Whidbey Beaches & Parks
Beaches, Parks, & Hiking Trails
Whidbey Island’s beautiful beaches, parks, and hiking trails are not to be missed. Below you’ll find a list of most of them. Addresses listed below are linked to Google Maps and Trail Maps are included for some of the locations. If there’s one that we missed, contact us and we’ll make sure to add it! The Washington Trails Association (WTA) is always a helpful hiking guide.
South Whidbey Island Trail Map
Boy & Dog Park
First Street, Langley 98260
This delightful little street-level park has statues of a boy and his dog by Whidbey Island sculptor Georgia Gerber, installed in the park in 1986. Accessible tables and chairs for public picnicking available as well as views of the Cascade mountain range and the beach below. Telescopes for viewing!
Bush Point Boat Ramp
231 E Spyglass Dr, Freeland, Washington 98249
Popular place for salmon fishing. The boat ramp floats are removed each fall and returned in the spring. Amenities include a boat ramp, public beach, restrooms, and parking.
Clinton Beach
6489 Hunziker Ln, Clinton, WA 98236
Located next to the Clinton ferry terminal, this half-acre beachfront site is managed by the Port of South Whidbey and is fully ADA accessible. A covered picnic shelter features a living plant roof. Limited parking. Matthew Swett of locally based Taproot Architects designed the buildings at the park, which include bronze sculptures by local artists Georgia Gerber, Lynn Swanson, and Sharon Spencer.
Cloudstone Sculpture Park
5056 Cloudstone Lane, Freeland, WA 98249
Cloudstone Sculpture Park is a 20-acre outdoor art gallery. This captivating park is dedicated to showcasing the exceptional work of the late Hank Nelson, a renowned 3-D artist who sadly passed away in February 2022. Nelson’s artistic legacy is comprised of an impressive collection of over 450 sculptures crafted from stone and metal, each one a testament to his deep connection with nature and boundless imagination.
Deer Lake
4330 Bucktail Lane, Clinton, WA 98236
This .75-acre site is located on the east side of Deer Lake, is owned by Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, and is maintained by South Whidbey Parks and Recreation District. Swimming, fishing, motorized boats permitted. Annual Trout Derby season is April 22-Oct. 31.
Double Bluff Beach
6325 Double Bluff Rd, Freeland, WA 98249
Known as one of the best beaches in Washington State, Double Bluff beach is also among the nation’s best dog-friendly beaches. There’s a grassy area with picnic benches, a barbecue area, bathrooms, 24-space parking lot, and a doggie shower. Dogs must be on leash until you reach the “flag” then leashes for well-behaved dogs are optional. Accessible at the end of Double Bluff Road, parking for this beach fills up on weekends and during the summer. Public tidelands extend two miles to the west. Tall sandy bluffs are an interesting geologic feature to the west. Popular site for wind-surfing and driftwood sculptures. It is a flat beach and good for walking at low tide. See Mt. Rainer on a clear day!
Earth Sanctuary
2059 Newman Road, Langley, WA 98260
Earth Sanctuary is a privately operated park seamlessly blending art and nature. With its two miles of well-maintained nature trails and a captivating sculpture garden featuring eco-art inspired by various global spiritual traditions, Earth Sanctuary is a tranquil oasis inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the wonders of the natural world.
Freeland Park
1543 E Shoreview Dr, Freeland, Washington 98249
With a great view of Holmes Harbor, this park is a local favorite, boasting a picnic area with BBQ grills, covered picnic shelters, pavilion with picnic table and BBQ grill, restrooms, playgrounds, and walking trails. The park is owned by the Port of South Whidbey and managed by Island County Parks and Rec. The park extends up the hill to a picnic shelter and historic Freeland Hall, built in 1915, and available for event rental. Surf smelt, sand lance, and herring spawn here.
Glendale Beach Preserve
7496 Humphrey Rd, Clinton, WA 98236
This beach is located at the mouth of Glendale Creek, which is one of two salmon-bearing streams on Whidbey Island. The other is Maxwelton Creek. Picnic tables, vault toilets, parking for about a dozen-plus cars. The park occupies six acres and features 420 feet of low-bank beach and tidelines including the mouth of Glendale Creek.
