I love the rain shadow. It was raining everywhere else but it was dry at Ebey's Landing on Saturday morning. Very windy - 35 knot sustained - have to watch yourself on the trail areas closest to the steepest drop offs. The seagulls were playing in the updrafts off the bluffs. No problems with the trail though the tide was high and the waves were large so you had to watch the surf to make sure you didn't get your boots wet. We even had a couple kite surfers out playing right off the beach.

This hike is well-described in Craig Romano's "Day Hiking South Cascades" and in his "Winter Hikes of Western Washington Deck". I carried the card for this hike in my camera bag. We did the loop as described by starting at the Prairie Overlook TH. Being in the rain shadow we were blessed with a dry hike. Although we had 35 MPH winds follow us throughout the hike we were warm as we had dressed for the occasion!:)! We had sunshine for our lunch break. 2 kite boarders were enjoying the winds at Ebey's Landing Wayside. Their agility added to the diversity of the hike. We saw several eagles who glided with the wind before suddenly soaring downward and upward to glide some more. A group of 2 bald and 2 juveniles were seen often. We enjoyed this 5.6 mile loop and hope to return on a clear day when the Olympics can be seen!

Three of us hiked the route beginning across the road from the cemetary and once getting to the low bluff above the beach we proceeded north gaining elevation going up the high bluff. The trail along the bluff had a very slick mud that at times had us walking on the edge of the path. At about a mile and passing above Perego's Lagoon a trail descends to the beach and we completed the route going south and back up the bluff. There are great views of both the Cascades and the Olympics and Rainier.

For those weekends when the snow keeps you out of the hills, this is always a wonderful destination. I saw bald eagles on the way, and hawks soaring over the prairie area. Definitely take your time and read the information kiosks at various points to really get the most out of the historical value of this hike. Also, don't be shy to look into the graveyard at the trailhead, as there is more information there and another blockhouse. Whether it is sunny or foggy and cloudy out, this is a rewarding trail!

Took our doggie Max to Whidbey for the day started at Double Buff, then hit South Whidbey and ended at Fort Ebey due to WTA's hike of the week. It was in the rain shadow as predicted. I had been here once before and love it, so much to see. Lake, Beach, old fort, great trail, not much else you can ask for, oh I know only a handfull of people! Good Times for everyone. Both my boys were tuckered out and sleeping on the drive home.