Library Walk at Admiralty Inlet Natural Area Preserve

Join library staff for a walk through the Admiralty Inlet Natural Area Preserve with a guide from Whidbey-Camano Land Trust. We'll navigate the 1.5 to 2 mile loop trail and learn about this beautiful preserve and surrounding areas from the group working to keep them wild.

This 86-acre property includes an amazing old-growth forest, two rare prairies, views of the Olympic Mountains, and is full of birds and wildlife. The preserve overlooks over a mile of shoreline on Admiralty Inlet, benefiting marine species like salmon that migrate along its shores. In addition, the two rare prairies (less than 1 percent of Whidbey Island’s prairies remain) both feature golden paintbrush populations, making the preserve one of only 12 sites in the world where this once endangered prairie plant occurs naturally. In 2023, golden paintbrush was removed from the federal endangered plants list.

What you may marvel at the most are the trees! The branches of the old-growth Douglas fir trees twist and turn making their way under and around each other. At over 4 feet in diameter and 250 years old, these trees have weathered many coastal storms. In addition to fir, the forest contains grand fir, western hemlock, Pacific yew, Sitka spruce and red alder trees with most trees over 145 years old. There are lots of snags, providing perfect nesting and feeding areas for all kinds of raptors, owls and songbirds.

Learn more about the Admiralty Inlet Natural Area Preserve.

This walk will follow the loop trail and is usually 1.5 - 2 hours and 1.5 - 2 miles. Its considered 'easy to moderate' since there are some exposed roots and uneven ground. If attendees have any mobility issues or tire quickly we can make sure to start at the flatter prairie trail so it's easy for people to return to the parking lot early if the forest path isn't doable.

You must register at www.sno-isle.org to attend.