Things to Do on Whidbey

Paddling Penn Cove

Imagine starting your day paddling Penn Cove with salt-kissed air, sunshine, and a kayak waiting just steps from your front door. On Whidbey Island, that’s not a dream, it’s everyday life for locals and visitors at the historic Coupeville Wharf! The Wharf The wharf dates to the early 1900s and once served as a crucial […]
The Colonel’s House

In a word, The Colonel’s House is imposing. Not in a scary way, but in a “yes sir, right away sir” kind of way. Once the commanding officer’s quarters at Fort Casey, this grand 1904 home stands with the quiet authority of a place that’s seen things yet still manages to keep its porch pristine. […]
Deception Pass

Deception Pass derives its name from its complex and tricky currents that can deceive mariners. It is notorious for its powerful and unpredictable tidal currents that can shift rapidly. Mariners, unfamiliar with the area often found themselves deceived by the challenging conditions. Navigating through the pass required skill and local knowledge to avoid dangerous whirlpools, […]
The Driftwood Journey

Have you ever wondered how driftwood ends up lining the beaches of Whidbey Island? If so, keep reading to discover the driftwood journey. The driftwood Journey Driftwood embarks on an intriguing journey to Whidbey Island. It originates in the lush Pacific Northwest mountains, where rainwater and snowmelt begin their journey downstream. These waters meander through […]

Paddling Penn Cove Imagine starting your day paddling Penn Cove with salt-kissed air, sunshine, and a kayak waiting just steps from your front door. On Whidbey Island, that’s not a dream, it’s everyday life for locals and visitors at the historic Coupeville Wharf! The Wharf The wharf dates to the early 1900s and once served as a crucial […]

The Colonel’s House In a word, The Colonel’s House is imposing. Not in a scary way, but in a “yes sir, right away sir” kind of way. Once the commanding officer’s quarters at Fort Casey, this grand 1904 home stands with the quiet authority of a place that’s seen things yet still manages to keep its porch pristine. […]

Deception Pass Deception Pass derives its name from its complex and tricky currents that can deceive mariners. It is notorious for its powerful and unpredictable tidal currents that can shift rapidly. Mariners, unfamiliar with the area often found themselves deceived by the challenging conditions. Navigating through the pass required skill and local knowledge to avoid dangerous whirlpools, […]

The Driftwood Journey Have you ever wondered how driftwood ends up lining the beaches of Whidbey Island? If so, keep reading to discover the driftwood journey. The driftwood Journey Driftwood embarks on an intriguing journey to Whidbey Island. It originates in the lush Pacific Northwest mountains, where rainwater and snowmelt begin their journey downstream. These waters meander through […]

Cranberry Lake Nestled within the breathtaking expanse of Deception Pass Park on Whidbey Island, discover Cranberry Lake. There is a phenomenon at Cranberry Lake where the fresh waters are separated from the saltwater of the Salish Sea. The two are separated by a relatively thin strip of sand. This serene lake offers more than picturesque views; it’s […]

A Perfect Day Trip Looking for a perfect day trip that blends scenic beauty, small-town charm, outdoor adventures, and a healthy dose of local flavor? Look no further than Whidbey Island. Discover this hidden gem just north of Seattle that feels a world away. From the moment your ferry glides across the water, or you cross the iconic Deception […]

Finding Community on Whidbey Island Moving to Whidbey Island offers more than just a change of scenery, it’s an invitation to join a warm and welcoming community. Getting involved in local groups and activities is one of the best ways to meet people, stay active, and feel at home quickly. Here are some great places to start: Join a Run […]

Bowman Bay Photograph provided by @PNWBirdie Bowman Bay, located in the stunning Deception Pass State Park, is a place steeped in history and natural beauty. For generations, this serene bay has been a source of wonder and a haven for explorers, families, and nature enthusiasts alike. Its tranquil waters, framed by rugged shores, provide more than just […]

A Spooktacular Halloween on Whidbey As the crisp autumn air starts to settle in and leaves beneath our feet begin to crunch, we start to feel our tingling spidery senses letting us know that Halloween is creeping closer. It is time to conjure up some devilishly delightful pumpkin carvings and have some fall fun! Whether you are a seasoned pumpkin […]

Ebey’s House at Ebey’s Landing After making the trek across the Oregon Trail in the early 1850s to reunite with their son Isaac, Jacob, Sarah, and their children Mary, Ruth, and Winfield began building their home atop what we call today “Ebey’s Landing” in Coupeville. This scenic location looked over the incredible Admiralty Inlet and to their son Issac’s home […]

Boating Under Deception Pass Have you ever thought about boating under Deception Pass? Deception Pass stretches over three islands creating two channels of water. The smaller narrower passage named Canoe Pass tends to be used for those traveling in kayaks as it is roughly only 30 feet in width. While both are framed by high rocky sides the larger […]

Paragliding at Fort Ebey Whidbey Island’s unique terrain offers some of the best opportunities for paragliding. One of the best places to go paragliding is Fort Ebey State Park. Follow along to discover why: Scenic Beauty: Fort Ebey State Park boasts stunning coastal views and picturesque landscapes, making it an ideal backdrop for paragliding. You’ll soar above lush forests, […]

Admiralty Light House History Photo by: @pnwdeparture If you’re sailing into Admiralty Inlet from the open ocean Point Wilson sits to the West of you and Admiralty Head to the East. This entrance to the vast inland waters of Puget Sound is marked by lighthouses on either side to alert ship traffic at night. Let’s review some of Admiralty […]

Fort Ebey State Park Fort Ebey State Park is so much more than just a pretty picture. These remnants of an old gun emplacement from 1942 overlook Admiralty Inlet and create the perfect recipe for a trip back in time. During World War II, this battery with underground rooms was dug into the high bluff as a defensive fort. […]

Sunset at Deception Pass State Park Destination Deception Pass! Have you ever stopped for a sunset at Deception Pass State Park? This image, taken from Pass Island looking out towards Deception Island at sunset, is one of the glorious scenes that keep Deception Pass the #1 most visited park in all of Washington State! There are so many ways to enjoy […]

Fort Casey Forts The coast artillery post displays of Fort Casey State Park includes four inactive historic guns atop bunkers, dark tunnels underneath and control towers to climb. It creates an opportunity for both historical education and exploration. One of three forts built in the 1890’s, Fort Casey is part of the “Triangle of fire” safeguarding the entrance […]

Coupeville Whale Bell Make your way down the Coupeville Wharf and into the big red building at the end. Your reward can be seen by looking up! A ceiling display of Rosie the Whale, Handsome Samson the Stellar sea lion, and Rudy the Dall’s porpoise greets you! You can also enjoy Harbor Gifts, The Cove Outfitters along with […]

Random Acts of Kindness Performing random acts of kindness can be a great way to brighten someone’s day and make the world a better place. The best part is that these acts of kindness don’t have to be big or extravagant – even small gestures can make a big impact. We have compiled five simple things you can do […]

A Trip Through Whidbey’s History Whidbey has history? It must; there are museums here. Compared to any place in Europe it can seem that there’s no real history here; but, Whidbey has had visitors for thousands of years. Follow along with us as we take a trip through Whidbey’s history. The island was built from some of the newest geology: […]

Graffiti Wall West Beach Some call it graffiti while others call it art. Regardless, this iconic Whidbey Island slab of cement that sits perpendicular to the water on West Beach has become quite popular. Next to the West Beach County Park, it is the remains of a mostly washed away Bulkhead. Now, passers-by can enjoy an ever-changing canvas of […]