Travel Blog: Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve

Mt. Baker over Sherman Family Barn

NPS Gallery *Images credited to NPS without any copyright symbol are public domain.

If you are looking for a history and nature filled, family-friendly day trip in Western Washington, look no further than Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve on Whidbey Island. Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve operates through a partnership between the town of Coupeville, Island County, Washington State Parks, and the National Park Service. This unique co-stewardship model was developed to protect a collection of historic sites from development, including Fort Casey State Park, Ebey’s Landing State Park, Fort Ebey State Park, the town of Coupeville, farmland and residential areas that are still in active use, and scenic coastal trails. The reserve covers 48.6 miles of Whidbey Island, which is located in the Puget Sound.

Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve is a great place for a quick day hike. The Pratt Loop trail cuts through the Robert Pratt Preserve and runs along the edge of agricultural land. Some of these farms are still owned by the descendants of immigrant families who flocked to Whidbey Island during the 1850s. Before the arrival of the homesteaders, Whidbey Island was inhabited and cultivated by Native Americans* since the 1300s. The long history of habitation on Whidbey Island means that this landscape is a unique combination of farmland, fields, forests, and beaches, and historic attractions like the Sunnyside Cemetery, the Cottage at Sunnyside, the Crockett Blockhouse, the Jacob and Sarah Ebey House, and the Island County Historical Museum.

Sunrise on the Bluff

NPS Gallery *Images credited to NPS without any copyright symbol are public domain.

One of my favorite hikes in the reserve is the Bluff Loop Trail. The trail starts at a small, beachside parking area and winds to the top of the bluff. Once you reach the ridge, the trail evens out, and you are treated to breathtaking views of mountains across Straits of Juan de Fuca. The trail continues across the windswept top of the seaside cliff, past wind twisted trees and fields of wildflowers, then slowly zigzags down the other side to a serene stretch of shoreline sandwiched in between the ocean and Perego’s Lagoon. The beach is comprised of small, wave-smoothed pebbles which can be slippery, so make sure to wear comfortable, supportive shoes. As you walk along the beach back to the parking lot, you are likely to spot local shore birds resting in the lagoon or fishing in the surf.

Fort Casey State Park may be particularly intriguing for history buffs. Fort Casey was part of the “Triangle of Fire,” along with Fort Worden and Fort Flagler, a trio of strategically placed military forts designed to protect Puget Sound at the turn of the 20^th Century. At Fort Casey, you can see mounted guns in their original encasements and explore a network of underground bunkers and batteries. Make sure to bring a flashlight, as those underground passages are dark! Other activities at Fort Casey include exploring the Admiralty Head Lighthouse, surfing, paragliding, and camping at the beachside marine camping park.

Crockett Blockhouse and Barn

NPS Gallery *Images credited to NPS without any copyright symbol are public domain.

A great way to start a trip to the reserve is by driving onto Whidbey Island over Deception Pass Bridge - you can park on the bridge and look down into the swirling green-blue waters of the pass. The island is also accessible by the Mukilteo and Port Townsend-Keystone ferries. To end a day of hiking and exploring the reserve, I recommend eating dinner in the charming and historic town of Coupeville, famous for local Penn Cove mussels, and then strolling along the wharf with a cone of huckleberry ice cream to watch the sun set.

Click here to learn more about Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve.
Click here for information on planning your visit.

Article written by Emma Rockenbeck
for "A Day in the Life of a Fellow" Article Series
National Park Service - Workforce Management Fellow
in Partnership with Northwest Youth Corps (NYC)


*Skagit people indigenous to the lands that are now Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve.