There were four cars at the Prairie Overlook trailhead when I arrived around 9:30am on this lovely sunny Wednesday. Toilets are open, clean and well stocked. 

Native wild roses are currently blooming all along the Prairie Ridge trail and parts of the Bluff Trail and smell heavenly, other wildflowers also currently blooming, including my favorite, lupine. This beautifully clear day allowed for views of Mount Baker and Rainier from the trail, along with the great expanse of the Puget Sound and Olympics. Saw (and heard) a wonderful variety of birds and butterflies, and even saw a seal swimming north along the coast. 

Always love this trail, as well as options nearby for post-hike noms! Today's journey concluded with a wonderful bite from Whidbey Island Bagel Factory in Oak Harbor. Happy Hiking!

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.