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!

Let hikeathon begin! This is some fine beachwalking! We took the trail from the bottom parking lot and did the beachwalk first. I recommend this if the tide is out as it was today. The sand will be easier to walk on. The marine layer was misting and low, so there were no views, but it was fun to listen to the waves, seagulls and foghorns of passing ships. The hardest part of the trail is climbing up a bit of sand at the end of the lagoon, as you head up the bluff. If you come from the cemetery follow the fence down, we met some people that had gotten lost on the way from the upper parking. Look for wishing rocks, the driftwood WSU cougar or dragon, dinosaur or? (picture below), watch the loons catch fish...whatever.

Began at Prairie Overlook and proceed out to Bluff Trail by Ebey's House. House was open for viewing and glad to see some visitors around. This house built in 1855 is a treasure. Worth the stop. Bluff Trail in good shape, hard packed and narrow in spots, but nothing too treacherous. Hiked with a dog but saw several families with small children out there. Did not proceed down to the beach north of Perego's Lagoon. Just hiked back the way we came. Nice assortment of wildflowers are still in bloom and barley in the fields.