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Coupeville Wharf
Several small wharfs once reached into Penn Cove only able to be used during very high tide. In 1905 the Coupeville Wharf was built, extending 500 feet to accommodate the increase in commerce due to the activation of Fort Casey. Often referred to as the “Old Grain Wharf”, had an important job to do. It was the key to the distribution and storage of grain grown on our local farms, as well as, bringing goods to the island.
Today, the wharf is home to a gift shop, restaurant, coffee shop, restrooms, naturalist display, kayak rentals, and more! It can be a long 500-foot walk to the end, but chances are high of seeing an eagle, fish, jellyfish, sea star, or sea anemones in addition to beautiful water and mountain views. Kayakers and boaters love making a stop at the Coupeville Wharf. It is a picturesque icon and hopefully, it will stay that way for another 100+ years!
Check out the rest of Whidbey’s beautiful destinations from this series here.
Best Places to Whale Watch on Whidbey
Discover the Best Places to Whale Watch
When it comes to natural wonders, Whidbey Island is unbelievably blessed. With expansive undeveloped areas, nine state parks, and views that take your breath away, it’s hard to imagine it could get any better.
But it does!
In addition to our incredible outdoor opportunities for explorers, we are one of the few places in the world where land-dwellers have an opportunity to get a glimpse of some spectacular mammals of the sea. Puget Sound’s cold and nutrient-rich water makes it the perfect place for whales to roam. Although you could spend the money to board a whale-watching boat and find the mammals out on the water, boats aren’t always required when you’re on Whidbey.
Below are the top 5 places to see whales from land on Whidbey!
West Beach
At the west-most point of Oak Harbor lies a stretch of beach beloved by wanderers and sea life alike. With wide-open views and miles of ocean just off the shore, it’s not hard to see why West Beach is one of the best places to see whales near Whidbey.
Penn Cove
The nutrient-rich water of Penn Cove cultivates a thriving ecosystem for small and large sea life. It’s this sea life in the form of ghost shrimp and fat seals that attracts the attention of gray whales and transient Orca alike. It’s not uncommon for the residents of Penn Cove to see a gray whale’s tail break the surface of the water as they dig in the mudflats for shrimp or a full-on chase between a stealthy Orca and a seal.
Hidden Beach
What this public beach lacks in amenities it makes up for with view and privacy. On a sunny day, beach-goers have the opportunity to see Camano Island sitting peacefully across the Saratoga Passage and – if they come at just the right time – maybe even a whale!
Lagoon Point
Just north of this charming seaside community is a county park boasting nothing more than public access to the Lagoon Point community beach. Luckily access to the beach is really all you need to catch a glimpse of traveling orcas or scavenging grey whales.
Seawall Park
Hidden below the streets of downtown Langley is a quaint little park with beautiful art, well-maintained landscaping, and a spectacular view of the Saratoga Passage. Onlookers often have the wonderful treat of seeing a whale pass or even watch them feed in the massive ghost shrimp beds. If you do, don’t forget to ring the Whale Bell!
Bonus: Your own back porch?
Can you say “waterfront property”? Yes, please! Our beautiful island has many waterfront homes and properties with beautiful views of Puget Sound. How amazing would it be to sip coffee on your own patio while enjoying pods of orca passing by or gray whales feeding on the beach right in front of you? If this sounds like your dream, give us a call today!
Now, remember, if you do see a whale you should report it to the Orca Network! Reporting sightings to the Orca Network helps with scientific efforts and helps other whale watchers like yourself!
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The Gray Whales Return to Whidbey
The Gray Whales Return to Whidbey
Gray Whales Return to Whidbey
As the cold melts away and flowers start to bloom again, Whidbey Island is blessed with a rare and wonderful gift. Many people hike to the very tip of a bluff or edge of the waves hoping to catch a glimpse of this phenomenon. Then it happens – water spurts into the air from nowhere and at the surface, you can just barely see a tail appear.
Oh, what a whale of a tale to tell….
Spring brings with it a special excitement for this curious island. As the waters warm, they welcome back one of our favorite travelers; the gray whale! Migrating every year from their winter home in Mexico to the wild waves of Alaska; gray whales often make a special stop within the waters of the Puget Sound.
