Our State. County and National Parks

Old is juxtaposed with the new in this view of an old farmhouse at Ebey's Landing National Historic Preserve, near Coupeville. © 2008 Russell Sparkman

I still remember the first time a friend drove me north on Whidbey Island, from Clinton to Oak Harbor. Our objective that day was to visit Deception Pass State Park, about 10 miles north of Oak Harbor. I was planning on moving here and my host knew I was geared toward spending time in the outdoors.

"Okay, here's the South Whidbey State Park," she said after about 25 minutes of driving north on Route 525, the Whidbey Island Scenic Byway. "There are old growth trees here with trunks as big as a Volkswagen."

Fifteen minutes later, she was saying, "Now we're passing Fort Casey State Park." Barely 10 minutes later she was pointing out Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve and then in almost a blink of the eye, we were driving by Fort Ebey State Park. Because I'm an avid SCUBA diver, she made sure that we went past Keystone Jetty, which is a Marine Protected Area. Click here for an online downloadable map of boat launches and marinas:

Island County Boat Launches & Marinas - 7.1MB Large map of Whidbey & Camano Islands boat launches, marinas & trails.

With the whole island seemingly parks, I began to wonder -- from my newcomer's perspective -- do people actually live here? The short answer is, of course, people live here. But with so many parks to choose from, there's a good deal of playing going on, too!

There are eight state parks on Whidbey and Camano Islands, one National Historical Reserve (the first in the nation, by the way) and countless city and county parks. Celebrating and exploring a rural working community. The Ebey's Forever program is for all who want to understand the history of the Ebey Reserve and look at it's future. More than 30 years ago local residents and committed citzens came together to protect Ebey's Prairie from development. Their efforts helped to establish Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve, our nation's first historical reserve.

Throw in a couple of private land trusts with trails open to the public, as well as Department of Natural Resource (DNR) holdings with similar public access, surround it all with publicly accessible beaches, including several Marine Protected Areas, and there's no limit to the outdoor opportunities afforded by a visit to the islands.

One of several blockhouses built in the 1800s to be used by white settlers in defense against attacks from native tribes, primarily from the north. © 2008 Russell Sparkman

Rural America of the Last Century: The reserve was set aside by Congress in 1978 to preserve and protect a rural community—a cultural landscape—that is a laboratory of Pacific Northwest history. Today, historic land uses continue, with the rich prairie soils still being farmed, the forests being harvested, and century-old buildings being used as homes or places of business.

The outdoor attractions aren't limited to the summer months. All year around residents and visitors alike can be found outdoors partaking in activities that range from beachcombing, kite boarding, diving and kayaking to wildlife viewing, camping, hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding on trails through our meadows and woods.

Family Friendly Parks and Beaches - 387.6KB Whidbey & Camano Islands Family Friendly Parks and Beaches.

On that first drive north to Deception Pass, many years ago, I mentally pictured my family and I enjoying all that the islands had to offer. I figured we'd "see it all" in our first year or so. Eight years later, we're still exploring the nooks and crannies of our island's parks. It never gets old, cause we always find something new.

Bring your dog(s) too!

Double Bluff Beach (South Whidbey)

Running along the base of steep Double Bluff, the Double Bluff Beach Off-Leash Area is a two-mile-long stretch of salt water beach on Useless Bay. At the base of the bluffs, enormous tangles of driftwood make great doggy jungle gyms. When the tide is out, the beach is hundreds of feet wide but even at high tide, the beach is wide enough for dogs to run themselves to a state of blissful exhaustion. Double Bluff Beach Google map link.

For humans, Double Bluff offers stunning views of Mt Rainier, the Seattle skyline, the Olympic Peninsula and the shipping lanes. Soaring Bald Eagles and Great Blue Herons wading at the edge of the surf can be seen frequently. Grey whales put in an occasional appearance, too, especially in the Spring.

Double Bluff Beach offers a grassy picnic area, viewing benches, rest rooms, doggie poop bags and a rinse station - which ensures that most of the sand stays at the beach and doesn't end up in your car. A dog-height drinking fountain is also available.

Please note: Immediately adjacent to the parking lot is an area designated for public use where people can enjoy the beach without encountering off-leash dogs. The off-leash area begins about 500 feet from the parking lot - the boundary is marked by a windsock on a flagpole. Dogs MUST be leashed on the walk from the parking lot to the beginning of the off-leash area. The county leash-law is in effect until you reach the off-leash area, and violators are subject to a $500 fine.

Double Bluff Beach opened in June, 1999 and continues to be a great success. In this multi-use area, please respect the off-leash boundaries and please pick up after your dogs!

How to get there:
From SR 525 head south on Double Bluff Road until the road dead ends at the beach.

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Whidbey and Camano Islands are only 25 miles north of Seattle, and 2 hours south of Vancouver. See Directions and Maps to learn more about how to get here.