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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 dense forests, carrying branches and logs along the way. As they merge into larger rivers and flow into the Puget Sound, they slow down in estuaries and deltas, allowing the driftwood to gather. Then, the moon’s gravitational pull influences tides and currents, guiding this wood towards the shore. With each tidal cycle, the driftwood is deposited on the beaches, becoming a symbol of nature’s force and a canvas for the island’s inhabitants and visitors. These pieces shape the coastline and offer endless inspiration to creative minds, integrating seamlessly into the island’s landscape.
If this piques your interest, learn more about driftwood by reading: Driftwood that lines the beaches of Whidbey here.
Photo taken by: Tom Trimbath
Check out the rest of Whidbey’s beautiful destinations from this series here.
The Ferry House
When overlooking Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve in Coupeville, it is easy to spot the most iconic building in the reserve. The Ferry House. The house was built by Isaac Ebey’s family shortly after he was killed to help support Isaac’s sons. From the early 1860s to around 1900 the inn operated as a tavern, post office, grocery store, and hospitality inn for people traveling through Admiralty Inlet and to families who claimed Whidbey as their home. The National Park Service acquired it in 2000 and is committed to its preservation in partnership with Friends of Ebey.
Ebeys Landing
In 1850, local history was made on the shores of Whidbey Island when Isaac Ebey landed on a rocky westside beach and became the first official white settler on the island. With an entire island to choose from, Ebey couldn’t have done much better than the pristine pastureland of what is now known as Ebey’s Landing. This brilliant landscape is situated right at the southwestern side of Coupeville and features breathtaking views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountain range. The landing’s soft rolling hills blanketed in rich soil—perfect for cultivating crops—was this area’s true draw to its original settler. Today this landscape remains largely unchanged from the early days of settlers thanks to Ebey’s Landing Reserve. It’s the perfect place for a long walk to get lost in the life of the past.
Check out the rest of Whidbey’s beautiful destinations from this series here.
