Beautiful views! Small crowd, but not bad. Easy to park even arriving midday

We have almost always saved Ebey’s Landing for winter days when not skiing midweek, or spring days, I guess this is a busy trail after all. Even with the crowds it was cool to be able to finally see the visitors center and my son and daughter were interested in some of the history and wildlife information.

The kids were happy to walk the majority of the trail along the fields of purple vetch, dandelions, wild roses, pineapple weed, and harvest brodedias, while identifying song birds and shore birds. We had a few snack breaks and plenty of beach exploration checking out interesting rocks and driftwood forts but we ended up finishing the hike and having time to wander the Price Sculpture Forest in the rain. Some of the Rhododendrons are blooming and the art is engaging and beautiful. 

Saturday was a gorgeous, warm day to be outside. As an occasional visitor to Whidbey Island, I've had family take me to Ebey's Landing many times over the years. But they've always started at the western parking lot along the water. And we've hiked the loop, up along the bluff and back down across the shore (roughly 3.5 altogether...I think).

Because of the map on this site, I got curious about the other end, where Ebey's Landing National Historic Reserve Visitor Center is. Now having seen it, if I'd settled here 200 years ago, as Ebey did, I'd probably have picked this post for my house too. The hilltop view is spectacular, and the current caretakers of these original buildings help keep this island's rich history alive and well. The walk from parking lot to the bluff point is a lovely, level, 0.8 miles along a well-heeled, mostly single-track dirt path. The flowers down the hillside on the ocean side were popping up and you can see Mt. Rainier and the Olympics in one, quick swivel of the head.

A great, quick stroll with little ones or elders -- with plenty of spots for a grassy picnic -- or pop in to Ebey's well preserved original home (open Friday, Sat and Sun) and see how the region's original homesteaders lived and thrived.

Wow, the views! All mtns in sight, Rainier, Baker, Olys, MLH mtns and far off Vancouver Island. I don't think I have ever had such a good day on this hike in a long time. We parked at the top, hiked down the steps, along the beach and up the bluff. The tide was out so the sand was easy to walk on. The bluff trail is a bit overgrown and could stand a weed whip. The trail is narrow and there is a gully in the middle in spots. Just be aware that if you have a dog you will have to pull completely off to let someone pass. We saw lots of little birds in the grass and along the beach. There were lots of little flowers in the grass, lots of roses, yarrow and the daisy family was well represented. CA poppies seem to be moving in, we saw a few clumps. It is interesting when you have hiked a trail for many years, you begin to notice the subtle changes. The big driftwood picture long on the bluff, no more. The driftwood bird/Cougar logo shape on the beach is falling apart and the roses and grass is taking over where there used to be so much lupine. No sign of any lupine at all, no foliage and no seedpods. I miss that, it used to be so beautiful. If you park at the top, no pass needed (loo clean and stocked) and if you park at the bottom, it's a state park and you need a Discover Pass (loo clean and stocked today) 

Got to check this off my list today- and am writing this report while on the ferry home. Late start (4:30pm) meant we had to trail almost to ourselves, only passed a few other hikers. Parked at the cemetery- no pass needed & there is a restroom there (with TP & hand sanitizer). The Bluff Trail is narrow/single track. The beach was mostly compact which made for easy walking- thankfully! Beautiful hike although a bit of a journey from South Seattle (left home at 1pm & will get home at 10:15ish). But it was my Mother’s Day treat to myself :)