Trails Less Traveled: 17 of Whidbey Island’s Lesser-Known Trails

Adapted from WhidbeyandCamanoIsland.com

 

Whidbey Island’s lesser-known trails are a hidden treasure trove of natural beauty, serenity, and unspoiled landscapes waiting to be explored. Meandering through these pathways, hikers and nature enthusiasts are treated to lush forests, tranquil meadows, and panoramic coastal views. These trails offer a unique opportunity to connect with the island’s rich biodiversity  and soak in its natural serenity. Off the beaten path, these trails beckon adventurers seeking tranquility and an escape from the crowds. 

 

Ala Spit County Park Trail

Address: 5050 Geck Rd, Oak Harbor, 98277

This 12 acre county park features a 1 mile long easy trail with dramatic views of the small islands in the northern part of Skagit Bay.  Check the tides as high tides can strand unsuspecting hikers.

 

Beach View Farm Trail

Address: 1411 N 1570 W, Oak Harbor, 98277

This 1.5-mile-long trail is a gently sloping path from farmland, through wetlands, and finally to the beach. The trail has parking at either end, so you can either start from the beach or from the farm. On the east end, the Oak Harbor Christian Reformed Church has designated parking.  From there it’s a short walk along the road to the trail.  On the west end, there’s parking at the county park at West Beach. Be sure to bring water, a hat, a light jacket and on sunny days, sunscreen. Leave the dog behind.  Also, there are no bicycles or motorized vehicles allowed. The trail is one of the newest additions to the Whidbey Camano Land Trust.

 

Del Fairfax Preserve

Address: 1817 Zylstra Rd, Oak Harbor, 98277

This is one of the secret places only Whidbey Island locals know about. Only a small sign on a back-island road gives notice anything is there. But park at the sign and go for a walk around this space of peace and solitude. After walking through the forest, you come upon a giant open meadow surrounded by tall trees. It’s a 50-acre forest with a 10-acre meadow in the middle. It’s one of the lands protected by the Whidbey Camano Land Trust.

 

Dorothy Cleveland Trail

Address: 8212 Possession Rd, Clinton, 98236

The Dorothy Cleveland Trail is a serious (and seriously fun) hike, rising 392 feet in less than three-quarters of a mile. But in the fall, it is a glorious kaleidoscope of colorful leaves both on the trail and in the trees. The well-maintained trail has numerous switchbacks making sure the trip up the side of this heavily-wooded ravine requires no climbing. In a couple of places, where switchbacks won’t work, there are wooden stairways. You may have to climb over a fallen tree or two. There is a lookout at the top, but if the trees have leaves, the view is blocked.

 

Dugualla State Park Property

Address: 799 E Sleeper Rd, Oak Harbor, 98277

This state park property (although not an officially-listed state park) offers a complex of hiking trails including a 3-mile (round trip) hike to the beach.  To do that, from the parking lot take the North Trail through the forest.  At the “Big Tree” turn left and descend to the water and views of La Conner.  There are 10 parking spots and the Discover Pass is required.

 

Earth Sanctuary

Address: 2059 Newman Rd, Langley, 98260

Earth Sanctuary is a peaceful retreat where people can walk through nature and visit sacred spaces as part of their own personal renewal and spiritual connection. Indeed, the land, itself is experiencing renewal with a 500-year plan to restore the acreage to a mature old-growth forest. There are two miles of trails leading through woods and wetlands. The sacred spaces include an authentic Buddhist Stupa, a Dolmen, Ley Line Sculpture, a Fen Stone Circle and more. Admission is $7.00 per person, payable at Earth Sanctuary or online.  An annual pass is $35.00 per person. Tours with Founder Chuck Pettis are also available. There is also a retreat center available for individual and small group rental. To preserve the peace and not disturb wildlife, no dogs are allowed.

 

Garry Oak Tree Tour

Address: 950 SE Jensen St, Oak Harbor, 98277

Take a self-guided walking downtown Oak Harbor walking tour of the Garry Oaks that give the city its name.

1. The “Oak Bowl Tree” is estimated to be 226 years old.
2. A large collection at the Presbyterian Church*.
3. At Whidbey Playhouse* this tree is 231 years old.
4. Called the “Avenue of the Oaks” and known as “the oak in the middle of the street” it was saved by Dorothy Neil.
5. “Impressive Diameter Oak” across from Calvary Chapel at a private residence*.
6.  Smith Park boasts the largest public Garry oak grove with over 150 mature trees and interpretive signs. The only park in the state composed entirely of Garry oaks. Also, note the mural on Jensen Street.
7. Next to city hall sit a trio of young trees planted in 1998.
8. Two oaks each with three trunks; also former site of Jerome Ely’s house, Oak Harbor’s first mayor in 1915*.
9. Near post office, the stump of the “Grand Old Oak” which grew from 1684-2014 (330 years old).
10. Estimated 45 year-old tree in Windjammer Park near the flagpole. Enjoy the many newly-planted Garry oaks in the park.

