It's hard to imagine that escaping the hustle and bustle of a city, to find yourself lost in the wide open saltwater lined roads of Whidbey island is only an hour commute time from Seattle, Wa.
You’ll drive north, to the quaint town of Mukilteo ,to catch the ferry over to the island and you’ll have an entire weekend to explore. Options include the majestic scenes of nature , trails galore; a bikers paradise, and a foodie's dream come true, all available to you on the popular island. Just an hour to escape the city!
A Road Trip is not a Road trip without an Itinerary, so here is mine. I’m happy to share! Feel free to adjust as you travel and make it your own, but I do believe these are some worthwhile stops on your adventures.
First Stop: Mukilteo/Everett
Birrieria Tijuana in Everett before catching the Mukilteo ferry for TACOS
Getting there: 205 E Casino Rd # B-19, Everett, WA 98208
What to Order: Cheese Tacos (these come w/ meat that falls apart it is delicious) Trust me!
Stop #2: Mukilto Ferry Dock
After devouring Tacos, you’ll head to the Mukilteo Ferry dock for a quick trip over to the Island. Park your car and go explore the Ferry to see the sites on deck. The Mukilteo Ferry terminal is one of the nicest I’ve been to.
How to get there: 910 Front st, Mukilteo Wa 98275
Check the schedule here for crossing times.
History of the State Park
“Fort Ebey State Park is a public recreation area occupying the site of former Fort Ebey on the West side of Whidbey Island, five miles west of Coupeville. The state park covers 651 acres overlooking the Straight of Juan de Fuca and lies within the Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve”
About the Hike
Some highlights you'll see on your hike:
- Wildflowers & Meadows
- Mountain views
- Wildlife
- The Coast
Good for kids? Yes!
Dogs? Yes, allowed on leash
Do I need a Discover Pass? Yes! - Get yours here
Elevation Gain: 260ft
Length: 5.6 miles rountrip
Highest Point: 260ft
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate hike
Getting There
From Mukilteo, take the ferry over to Clinton. Be aware that there is a toll associated with the ferry. Head north on SR-525 for 19 miles to a junction with SR-20.
Continue straight on for approx. 5 miles to the town of Coupeville, and continue north on SR-20 for approx. 1 mile. Turn left onto Sherman Road and continue until you reach a right turn for Cook Road. Drive to the end of Cook Road to the Prairie Overlook trailhead, located directly across from a cemetery.
Once You Arrive
There are two ways to access the Bluff Trail — either from the Prairie Overlook trailhead by the Sunnyside Cemetery, or from the seaside parking lot at the end of Ebey’s Landing Road. Hikers who desire a shorter beachside view and walk will want to begin at the parking lot off Ebey’s Landing Road.
Feeling more adventurous? Start from the Prairie Overlook. Keep in mind that both routes do take hikers through private property, so be respectful of property lines. A biker’s dream and Kites galore in the Spring and Summer months!
Once you arrive at the end of the Prairie Ridge Trail, you will come to a ‘T’ junction. If you take a right, it’ll be a steep incline, however it is a short hill to the summit with a breathtaking view of the saltwater beach below you.
You can walk along the bluff and enjoy the beautiful spring/summer wildflowers on the slope and tree lines trails. You’ll want to hike until you reach the switchbacks leading down to the beach. We saw many surfers and it was absolutely such a fun time. You’ll arrive at Ebey's landing parking lot from the beach.
This is where you’ll find the restrooms as well as brochures. If you start from this lot, you will need a Discover pass. All of the historical information is also found here and it is a fun time soaking up the knowledge.
Head north along the prairie to the junction you started at, and then turn right to return to the Prairie Overlook parking lot the same way you came. Enjoy! Happy adventuring.
Food & Drink
If you plan a hike it’s not a bad idea to grab some Coffee or a Smoothie at a lovely local cafe and bakery in Coupeville first!
Where: Sunshine Drip in Coupeville with homemade goodies and vegan friendly options as well. If you do visit, you can write a review and be entered in their drawing to win $500 for your review!
How to get there: 306 N Main St, Coupeville, WA 98239
We serve coffee and good food to fuel adventures. Enjoy a cup at Sunshine Drip or on the trail. Sunshine is a destination that has a deep love for the outdoors.
A Full day of Island adventuring is not complete without Lunch or Dinner at Callens Restaurant Coupeville, with locally sourced produce and meat/seafood ! Yum! AND They serve Breakfast All day, can you imagine…..
How to get there: Across the street from the Coupeville Ferry Dock
Location: 12981 State Route 20 Coupeville, Washington 98239
Ho Shaelynn,
It would be helpful if you included an image of its location on a map so if I want to check it out, I will know where I have to go.
Very much enjoy your newsletter. Thank you, and keep up the good work.
Regards,
Gregg
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