Goss Lake
5235 Lakeside Dr, Langley WA 98260
Good for kayaking and paddle boarding. This lake offers swimming and lake temperatures reach up to 76° in the summer. Owned by Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife and managed by South Whidbey Parks and Recreation. The lake is stocked annually with Coastal Cutthroat and Rainbow Trout. No gas-powered engines permitted. Parking is available for 8 cars.
Lone Lake
5075 Lone Lake Rd, Langley WA 98260
Lone Lake Public Access is owned by Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife and is maintained by South Whidbey Parks and Recreation District. Amenities include a boat launch, fishing, birding, recreational sail and power boating, kayaking, waterskiing, tubing, and wakeboarding. No swimming. Lone Lake experiences frequent blue-green algae blooms, which may produce dangerous toxins, so avoid water contact if there are warning signs posted. Fish that might be caught include stocked Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, and Brown Bullhead. Fly fishing clubs post photos and stories about fishing at Lone Lake
Dave Mackie Park at Maxwelton Beach
7510 Maxwelton Rd, Clinton, Washington 98236
Dave Mackie Park is a popular public beach park situated on the southern tip of Whidbey Island. Amenities include a sandy beach, picnic tables, restrooms, a playground, and even a baseball field. Visitors to the park can engage in various activities such as swimming, fishing, kayaking, and kite flying, making it a sought-after destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, the park takes pride in hosting the annual Maxwelton Fourth of July Parade, an event that holds the distinction of being the oldest and largest parade on the island.
Maxwelton Trails Park – Old Log Road Maxwelton Trails Map
Access is from Maxwelton Road, behind the South Whidbey Elementary South Campus. South Whidbey Parks and Recreation manages this 40 acre forest land, behind the elementary school on Maxwelton Road and immediately next to the property owned by the South Whidbey School District with an existing trail system.
Possession Beach Waterfront Park
8212 Possession Rd, Clinton, WA, 98236
Located at the southern tip of the Island, hike the beach when the tide is low or hike the bluff trail anytime. Fish from shore, kayak to the park and stay overnight, or dive into the Sound and explore sea critters that live along the underwater reef wall that drops from 30 feet to 130 feet. NOAA Tide Predictions at Possession Point
Putney Woods – Trails Map
4650 Lone Lake Rd, Langley, WA 98260
More than 600 acres of forest and 15 miles of trail make Putney Woods a destination for horseback riders, hikers, and mountain bikers. Island County owns and maintains the woods with help from the Backcountry Horsemen Island County Chapter.
Robinson Beach
6020 Robinson Rd, Freeland, WA 98249
Great beach for sunsets, birding, and has beautiful views of the Olympic Mountains. The boat ramp is no longer in use as it has been covered in sand.
South Whidbey Community Park (Castle Park) – Park Map
5495 Maxwelton Rd, Langley, WA 98260
Castle Park is truly one of a kind. This park caters to sports enthusiasts with baseball fields, soccer fields, playgrounds with covered picnic areas, the area’s only skate and BMX park, miles of trails for hiking or biking, and an outdoor basketball court. Great place to take your family and enjoy the massive castle playground. Safe, clean castles with towers, ramparts, swings, slides, hiking and more await exploration. Open 7 a.m. to dusk.
Saratoga Woods – Trails Map
4246 E Saratoga Rd #4228, Langley, WA 98260
Enjoy a forested stroll through more than 100 acres of protected forest near Langley. Owned and managed by Island County, with a conservation easement held by Whidbey Camano Land Trust, the property is protected by the community. Large trees, healthy understory plants, and a large glacial erratic are just a few highlights of the woods.
Seawall Park
142 First St, Langley, Washington 98260
Seawall Park is a small but scenic park that runs parallel to Langley’s main street. The park is easily reached by anyone walking through Langley and features picnic tables, beach access, and a great view of Saratoga Passage and the Cascade mountains. With Adirondack chairs and picnic tables, this is a popular summer strolling and picnicking site. Open water swimmers often swim here. Gray whales are seen during the spring season. Take care walking in low tide. Gray whales excavate ghost shrimp with their fins and leave sinking sand holes which can surprise visitors who walk out among the tide flats and find themselves sinking up to their knees and hips, sometimes losing shoes.
