This is a really nice winter hike/walk for a sunny day. No snow involved and the views are gorgeous. Not much elevation and thus you can make the round trip in about 2 hours. I would recommend heading there in the afternoon so that the sun has burned through the fog. Pics - http://sdrv.ms/1fh5mip

Walked the loop at Ebey's Landing up over the bluff and back down the trail along the side of Perego's Lake Saturday morning. The trail is in great shape - trees and native rose shrubs nicely brushed back. There are several new areas where the hillside is slumping - wouldn't be surprised we loose the north most turn of the old switchback down to the beach this winter. The views were as awesome as always. If you have never done this relatively easy, close in hike, put it on your list.

Got a little nervous with all the clouds that were sitting on Baker, which was our original destination, so we decided to look at alternates. Checked the forecast for Whidbey Island and it looked great. We went to Ebey's Landing and had a glorious day in the sunshine. Did the loop from the beach parking lot and enjoyed sheer beauty the whole way. No, it isn't the alpine, but what a beautiful West Coast day.

Directions: Take Sherman Rd from Hwy 20, head west toward Sunnyside Cemetery and park at the Prairie Lookout. Parking is usually available, but a day or annual Discovery Pass is required. Walk down the slope to the SW and find trail through black berry bushes. Trail comes out at gravel road, turn R, and walk along the road toward the water. At end of road a trail is visible off to right--follow this to fence opening where a blockhouse sits or follow trail further as it turns to the left and parallels a farmer's fence. This trail across farmland will connect with the bluff trail. Today's Observations: I saw at least 3-4 different flowers along the trail as well as 2-3 garder snakes crossing my path. I passed 5 groups of hikers heading in the opposite direction and two groups of joggers passed me, but the hike still delivered plenty of solitude. Wow, so much open space, so much blue, so much clean air, and so much beauty! Insects are negligible. The trail is narrow and sandy. In some areas the wild roses are close; beware of thorns. There are some interesting remnants of old growth and even a cactus or two. This was a rare day of high temps, 78-80's, and no wind. (I usually wear a hood or a hat that can't blow off.) I walked to the end of the trail--literally--where you'll discover a sign that says "End of Trail". I took the same route en reverse to my car and I'm guessing that the distance totaled 5.5-6.0 miles. Time: This hike took me 1 hr 50 minutes to complete and I kept a steady pace. If I park in the lot at the end of Ebey Landing Road, then the round trip takes me 1 hr 10 minutes at a fairly brisk pace. By round trip I mean staying on the bluff going out and coming back (not returning via the shoreline which can also be fun and a real workout for the feet and ankles.) Warnings: I've never seen children younger than 12 years old on this trail.--Probably too dangerous due to trail being positioned on the edge of a very steep open slope. There is no mud nor rocks on the trail--just hard packed sand and dirt. However, I do recommend a trekking pole or two. Off-road jogging shoes are all you need for footwear as heavy hiking boots are not necessary. Still, one could slip on the downgrade sections of the trail if precautions are not taken.

It was chilly and windy under the fog bank down on the beach and we were unprepared spending quite a while lee of one of the driftwood shelters enjoying some relaxation. Up on the bluff trail the sun was out. Quite a beautiful place!