As food foragers, the gray whale “dig[s] up the mudflats [on the ocean floor] for shrimp and worms.”1 They then filter these small creatures through their baleen, or whalebone, which acts as a strainer to keep the food in their mouth and push out all the water.2
Given their foraging requirements, gray whales’ proximity to the shore and repetitive presence in the Puget Sound comes as little surprise. While the average depth of the Pacific Ocean is a little over 12,000 feet, Puget Sound’s deepest point is approximately 930 feet. The shallow waters of the sound serve as a great benefit to this massive mammal that relies on both oxygen and access to the ocean floor in order to survive.
On Whidbey Island, we take great joy in the return of these travelers every year. Many islanders and tourists alike find their way to the water’s edge and peer into the waves in hopes of a glimpse. Luckily, sightings are not at all uncommon on the island. To commemorate the love we have for these ocean friends, both Coupeville and Langley have erected what is called a “Whale Bell.” These bells have a simple instruction: “See a whale, ring the bell.” These bells serve as both a monument to the whale’s impact on our island culture and a creative way to notify others of the whale’s presence so they can also look out and see!
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Every year the town of Langley has pulled together to commemorate the beginning of whale season. Complete with a parade, this festival speaks volumes of the love islanders have for their precious whales. Unfortunately, the event has been canceled this year due to covid for the health and safety of the community continue to check back here for updates. While the ring of the bell brings joyous memories of years past residences and travelers alike look forward to a day where gatherings return to celebrate these incredible creatures.
References
- “Gray Whales.” Orca Network, https://www.orcanetwork.org/Main/index.php?categories_file=Gray%20Whales
- “Gray Whales.” National Geographic, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/g/gray-whale/
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Get the Buck Out of My Yard
Have you ever been standing there admiring your gardens when a deer walks in and decides it is time for lunch? So have we.
They are the wild and majestic creatures of Whidbey Island, often found in the peaceful pastures of Ebey’s Landing or beneath the cooling tree shade of the state parks. They are elegant, graceful, mesmerizing… and frankly a pain in the arbor.
Oh deer, oh deer, oh deer.
Don’t get us wrong, we LOVE our Whidbey Island deer and are grateful to live in a place where wildlife feels welcomed. However, if you’ve been working hard cultivating that garden all year long, the last thing you are interested in is a handful of fauna munching on the fruit of your labor. To top it off, deer can carry ticks with Lyme disease which can be extremely harmful to both humans and their dogs.
Sorry Bambi, but no one messes with mans’ best friend.
We’ve done a little research and decided to give you a hand with those pretty, yet pesky visitors.
5 pro-tips to get the grazers out of your garden.
- Cut ‘em Off! – It might seem like the most obvious solution, but fences are always a great first step to keeping out unwanted guests. Although deer are great jumpers, the additional effort required might just be enough of a deterrent. < We’re all a little lazy.
- Don’t Plant Tasty Treats – Deer LOVE plants rich in nutrients, moisture, and basically anything else your doctor said you should eat more of. This includes almost all produce plants as well as leafy ivy and bright, water-filled flora. Instead of these, try planting pungent flowers like lavender with greenery that is thorny, hairy, or prickly. You can also use these less desirable plants as a natural barrier for the tastier ones. If all deer see and smell is lambs’ ear and snapdragons, odds are they won’t investigate much further.
- Let Rover Out More – Chances are your dog is like most others and DOES NOT see grazing deer as welcome guests. Barking dogs are a big deterrent for deer. Who wants to eat with someone yelling at you? Eventually, the deer will likely decide your home isn’t a safe place to eat and won’t return.
- Shine a Light on the Situation – Deer are more skittish than the commitment-phobe you dated in college. Installing motion-sensitive floodlights can often leave a deer stunned and anxious to get away as fast as they can.
- Live a Little! – Although we might find them beautiful and nice to look at, deer aren’t that excited about us. Chances are if a deer sees you out and about in the yard they will simply turn around and find someone else’s garden to plunder. So, get outside more! See this as an opportunity to re-imagine your yard and incorporate more outside living space. Your health and your hydrangeas will thank you.
