Location: Whidbey Island.
Length: Several miles of beach and forest trails.
Level of difficulty: Level-to-moderate dirt/gravel trails; forest trails can be mucky after rains.
Setting: This beautiful 112-acre park encompasses over 3,000 feet of shoreline on the west side of Whidbey Island. You can take a long walk along the beach, or climb a short grassy hill above the beach picnic area to access the forest trails. The closest trail to the beach (behind the vault toilet) follows along a level and verdant ridge through a second-growth forest of mostly fir, cedar and hemlock, flecked by huckleberry bushes (no views). Although the park technically closes in the fall due to limited staff, you're still welcome to visit (see parking change below).
Highlights: This serene park is less-known than some of the other state parks farther to the south on Whidbey Island, and offers a great place to get away for some contemplative beach walking (also a good storm-watching site in winter). It's also a stop on the Cascadia Marine Trail for kayakers. Ripples quietly lap the sand and gravel beach, the water stretches far out toward the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the grassy hill above the beach is often dotted by grazing brown bunnies. The variety of habitats attracts a wide variety of birds, and birdsong is noticeable here.
Facilities: Vault toilets and water (closed Oct 1-April 1).
Restrictions: Leash and scoop laws in effect. Watch for nettles on the sides of the forest trails.
Directions: From Highway 20 on Whidbey Island, just south of Oak Harbor, turn left on Swantown Road, and go about three miles. The park entrance is on the right just before the shore. When the park is closed from Oct. 1 to April 1, drive past the chained-off park entrance, park near the beach, where the road curves left, and walk into the park.
For more information: 360-678-4636 or www.parks.wa.gov.
— Cathy McDonald, Special to The Seattle Times
Cathy McDonald, a Renton-based freelance writer, is a regular contributor to Northwest Weekend.