South Whidbey State Park – Park Map
4128 S Smugglers Cove Road, Freeland, WA 98249
Walk in an old-growth forest filled with lush undergrowth and western views of Admiralty Inlet. Stop in to stretch your legs, hike and picnic, or gather with family and friends at the amphitheater surrounded by majestic trees.
Trustland Trails – Trail Map
Craw Road and WA-525, Langley, WA 98260
Especially designed for accessibility, families of all abilities will enjoy this woodland paradise and the hard surface ADA accessible from the parking lot. Also, for the sport enthusiast or fitness buff, the 1.5 mile multi-use trail is a good warm-up for a longer run or bicycle ride. Horse riders will be well suited to use the multi-use trail for a beautiful ride through Pacific Northwest flora and fauna.
Whale Bell Park
First Street, Langley WA 98260
When the whales are near Langley, the whole town knows it! Spot a whale and ring the brass bell at Seawall Park. This beautiful bell was a community project donated to Langley by Susan Berta of Orca Network. An Eagle Scout, Michael Scullin, worked with sculptor Tim Leonard to design and install the bell frame and nearby signs. A bronze whale sculpture by Georgia Gerber also acts as a piggy bank for donations to the Orca Network.
Whidbey Institute – Trail Map
6449 Old Pietila Rd, Clinton, WA 98236
The Whidbey Institute includes a 106-acre conservation forest with 4.5 miles of trails that are hilly but all below 500 feet. This hike is deep in the forest and very quiet. Visitors will see ferns, cedars, and Douglas fir trees. Trails are open to the public from dawn until dusk, 365 days a year. No dogs, bicycles, or horses allowed.
Coupevile / Greenbank / Central Whidbey
Coupeville Wharf & Beach Access
24 Front St NW, Coupeville, WA 98239
With half a mile of public tidelands, the wharf is wheelchair accessible and there are public restrooms. The wharf building hosts a gift store, a coffee shop, and historical pictures of the area. Low tides yield views of marine life, including visiting jellyfish during the summer.
Driftwood Beach Park
399 Keystone Ave, Coupeville, WA 98239
Driftwood Park is west of the Coupeville Ferry Terminal. The park is a long beach completely exposed to the open water of Puget Sound and the current has crammed the beach with driftwood tree trunks and small branches. Discover Pass or $10 daily visitor’s fee is required. The park features picnic tables, kayak access, fishing, and beautiful vistas. A great place to view visiting marine birds.
Ebey’s Landing – Trail Map
Ebey’s Landing Rd, Coupeville, WA 98239
This stunning landscape on the Admirelty Inlet, with its rich farmland and promising seaport, lured the earliest American pioneers north of the Columbia River to Ebey’s Landing. Today Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve preserves the historical, agricultural, and cultural traditions of both Native and Euro-Americans – while offering spectacular opportunities for recreation. Enjoy sweeping views of Puget Sound, the Olympic Peninsula, Mount Rainier, the Cascades and Mount Baker! Stroll the beach and look for agates, seals, and orcas. Climb the stairs and hike the magnificent bluff trail in Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve.
Fort Ebey State Park – Park Map
400 Hill Valley Drive, Coupeville, WA 98239
Fort Ebey is a vast 645-acre state park that offers a wide range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Featuring a historic military fort, the park has beach activities and miles of hiking trails. Activities include camping, hiking, biking, fishing, surfing, and even paragliding. Additionally, history enthusiasts will appreciate the park’s fascinating historical background.
For those seeking breathtaking views, the bluff trail provides a perfect vantage point to admire the water and witness picturesque sunsets.
Amenities include picnic shelters, restrooms, showers, and even a store for any necessary supplies.
Fort Casey State Park – Park Map
1280 Engle Rd, Coupeville, WA 98239
Fort Casey State Park is a captivating blend of history and natural beauty. Originally serving as one of three fortifications safeguarding the entrance to Puget Sound during the early 20th century, this park offers visitors a glimpse into the past.
