dot the trail.

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Once we descend onto the beach, I took sometime studying the pebbles

Kelps bathing under sunlight

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Bird taking flight

Chariots of Fire theme stuck in my head when this kid running past me

Cairn on the beach

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Sail boat

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As we leave, low fog rolled inland create a dramatic scene

Note:

Be aware that there are stinging nettles on the brushy access trail on your return to the car – long pants and keeping an eye out will help prevent irritation from these little guys.

WTA Pro Tip: Be sure to stop at Kapaws Iskreme on Front Street in Coupeville on the way back from your hike. This quaint ice cream shop is generous in their portions, and it’s delightful to walk down to the wharf with your cone to see more beautiful views of Mount Baker.

There are two ways to get to Whidbey Island from the mainland:

  • By car via Deception Pass Bridge, which is a sight in itself. We did not make a stop as we’ve been there before. But if you go, the views from both sides of the bridge are astonishing. Shrimp Shack in Anacortes is popular among locals  They sell fresh shrimp by the pound. The deep-fried oysters and fish tacos are also quite delicious.
  • By Washington State Ferry from Mukelteo to Clinton. There are paid parking spaces at the ferry terminal with 4 hour limit, even on Sundays and Holidays, which is not at all convenient for people who carpool or do not bring their cars on-board.

16 thoughts on “Ebey’s Landing”

  5. Beautiful photographs – I like their gentle atmosphere. Thank you for visiting, and yes, Apremont sur Allier is absolutely magical – are you planning to visit? I am planning to visit another garden or two in Brittany and will shortly post on the Thabor Gardens in Rennes. Hope to see you again!

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  7. Wonderful atmosphere in these photos…love the foggy seaside track. I cannot find any About page though? It would be nice knowing a bit more about you…your posts are interesting and you seem to have found your place on earth. Thank you for being here.

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    2. Dear Leya, I remembered to write the About page, but now I couldn’t find it anywhere. I need to figure out where that went. Thank you for your great advice! I will figure out how to do this someday 🙂

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