Get Outside!

Hikers experience spectacular views from the top of the Bluff Loop Trail, with the Cascade Mountains, the Olympic Mountains, Mt. Rainier and the San Juan Islands dotting the vista.

Ebey's Reserve is a great place to recreate! Hiking, kayaking, sailing, camping, - whether it's a holiday weekend or just a normal Friday afternoon, Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve is full of ways you can explore the outdoors and still make it into historic Coupeville for dinner on Penn Cove.

There are three State Parks, over thirty miles of Island County trails, spectacular public beaches, and nationally significant birding all within a short drive from the ferry port.

No matter how you choose to enjoy the Reserve, please remember that unlike most National Park Service areas, the Reserve is mostly privately owned and farmed. Respect farmers and property owners by following posted signs and staying out of fields - even fields that seem empty can contain sensitive crops.

Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve:

 

Ebey's Prairie Ridge Trail enroute to intersect with the Bluff Loop Trail.  Cascade Mountains in the distance.

Hiking in the Reserve

The Bluff Loop Trail
A moderate walk along the beach and bluff with a few steep sections. Features marine ecosystems, views across the Straits of Juan de Fuca, and Perego's Lake. Parking at Ebey's Landing State Park (or at any state park) requires a Discover Pass. Parts of the Bluff Loop Trail include steep bluff climbs and walking on uneven beach surfaces. Be aware of tides and weather when hiking the beach.
Distances:
From Ebey's Landing State Park Trailhead - 3.5mi (5.6km), roundtrip
From the Prairie Overlook Trailhead - 5.5mi (8.9km), roundtrip

The Pratt Loop Trail -
Easy walk between active farm fields. Feature historic farm structures, native prairie flora and spectacular views of heritage farm fields and the Salish Sea.
Distances:
From Jacob & Sarah Ebey House - 0.3mi (0.5km), one-way
From the Bluff Loop Trail connection - 0.8mi (1.2km), one-way

Pratt Loop Trail & the Kettle Spur Trail
Easy walk through a portion of the Robert Pratt Preserve on property owned by the Nature Conservancy. This trail connects to Island County's Kettles Trail system - a mixed network of trails with more than 30 miles of hiking, biking and horseback trails - to the Ebey's Prairie Ridge Trail.
Distances:
From the Pairie Overlook Trailhead - 1.3mi (2.1km), roundtrip
The Kettle Spur Trail - 0.75mi (1.2km), one-way

REMEMBER

1. Keep your pets on a leash.
2. Bring water and be prepared for weather.
3. Pack it In, Pack it Out - there are no garbage facilities along the trails or at the trail heads.
4. These trails are pedestrian only. Bicycle Trails are within the Kettles trail system.

 

Explore the Reserve

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  Hike the Reserve

  The Bluff Loop Trail, the Pratt Loop Trail and more - There are a variety of hiking opportunities from easy to challenging.

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  Kayak the Reserve

  Ebey's Reserve is ideal for exploring by kayak - Penn Cove, Crockett Lake and the canals offer wildlife and birding - maybe a whale or two!

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  Explore the Kettles Trails

  The Kettles trails connect to Fort Ebey State Park and include over 30 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails.

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  Go Birding at Crockett Lake

  Calling all Birders! Crockett Lake is a major stopover for shorebirds during northbound (April/May), and southbound (July/Oct.) migrations.

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  Hike a National Scenic Trail

  The Pacific Northwest Trail may be the gnarliest through hike in the country, but you can hike a portion of it in a day at Fort Ebey.

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  Explore History

  The Reserve is rich in layers of cultural heritage and history.