Immerse yourself in the history of Fort Casey as you explore the remnants of its old gun batteries, marvel at the iconic lighthouse, and delve into the informative exhibits at the interpretive center. Take in the breathtaking vistas of Admiralty Inlet and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Whether you’re an avid camper, hiker, fisherman, or wildlife enthusiast, this park has something for everyone. History buffs will be enthralled by the rich heritage of Fort Casey, while nature lovers will appreciate the park’s diverse landscapes and wildlife.
Greenbank Farm – Trails Map
765 Wonn Rd, Greenbank, WA 98253
Greenbank Farm is located at one of the narrowest points of Whidbey Island. Hike to the top of the hill and find stunning water views with the Cascade mountains to the east and the Olympic mountains to the west. Popular dog-walking spot with the wide open grassy meadow as an off-leash area. Dogs must be on a leash to venture into the woods on the Forest Trail. Take time to explore the shops and eateries in the historic buildings including a wine shop, a cheese shop, a pie shop, a gallery, and a bistro.
Kettles Trails – Trails Map
24000 SR 20, Coupeville (approximate address)
Popular with hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers. Adjacent to Fort Ebey State Park. There are several access points off of SR 20 just north of Coupeville and from Fort Ebey State Park. Paved trails connect to Coupeville and Rhododendron County Park. With over 30 miles of trails winding up and down glacial kettles and through nearly 900 acres of dense forest, it’s easy to get misoriented!
Keystone Spit
1400 South, State Rte 20, Coupeville, WA 98239
Keystone Spit, a part of Fort Casey, is on the Pacific Flyway, offering nesting sites and a rest stop to over 230 species of birds. It’s an official Important Bird Area monitored almost daily by Whidbey Audubon. Stop here even briefly and you could see shorebirds, waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds, and the White Pelicans in summer.
Lagoon Point County Park
Located off Smugglers Cove Road, Greenbank, WA
Take Westcliff Drive to the bottom of the hill and park in a gravel parking area. Note private property signs on either side of the beach. Public tidelands extend north for 160 feet, and south for 274 feet, below the line of ordinary high tide. Popular for salmon fishing.
Libbey Beach Park
W Libbey Rd, Coupeville, WA 98239
The trail down to Libbey Beach has the most magical golden hour! Pcnicking, walking, birding, vistas, and 8 miles of beach for walking. Be mindful of high tides and eroding bluffs. Clear day vistas include the Olympic Mountains, San Juan Islands, and Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens
3531 Meerkerk Lane, Greenbank, WA 98253
Meerkerk is a nonprofit garden open to the public, encompasses 10 acres of display and educational gardens enveloped by 43 acres of woodland preserve with 4+ miles of nature trails. The cultivated areas contain a renowned collection of hybrid and species rhododendrons in a woodland garden setting. The gazebo area is suitable for small gatherings and picnics. Dogs are always welcome on leash. Admission is $10 per person. May is peak bloom time!
Rhododendron Park – Park Map
502 W Patmore Rd, Coupeville
Rhododendron Park is a 32-acre county-owned park with three groomed ball fields, a covered picnic area, and bathrooms. There’s also an extensive trail system for hikers.
Trillium Woods – Trail Map, Trillium Trailhead Directions
Pacific Dogwood Drive, Greenbank, WA 98253 (Freeland Entrance also)
This beautiful 721-acre forest has peaceful and accessible hiking and riding trails.
North Whidbey Island Trails – Trail Map
Beach View Farm Trail – Trail Map
East end 1411 N 1570 W, Oak Harbor 98277
West end 2407 West Beach Road, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
A farm, wetland, and beach walk, with views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Ideal for bird watching. Almost perfectly straight, the trail slopes gently from farmland to a county park at West Beach. Most of the trail is a well-groomed gravel path. Near the west end of the trail, enjoy views of Swan Lake. Don’t try to get too close; the edge of the lake is very swampy. Depending on the tides and weather, sit on driftwood at West Beach and enjoy ocean views.
Bowman Bay State Park – Park Map
4402 Bowman Bay Rd, Anacortes, WA 98221
Popular destination for visitors who want to enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of Whidbey Island.