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Coupeville Garden Club Virtual Plant Sale – 2021
How to Spend a Weekend on Whidbey Island During Each Season of the Year
Whidbey Island visitors know that they can come back time and time again and always see and do something new, and depending on the time of year you visit, this is especially true! Each season brings something special to discover, and whether you’re visiting in the heart of winter or in the middle of a hot summer, our island is the perfect spot for a weekend getaway.
In this post, we’re sharing our recommendations for where to stay, where to eat, and what to do depending on the season!
How to Spend a Winter Weekend on Whidbey Island
- Stay: Snuggle up in a picturesque cabin at Captain Whidbey. Nestled on the Penn Cove waterfront, this historic inn offers cute cabins, Scandanavian-inspired rooms, a lodge, a restaurant, and an idyllic setting perfect for relaxation.
- Eat: Oystercatcher is always cozy, and this tiny restaurant is easier to get a reservation at in the winter. Request a window table and look out over Coupeville and Penn Cove! We also recommend heading to Saltwater Fish House and Oyster Bar—its dark, cozy atmosphere is perfect for the winter.
- To Do: Bundle up and enjoy shopping in our many cute downtown areas. We especially recommend strolling through Downtown Oak Harbor, Downtown Coupeville, and Downtown Langley.
How to Spend a Spring Weekend on Whidbey Island
- Stay: The Inn at Langley offers a totally luxe waterfront experience! The guest rooms, suites, and cottages offer waterfront views, and you can indulge in spa packages and fine dining without leaving the indulgent comfort of the inn. Plus, the immaculately maintained grounds are lovely and filled with vibrant blossoms to enjoy.
- Eat: Visit Flower House Cafe at Bayview Farm & Garden for breakfast or lunch, and check out the iconic Laburnum Arbor when it’s in bloom while you are there. For dinner, head to Ultra House, a hole-in-the-wall type of place and an absolute gem. If you love ramen, it’s okay to set your expectations extremely high when you visit Ultra House—they aim to impress the palate.
- To Do: Spend some time exploring Whidbey Island’s stunning gardens. Meerkerk Gardens in Greenbank features scenic trails surrounded by a huge variety of plants and flowers. Meerkerk is especially known for their rhododendrons, which bloom from early to late spring.
How to Spend a Summer Weekend on Whidbey Island
- Stay: Comforts of Whidbey is a summertime oasis, and views of vineyards, bucolic pastures, and the shimmering Puget Sound are aplenty. This bed and breakfast is also conveniently a winery, so you can enjoy their wines in the tasting room before you head upstairs to your lodgings.
- Eat: Callen’s Restaurant is right on the water in Coupeville, and not only do they have excellent food, they are close to the ferry to Port Townsend in case you are island hopping. In Langley, the Prima Bistro upstairs deck offers a gorgeous space to enjoy French-inspired Northwest fare, and you can finish off the evening at Captain Whidbey Inn’s outdoor deck. Captain Whidbey offers phenomenal views + delicious cocktails.
- To Do: One thing on Whidbey Island that’s only available during warmer months is kayaking tours with Whidbey Island Kayaking. You can choose from several different types of tours—head out on a half-day adventure paddling to see wildlife and classic PNW scenes, go on a guided bird-watching kayak tour, or even head out at night for a memorable bioluminescence kayaking tour.
How to Spend an Autumn Weekend on Whidbey Island
- Stay: Auld Holland Inn offers a totally unique experience in Oak Harbor. This old-world gem features Dutch architecture, beautiful gardens, charming accommodations, and an onsite restaurant.
- Eat: For a pricey but memorable experience, Orchard Kitchen is known for their rustic, “farm-to-table” experience. During non-COVID times you can enjoy family-style dinners at community tables.
- To Do: Whidbey Island is known for its many small farms, and autumn is the perfect time of year to enjoy our bountiful harvests. Sherman’s Pioneer Farm is a popular destination for locals this time of year, and you can take a tractor tour through the pumpkin patch, stock up on fresh local produce, and meet the resident cows, all in a festive fall atmosphere.
For more Whidbey Island recommendations, keep exploring our blog!
