Explore the Reserve in Central Whidbey Island

Ebey’s Reserve, in the heart of Island County, is one of the largest national historic districts in the nation, with boundless opportunities for adventure and recreation. Hiking, paddling, biking, diving, sailing, camping, kite flying, dog walking, bird watching, whale watching, fishing, dining and shopping all within the Reserve. There are over thirty miles of Island County trails, spectacular public beaches, and nationally significant birding all within a short trip from the ferry landing. No matter how you choose to enjoy the Reserve, please remember that it’s part of Island County as well as part of the National Park Service. The land throughout the part of the county is mostly privately owned and farmed.

Respect farmers and property owners by following posted signs and staying out of fields - even fields that seem empty can contain sensitive crops.

5 Things to do in the Central Whidbey Area of Island County:

Camping at Rhododendron Park & Camp Casey ~
Take a self-guided tour of the Price Sculpture Park - open 7 days a week~
Dogs need to be on leash when out and about in the Reserve, but not at the Patmore Dog Park! Take your pooch to work off some of that energy~
Pacific Rim Institute for Environmental Stewardship offers visitors some great trails to walk and the opportunity to learn about native plants~
Ebey’s Landing is not just a state park, it’s also part county, and is a great place to go for a beach walk, collect shells, fly a kite and have a picnic~

Hiking in the Reserve

The Reserve’s partners offer many miles of walks and trails, and many connect park and recreation areas. The Bluff Loop Trail is one of the most popular and features spectacular views. The Kettles Recreation Area borders Fort Ebey State Park and offers a network of pedestrian, mountain biking and horseback riding trails. Pick up an Ebey’s Reserve Trail Map at the Island County Museum, the Chamber of Commerce, Fort Casey & Fort Ebey State Parks, and at the Cottage at Sunnyside.
When hiking in the Reserve, note that you must be prepared to “Pack it In, Pack it Out,” as there are no waste can receptacles.
If hiking with your pet, please remember that all dogs must be on leash, bring additional water for your pet and be prepared to pick up your pup’s poop and take it with you.

Directional sign along trail. — **The Pratt Loop Trail & Kettle Spur:** An easy walk through a portion of the Pratt Preserve. Connects to the Kettles Recreation Trails system - a mixed use network with more than 30 miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails - and to the Ebey’s Prairie Ridge Trail.

Pratt Loop Trail: 1.3 miles (2.1km) round trip
Kettle Spur: .75 miles (1.2km) one way.

Hikers on steep bluff overlooking beach. — **Bluff Loop Trail:** A moderate to difficult hike along beach and bluff with some sections traversing a steep bluff edge. HIkers will see marine ecosystems and views of the strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains. Port Townsed is in the distance.

About 3.5 miles (5.6km) round trip from the trailhead at the State Park, and 5.5 miles from the Cottage at Sunnyside. Restrooms are available at Ebey’s Landing State Park and at the trailhead at the Cottage.

Trail with water and mountains in the distance. — **Ebey’s Prairie Ridge Trail:** An easy walk between active farm fields with spectacular views including Admiralty Inlet and the Olympic Mountains. Restrooms available at the trailhead at the Cottage and at Ebey’s Landing State Park.

About 0.3 miles (.5km) one way to the Jacob & Sarah Ebey House; About 0.8 miles (1.2km) to the Bluff Loop Trail connection one way.
Round Trip from the cottage including the Bluff Loop Trail is about 5.1 miles (8.2km).

Other Trail Hikes within the Reserve:

The Central Whidbey area of Island County offers a multi-purpose trail system called the Kettle Trails. Adjacent to Fort Ebey State Park, the Kettle Trails offer adventures for biking, hiking and horseback riding. For a map of the Kettle Trails system, visit Island County Parks & Recreation.

The Whidbey Camano Land Trust also offers hiking and recreational opportunities on protected lands within the Reserve. Krueger Woods features forested hiking and scenic views; the 15-acre Price Sculpture Forest combines land preservation with art and education; and, the three miles of hiking trails at Admiralty Inlet Natural Area Preserve features old growth forest and amazing views of the Olympic Mountains.