So, where could we go for a quiet, one-day island getaway? Say, a 20-minute ferry ride away? A low-cost mini-cruise with sunshine and mountains on the horizon? And when we get there, maybe a walk on the beach or an easy hike with the kids among tall trees, spring flowers and bunnies? Perhaps even see a whale?
For restless Snohomish Countians, there is such a place, and it’s surprisingly easy to get to. The parks, trails, beaches, and small-town ambiance of south Whidbey Island are indeed just a quick ferry ride away, making it an ideal springtime destination. If it’s your first visit, aim for the historic waterfront town of Langley.
Getting to Whidbey Island
Most will drive onto the ferry in Mukilteo. Boats depart for Clinton every 30 minutes or so and run both early and late. On nicer weekends, go early to avoid or minimize any wait times. A typical car with two adults costs under $20 each way. Kids 18 and under travel free. Find the schedule and ticket information here.
It’s also possible to walk onto the ferry and catch a free Island Transit bus to Langley. It will take some planning, but the bus will even drop you at several of the enjoyable parks and trailheads. Check here for details.
On the ferry ride, keep a sharp lookout for whale spouts, especially if you see other passengers all looking and pointing at something in the water. Gray whales are commonly seen off south Whidbey Island in early spring. Though much less common, orca sightings are also possible. The Whale Center in Langley posts recent sightings in the region on their Facebook page.
Once you’re on the island, you’ll have plenty of choices for great hikes and beach walks. My new guidebook, Hiking Island County, lists many of them, along with directions, difficulty, what to see, and the best times to visit.
For family-friendly hiking, it’s hard to beat the well-maintained paths at South Whidbey Community Park or the Wilbert Trail at South Whidbey State Park.
South Whidbey Community Park
Several miles of looped paths lead through beautiful forest and around the ballfields. For a good place to start, check out the easy Waterman Trail, and add the Westling Loop and/or Falcon Loop for a bit more of a hike. To reach the park from the ferry dock, drive SR 525 3.4 miles to Maxwelton Road and turn right. Watch for the park sign on the right in 0.7 miles.
For Waterman, park in the first lot on the left, or beyond if it’s full. You’ll find a map here and at the trailhead. The restrooms are in the building between the ballfields.
South Whidbey State Park
The Wilbert Trail loops through an impressive old-growth forest that was nearly lost to logging 50 years ago. The 1.6-mile loop begins just across the road from the South Whidbey State Park entrance and is well-signed. From Clinton, drive SR 525 for 10 miles and turn left on Bush Point Road, which becomes Smugglers Cove Road. Continue 4.8 miles to the park. A Discover Pass is required.
The trail is hilly with some muddy spots, but it is mostly in good condition. The nearby Forest Discovery Trail is also worth a walk.
For beach walks, try Possession Sound Preserve, Double Bluff, or the Langley Waterfront. For Double Bluff especially, it’s essential to check the tide tables in advance to be sure a higher tide doesn’t nix your beach walk.
Possession Sound Preserve
From the ferry dock in Clinton, drive SR 525 west less than a half mile to Humphrey Street and turn left. In 1.7 miles, watch for the signed parking area for the preserve on the left. An excellent trail leads downhill to the beach in just over a half mile. Here is more about the preserve.
Double Bluff
Double Bluff is perfect for beach exploring at lower tides. A walk of up to two miles each way is possible, although most of the beach is an off-leash area for friendly dogs. You’ll also be walking below high, eroding bluffs, so you should stay well back from the base in case something happens to fall from above.
If you venture more than a short distance, be sure to check the tide tables so you don’t risk getting stranded by a higher tide. From Clinton, drive SR 525 for 8.1 miles to Double Bluff Road. Turn left and find the parking area for the beach two miles ahead.
Langley’s Historic Waterfront
You surely don’t want to miss Langley’s quaint downtown adjacent to Possession Sound. Every year in early spring or even later, gray whales are frequently spotted from the walkways above the water. Stop by the Whale Center near First Street and Anthes Avenue for the latest sightings. You can also learn about the marine life of the Salish Sea, check out the displays, underwater sounds, and a variety of gift items.
Then walk to the corner for the “Whale Bell” and access to the beach. Avoid walking too far out on the flats due to soft sand and mud.
From South Whidbey Community Park (above), drive north another 2.5 miles to reach the downtown area. You can easily spend hours, if not days, browsing Langley’s shops, galleries, cafes, and coffee shops. Interpretive signs share the colorful history of this unique “village by the sea.”
Ken Wilcox has been hiking Snohomish and Island County trails for decades. He is the author of “Hiking Snohomish County“—140 Hikes and Walks from the North Cascades to the Salish Sea, and his newest guide, “Hiking Island County”—60 Hikes and Walks on Whidbey and Camano Islands. The books are available online and at many local bookstores and gift shops.
