Ebey’s Landing is a beautiful, quaint hike on Whidbey Island and is one of Washington’s 100 Classic Hikes. It offers wonderful, scenic views of the coast and rich history of the area. Ebey’s Landing is a hike I have found myself on before and will continue to hike it in years to come.
General Info:
Trail: Ebey’s Landing Trail
Region: Whidbey Island – Ebey’s Landing National Reserve
Distance: 5.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 350′ gain
Required Permit: Discovery Pass
Dog’s Allowed: Yes
Bathroom: At Trailhead Parking Lot
When to hike Ebey's landing:
This trail is open and accessible all year! I have mostly done this trail in the hiking “off-season” for a chance to get out and enjoy some temperate weather. In the spring and early summer the grass along the bluff has wildflowers, which makes a great destination for welcoming warmer weather.
Ebey's Landing Trail Description:
From the parking lot, hikers can see a number of the different scenic views that draw hikers to this trail. Including: the Olympic Mountains, Mount Baker, and coastal cliffs. Hiking along the trail, the perspective of these views change.
Starting towards the bluff overlook, hikers will experience the first section of the elevation gain with the Olympics on their left and fields on their right. At the junction before the trees, hikers can choose to turn right on the Ebey’s Landing Trail to hike out towards the preserved historical landmarks, Jacob and Sarah Ebey’s Blockhouse and cemetery.
History: The Ebey Historical preserve was once owned by the first non-native person on the Island.
Coming back towards the bluff, hikers can stop and enjoy the various overlooks that are carved out on the side of the cliff before turning right and continuing along the bluff. The bluff offers a birds eye view of Perego’s Lake and the surrounding area. Directly across from the Preserve, is Port Townsend and hikers can watch the Seattle-Victoria Passenger Ferry, Cargo Ships and Navy ships pass through the water passage.
Just before beginning the switchbacks down to sea-level, hikers can take a quick 0.2 mile detour for an additional overlook. These steep switchbacks are narrow and can become slippery in inclement weather.
Not Sure What to Bring on the Trail? Read: Ten Essentials of Hiking
At the bottom of the switchbacks, hikers can put their feet to the rocky shore or continue along a carved out trail next to the lake. Ebey’s Landing Trail along the lake provides a dirt path almost the entire way back to the trailhead. This makes for easy walking, as walking through rocks on the shore can become tiresome and hard on the feet.
Past the lake however, hikers will need to walk the remaining 0.9 miles back to the trailhead on the rocky shore. If you’re following the Ebey’s Landing Trail on AllTrails, the two routes, along the shore and along the lake, are included on the map. There is plenty of driftwood to sit on and enjoy the tide coming in and out along the shore. There are birds, crabs, and the occasional seal that can be seen on this section of the shore. When I hiked this trail last, I even saw Kingfishers fishing in the lake.
Should Ebey's Landing be a 100 Classic Hike?
Ebey’s landing should be included on the 100 Classic Hikes of Washington List. This trail has spectacular views and provides history of the Island along the way. There are a number of signs along the trail that provide details about the history of the trail as well as some of the different animal species in the area.
What to do on Whidbey Island:
This hike requires a ferry or a longer drive to get to so I found it best to make a day out of visiting Whidbey Island.
- Visit a coffee shop to start your day! My favorite coffee shop on the Island is Mukilteo Coffee Roasters
- Visit State Parks: Deception Pass State Park also has impressive views of the area!
- Visit a Winery or Distillery: There are a number of Wineries and Distilleries on Whidbey Island. Whidbey Island Distillery and Whidbey Island Vineyard & Winery being a favorite.
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