What a great area we live in. Three days ago I was snowshoing in a thirteen degree temperature on a clear day with dry fluffy snow and then hike in a beach environment in near shirt sleeve conditions. Not a Spring day but it was approaching it just for today on the north sound. We began going north on the beach and then returning on bluff trail. We were in between tides with the tide going out so there was lots of beach to hike on. We came across a few washed up gumboot chitons, the giants of the species, laying on the beach. Going up the bluff trail we ran into lots of muddy sections on the ascent and along the ridge. It was a bit hazy in the distance with just a faint Mount Rainier to the south and Mount Baker was cloud covered. The Olympics were in and out of the clouds and Glacier and Three Fingers were quite prominent to the east. I once again found the Brittle Prickly Pear Cactus I had first discovered a couple hikes back and I hope to come back in about June to see it in blossom. We also came across two examples of the Whidbey Island Rocks painted by the Nelson's. We left them for others to find.

This weekend was great weather for a casual winter hike. The beach parking lot was almost full on arrival, but the trail was never crowded. There are some slippery muddy parts along the bluff, but it's fine as long as you watch your step. The views from the top were really incredible. I can't wait to visit this place again!

Went on a beautiful, winter day. Cool and crisp, with stunning views, this was a lovely, and easy, hike. This is also a popular hike, as we always had someone in view, but quiet enough and you are so occupied by the views, other people don't matter too much. Took layers for the chill, but found the hike a pleasant walk along the cliffs and then finished on the beach. Trail can be slippery with the black mud, so be aware of your footing, but pet and child friendly and did I mention the beautiful scenery? Great way to start off the year!

This is a good option on a clement winter's day. Big horizons and nice light; reminded us of English countryside. Long enough to provide a good workout.

A rare snowfall on Whidbey totally changed the profile of this hike! What is normally a busy, temperate walk became a study in quiet with navy and gray tones. Steady snow fell the entire hike, with about 2 inches accumulated by the end of it. In fact, it was still snowing by the time I got back on the ferry, though I highly doubt it lasted past nightfall. A lot of birds were out and about in the snow. I scared a flock of grouse on the prairie trail, and spotted a bald eagle, sandpipers, Brandt's cormorants, hooded mergansers and some sort of grebe species closer to the bluff and on the beach. While this hike is great in the spring and summer, I was absolutely delighted to do it in snow. So unexpected, but absolutely lovely!