Whidbey Island Parks and Recreation

Forests, Beaches and More!

No trip to Whidbey Island is complete without savoring the enchantment of it's many forests, beaches, prairie lands and community parks.  There are plenty of natural respites for the outdoor traveler on the island that invite every activity from hiking, water sports and birding, to environmental, cultural and historical interests

The island is home to Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve located in Coupeville, the second oldest town in Washington. Ebey’s Landing was the first historic reserve created by the National Park Service to preserve the unique rural history and culture of the island and to protect the area’s rare and delicate plant life. There visitors can hike along the prairies overlooking Admiralty Inlet with stunning views of the Olympic Mountains beyond. A visitor’s center offers a complete look at the legacy of the early settlement of Colonel Isaac Ebey and his family. Access the trail at the historic Sunnyside Cemetery or start at the bottom at the Bluff Trail and head up.

The Washington State Parks on Whidbey include Deception Pass State Park (the most visited state park in Washington), Joseph Whidbey State Park, Fort Ebey State Park, Fort Casey State Park, and South Whidbey State Park

State Park Maps:Deception Pass State Park, Joseph Whidbey State Park, Fort Ebey State Park,Fort Casey State Park, South Whidbey State Park, Possession Point Park

Visit Here For a guide to hiking

There is also a series of county operated parks throughout the Island. On the North end, the Oak Harbor Pool comprises the North Whidbey Parks & Rec programs. The South Whidbey Parks and Rec website offers a comprehensive look at the community parks and programs offered on the south end of the island. Here you’ll find places to take the kids like Community Park with its bike/skateboard courses and Castle Park, a fantasy playground for the very young ones.

Renew your spirit at Earth Sanctuary Nature Reserve and Retreat Center with its 72-acre reserve and sculpture garden that combines ecology with art and spirit to create a sanctuary for birds and wildlife and a peaceful place for personal renewal and spiritual connection. The ponds and bog fen complex have been designated as a “habitat of local importance” by the Whidbey Audubon Society and Island County Critical Areas program.

Greenbank Farm is a community-founded, nonprofit organization which manages 151 acres of publicly owned space and a historic farm, located at the center of Whidbey Island. It’s an easy stop mid-way up or down the island and can’t be missed with its big sign just off Highway 525 in Greenbank. It’s a good place to take the kids for a swing at the playground or to watch the ducks on the pond. It also has a huge area of hiking trails for a nice walk with views of Saratoga Passage and the Cascades, some excellent bird watching, and off leash areas for Rover and Fifi. You can also shop for art at the farm’s three art galleries, or stop for lunch at Whidbey Pies Café or mozy up the street for grocery items at the Greenbank Store and Grill.

Whidbey Camano Land Trust was created in 1984 to protect Whidbey Islands’ most important natural habitats, scenic vistas, and working farms and forests in partnership with landowners and island communities. Visit the website to find out which special areas have been saved by the trust and welcome visitors.