Frequently Asked Questions

Ebey’s Landing FAQs: What You Need to Know

Planning a visit to Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve? This guide answers common questions about exploring this unique blend of natural beauty, rural charm, and historical significance. Learn about scenic easements, event permissions, drone regulations, hiking tips, and more. Whether you’re curious about park rules, visitor programs, or trail accessibility, you’ll find everything you need to make the most of your experience. Ebey’s Landing invites you to discover its rich heritage while respecting the community and environment that make it special.

What is Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve?

Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve was established over 40 years ago to protect a rural community and its significant history. The Reserve contains federal, state, town, and county lands, but the majority (85%) is privately owned. Its protection relies on conservation easements, local land use regulations, and the cooperation of landowners.

What is a National Reserve?

National Reserves are areas with nationally significant resources managed collaboratively by federal, state, and local agencies, along with the private sector. This partnership approach helps protect, manage, and interpret valued resources.

What is the Trust Board?

The Trust Board of Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve manages the Reserve in partnership with:

• The National Park Service
• Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
• The Town of Coupeville
• Island County

The Trust Board coordinates these partnerships, monitors scenic easements acquired by the National Park Service, educates the public, and advises the partners on matters impacting the Reserve.

What is an Easement?

Scenic easements are agreements recorded on property deeds that preserve the land’s scenic values by restricting its use to farming, grazing, or conservation. These easements, often established between property owners and the National Park Service, are permanent and transfer to new owners when a property is sold.

Can I Have a Wedding or Other Private Event in the Reserve?

There is no single answer for all locations within the Reserve due to its patchwork ownership.

• State Park Lands: Permits are required through Washington State Parks for locations like the beach and bluff at Ebey’s Landing.
• Nature Conservancy Lands: Contact The Nature Conservancy for events at the Robert Y. Pratt Nature Preserve.
• Privately Owned Lands: Permission is needed from individual landowners for farm fields or other private properties.
• National Park Service Lands: Locations such as the Ferry House, Ebey House, and NPS Sheep Barn are reserved for public use and do not allow private events.

For further guidance, contact the Trust Board Office.

Can I Place a Memorial Bench in the Reserve?

Requests for memorial benches are common but may impact the landscape. On National Park Service lands, personal memorials are prohibited. For other areas, such as Washington State Parks or The Nature Conservancy lands, contact those agencies. The nonprofit Friends of Ebey’s can help identify alternative ways to honor loved ones.

Does My Film, Event, or Activity Need a Permit?

Special uses like filming, large gatherings, or plant collecting may require permits depending on the location. Contact the appropriate land manager or the Trust Board Office at 360.678.6084 for guidance.

Where Can I Get My National Park Passport Stamped?

Passport stamps are available at the following locations:

• Trust Board Office (162 Cemetery Road)
• Ebey House (seasonal)
• Island County Historical Society and Museum
• Coupeville Chamber of Commerce
• Fort Casey State Park
• Fort Ebey State Park

Does the Reserve Have a Junior Ranger Program?

Yes! The Junior Ranger program is free for children ages 7–14. Activity books and “swearing-in” ceremonies are offered at:

• Trust Board Office (162 Cemetery Road)
• Ebey House (seasonal)
• Island County Historical Society and Museum
• Coupeville Chamber of Commerce

Visit the Junior Ranger page for more details.

I'm Ready to Explore the Reserve! What Do I Need to Know?

The Reserve is a patchwork of ownership, offering primarily self-guided exploration. Rangers may be present in Washington State Parks but are not typically available elsewhere in the Reserve.

Safety and Emergencies

• In emergencies, call 911 and provide your location.
• Be cautious of rising tides and wind-driven waves when exploring beaches.

Parking

• Parking is limited, especially at trailheads, and carpooling is encouraged.
• Oversize vehicles cannot park or turn at trailheads.
• A Discover Pass is required for parking in State Parks.

Hiking

• Trails are pedestrian-only. No bicycles, e-bikes, horses, or motorized vehicles are allowed.
• Stay on designated trails to protect fragile areas, private property, and farm fields.
• The Pacific Northwest Trail (PNT) has gaps between Fort Ebey and Fort Casey State Parks. Consult maps or State Park rangers for guidance.
• Avoid trampling sensitive vegetation, and leave all natural features undisturbed.

Water

• No potable water is available at trailheads. Bring enough water for yourself and your pet.

Accessibility

• Trails are unimproved dirt and gravel surfaces. Some, like the bluff trail, border steep edges.

Dogs

• Dogs must be leashed and under control on all trails and public beaches.
• Off-leash dogs may result in fines. There is an off-leash area at Patmore County Park.
• Dispose of dog waste in designated receptacles or “pack it out.”

Camping and Campfires

• Public camping is limited. Contact Washington State Parks or Island County for reservations.
• Camping is not allowed at trailheads, parking areas, or public beaches.

Bicycling

• Trails like the Bluff Trail are pedestrian-only.
• Suitable biking options include Reserve roads and the Kettles Trails, which offer mountain biking routes.

Horses

• Horseback riding is allowed on certain trails in the Kettles Trails area, with trailer parking at SR20 and Libbey Road.

Drones and Airborne Activities

• Launching, controlling, or landing drones and other recreational aircraft are prohibited on National Park Service and Nature Conservancy lands.
• Drones are also prohibited on State Park properties unless an exception is made through a special permit. Contact the Central Whidbey Area State Parks Headquarters at Fort Casey (360.678.4519) for details.

Paragliding

• Launching and landing are permitted only at designated sites in Fort Ebey State Park. For regulations and maps, contact the Central Whidbey Area State Parks Headquarters at Fort Casey (360.678.4519).

Remote-Control Gliders

• Gliders with non-combustion engines are permitted only at designated sites within Fort Casey and Ebey’s Landing State Park. For rules, regulations, and maps, contact the Central Whidbey Area State Parks Headquarters at Fort Casey (360.678.4519).

Private Property

• As 85% of the Reserve is privately owned, respect property boundaries, including farm fields, to maintain the community’s support.