The park is located on the northwestern tip of the island, near Deception Pass Bridge, and offers stunning views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Featuring a sandy beach, a boat launch, a fishing pier, picnic areas, hiking trails, and a campground. Visitors can also explore the nearby Rosario Head and Lighthouse Point, which are part of the Deception Pass State Park.
Bowman Bay State Park is open year-round, but some facilities may be closed or limited during the winter months. The park requires a Discover Pass for vehicle access, which can be purchased online or at the park entrance. Whether you are looking for a relaxing day at the beach, a scenic hike, or a fun-filled adventure on the water, Bowman Bay State Park has something for everyone.
Deception Pass State Park – Park Map
41229 State Rte 20, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
Deception Pass State Park is a 4,134-acre marine and camping park with more than 14 miles of saltwater shoreline, and 8 miles of freshwater shoreline on three different lakes just north of Oak Harbor. Rugged cliffs drop to meet the turbulent waters of Deception Pass. This park is the most visited in Washington State and is known for its breathtaking views, old-growth forests, and abundant wildlife.
Enjoy freshwater and saltwater fishing, challenging cliffside hiking trails, canoeing and kayaking, boat tours, and more. Spanning two islands and connected by a series of iconic bridges, Deception Pass features a mix of rugged ocean cliffs and quiet old growth forests.
Joseph Whidbey State Park – Park Map
Crosby Road, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
Joseph Whidbey State Park is a day use park on the west shore of Whidbey Island with expansive views of Victoria, B.C., Lopez Island, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Take in a spectacular sunset, kick a ball around, or roam the beach with your kids.
Joseph Whidbey State Park is a day-use park that can be found on the northern end of Whidbey Island in Washington State. Spanning over 112 acres, the park boasts an impressive 3,100 feet of shoreline along the Strait of Juan de Fuca. This location offers breathtaking scenic views of both the water and the majestic Olympic Mountains.
The park further offers a network of hiking trails, which includes a section of the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail. This trail spans an impressive 1,200 miles, beginning from the Olympic Peninsula and extending all the way to Montana. Nature lovers, history buffs, and outdoor enthusiasts alike will find Joseph Whidbey State Park to be an exceptional destination. It provides a wonderful opportunity to immerse oneself in the stunning beauty and remarkable diversity that Whidbey Island has to offer.
Moran’s Beach
899 Powell Rd, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
Moran’s Beach County Park is a stunning beach located in Oak Harbor offering visitors a variety of activities, including swimming, beach-combing, picnicking, and birdwatching.
Dogs are allowed on the beach and there is parking for about 10-15 vehicles. Good for views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic mountain range. Smith Island, a haven for eagles, seals and other wildlife can be seen here.
Oak Harbor Heritage and Waterfront Trails – Park Map
450 SW Bayshore Dr, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
The Oak Harbor Waterfront Trail is a route that follows the shoreline of Oak Harbor Marina. A combination of trail, beach, and sidewalk connect to form a path that curves around this inlet and links together a handful of local parks.
From Scenic Heights Trailhead Park at its western end, this trail goes east through Freund Marsh, Windjammer Park and Flintstone Park where walkers must decide between the narrow beach and the sidewalk to continue their journey.
Parking for 5 in a paved lot, plus one ADA; abundant parking at nearby Windjammer Park. A gravel path leads to Freund Marsh. Trail connects to Windjammer and Flintstone parks.
Windjammer Park
1600 SW Beeksma Dr, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
A sprawling 28.5 family friendly park. Parking lot for 50-plus. Bathrooms, a splash park, picnicking, barbecue, playground, boat launch, hiking, swimming, birding. Waterfront natural area and beach with trails, ball fields, playgrounds, a landmark windmill, and a basketball court.
West Beach County Park
2407 W Beach Rd, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
Located on West Beach Road, the vista is a neighborhood park managed by Island County. With parking limited to nine vehicles, it can fill up quickly. This is a good sunset viewing site. It is also good for kayaking, beach walking, birding and views to the west. Public tideland extends south for 1.85 miles.
Whidbey Camano Trails Map
A field guide of 24 off-the-beaten-path trails guide, published by Whidbey Camano Islands.