The tour brochure is also available for free download on the society’s website.  Garry Oak Society

 

Greenbank Farm

Address: 765 Wonn Rd, Greenbank, 98253

Art, Food, Shopping, Wetlands, and Trails

Greenbank Farm is a special treasure for Whidbey Island and a must-stop for visitors.  This former farm boasts a cafe, and several shops.  On the grounds, there’s a demonstration garden, and several dog-friendly walking trails.  The farm was once the largest grower of Loganberries and the cafe features Loganberry pies as well as others kinds of pie.  The farm is also a great place for birdwatching with harriers, eagles, red tailed hawks, yellowthroats, marsh wrens, red winged blackbirds, swallows, herons, waterfowl and more!  There are also electric vehicle charging stations.

 

Hammons Family Farm Preserve

Address: 7712 Possession Rd, Clinton, 98236

Take this trail when you want a nature walk but aren’t looking for a hike.   The 9.5 acre preserve features a .25-mile long trail through a field and wetland.  There’s a bench a few hundred yards along the trail.  The land was donated to the Whidbey Camano Land Trust by the family of Alvin Hammons who dreamt the old family farm would be a place where people could, “rest their souls a while.”  There’s also plenty of parking.

 

Meerkerk Gardens

Address: 3531 Meerkerk Lane, Greenbank, 98253

Meerkerk Gardens features 10 acres of display gardens showcasing a renowned collection of rhododendrons and specimen trees. The gardens also include an additional 43 acres of natural woodlands, three ponds and miles of trails to explore. Open daily 9-4.

 

Oak Harbor Heritage & Waterfront Trails

Address: 450 SW Bayshore Dr, Oak Harbor, 98277

Walk the Oak Harbor waterfront.  From Scenic Heights Road you can walk through the Freund Marsh to Windjammer Park.  The paved trails take you 1.1 miles to Flintstone Park.  From there you optionally head another 1.1 miles to the Oak Harbor Marina.

 

Price Sculpture Forest

Address: 678 Parker Rd., Coupeville, 98239

Sculptures from established artists from all over the country greet you along two forest trails. One moment you may be greeted by a graceful eagle, or entertained by a kinetic sculpture dancing in the wind. The next moment could be one of whimsey and wonder being greeted by a driftwood T-Rex or a very real and curious deer. This enchanting 16-acre park is sure to  bring back an inner sense of wonder at this amazing combination of nature and art. Many of these unique and fascinating sculptures are available for sale. Admission is free, donations are requested. 

 

South Whidbey Community Park Trails

Address: 5495 Maxwelton Rd, Langley, 98260

Nestled between the South Whidbey Sports Complex and the Community Park is a complex of woodland trails that are the South Whidbey Community Park Trails.  The trails are easy and hard-packed, making them good year-round options.  If it’s your first time, consider taking a map, as there are lots of options and lots of turns.  As a plus, the Community Park features the Castle Park Playground, a kid favorite, making this an ideal family walk.  There is plenty of parking at either park.  Trails are open 7:00 a.m. to dusk.  You can find more information at the South Whidbey Parks and Recreation website here.

 

Strawberry Point Preserve Trail

Address: 2459 Strawberry Point Rd, Oak Harbor, 98277

The moderately difficult 1.6 mile-long trail takes you through a mix of forest, wetlands, and meadow and sits among 208 acres of land preserved by the Whidbey Camano Land Trust.  There is parking for 10 cars off of Strawberry Point Road.

 

Trillium Community Forest

Address: Pacific Dogwood Drive, Greenbank, 98253

The Trillium Community Forest has a complex of trails covering seven miles throughout more than 700 forested acres.  Trails range from narrow paths to old dirt roads to paved streets.  The story of how the region came together to save this from development is quite remarkable.  It was so late in the game that several streets had been paved and lots had already been drawn.  The paved streets make for a great vehicle-free bike riding location.

There are three entrances to the Forest, the map denotes the easiest to find, just off SR 525.

Please note that the area is closed to non-hunters during deer season.

Protection is a joint effort by the Whidbey Camano Land Trust, community, and Island County.

 

Waterman Shoreline Preserve

Address: 5757 S Summerhill Dr, Langley, 98260

Looking for something that’s more of a stroll than a hike?  The Waterman Shoreline Preserve Trail is a short .3 miles each way.  The paved surface makes this an idea outing for strollers, wheelchairs, etc.  However, some might find it a bit steep.  Located a between Langley and the Clinton Ferry, this trail makes for an idea first stop, or last-stop for visitors short on time.  Mature trees loom over the trail and there is a peek-a-boo view of Saratoga Passage.  Its bluff location makes it an idea place for bird-watching and there are interpretive signs explaining the nature and history of the preserve.

 

Wilbert Trail – South Whidbey State Park

Address: 4128 S Smugglers Cove Rd, Greenbank, 98249

The largest stand of old-growth trees at the south end of Whidbey Island greets you on this trail. Running only .8 miles, the trail rises and dips through a forest that was saved from logging.  Among the great trees you’ll see is a 500 year-old Douglas Fir. You’ll also walk through a “Floating Forest” where water is moving all through the forest.  This truly is a special trail.