Ebey’s Landing was beautiful as usual. Vault toilets in the upper lot in good shape. Be sure to take the Pratt Loop around the prairie. Wild roses smell sweet and there are about a million buds ready to bloom.
Lots of birds today. About 3/4 of the way along the bluff there is a big old tree that looks like a good sitting spot. I looked for snakes and bugs and decided to take a seat. After a bit I started to feel itchy. I stood up and realized the old tree is infested with big black ants that hide in the holes when they see you looking! I don’t know if I got but but I’m still itchy just thinking about it. The trail is in good shape but you do have to push through some foliage that leans into the trail. I wish I put on bug spray before the hike. I did douse myself before getting back in the car. Flowers, birds and that amazing view. 10/10!

We lucked out with the rain. It was soggy and pouring when we left home but when we crossed onto Whidbey Island, the rain stopped. It did spit on us the last 15 minutes on the beach walk back. Wind was not too bad either. Only two other cars when we arrived and a full lot with cars lining the road when we got back. The bathrooms had just been cleaned and stocked when we arrived. 
We hiked up to the bluff and then took the trail that goes along the ponds on the way back before crossing over to the beach. We have never been on this the pond trail before and it was so nice! Lots and lots of flowers! Pinks, purples, yellows galore! The flowers are most abundant near the end of the bluffs by the switchbacks. We were here almost a month ago and had seen maybe half the amount of flowers as this time. When the sun comes out next week, I think the flowers will really be popping! Also, lots of birds today. We had two eagles fly right over us. Lots of sparrows around the pond. There were also gulls, robins, red winged black birds and killdeer. 

Flowers seen:

• -yarrow
• -yellow sand verbena
• -Oregon sunshine
• -nootka rose
• -California poppy
• -common vetch
• -sea thrift
• -field mustard
• -English plantains
• -sierra pea
• -white campion
• -meadow death camas
• -shortspur seablush
• -common lomation
• -field chickweed
• -beach pea
• -barestem biscuitroot
• -false lily of the valley
• -purple sanicle
• -hairy vetch
• -black vetch
• -tomcat clover
• -yellow bush lupine
• -searocket
• -gum weed
• -balsamroot
• -red campion
• -silver weed
• -river bank lupine
• -dove foot geranium
• -miniature lupine

Perfect day on Whidbey Island, abundant sunshine despite “mostly cloudy” forecast.

Began my hike at the cemetery parking lot, which was full at 12.45 pm, but I managed to get a spot. Restrooms are in a good condition but running out of supplies.

I’ve hiked here countless times, and Ebey’s Landing never disappoints. Sweeping views from the bluffs, turquoise waters, chilly breeze, and pleasant beach walk - this trail is a perfect spring hike.

1.5 hrs from car to car.

I hiked with Outside Nancy so I will not repeat the details in her excellent report. The trail we followed is dirt or sand, mostly a gentle slope through grass and wildflowers on the bluff. There are steps or switchbacks to transition from the bluff to the shore. An enjoyable loop route can be done in either direction, or you can remain on one level and retrace your steps. This option makes this trail good for all ability hikers. You will enjoy expansive views in every direction, and no traffic noise!

We had a great hike to Ebey’s Landing today, starting from the parking area of Ebey’s Landing Historical Reserve Office adjacent to Sunnyside Cemetery. No cars were in the lot when we pulled in at 10:00.  The vault toilet building was open, clean and stocked with supplies.  The 2 historical buildings on site were closed.  It was 58 degrees with partially cloudy skies. Our 5+ mile route followed the Ebey’s Prairie Ridge Trail,  R on the Bluff Trail, down to the beach and the Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve along the beach to Robert Pratt Reserve.  Spring is a great time to see spring wildflowers and lots of birds!  Red winged blacked birds and white crown sparrows loved the yellow mustard and mouse eared chickweed.  A highlight was 8 soaring bald eagles just above the bluff trail.  Many shore birds were floating along the surface - gulls, cormorants, Megnazers and more.  The real spring wildflower display is just starting.  We saw mustard, common stork’s bill, Oregon grape, lupine, vetch, camas, Oregon grape and more.  Trail traffic was super light, more folks were walking on the beach starting from the Ebey’s Landing drive up beach access. As the day progressed the clouds parted and mostly sunny, with alow tide and we had a leisurely beach lunch on the driftwood logs. The Olympics were mostly cloud covered but it was fun watching the different ships coming and going out in the shipping channel.  Another fantastic day out in nature with friends.