If you’re looking for an excuse to get outside, or if you’re in the market for Whidbey Island real estate and wondering what else there is to do in the area, look no further. Today, we’re going to share our seven favorite recommendations for local Whidbey Island hikes. Whidbey Island is the largest island in Puget Sound, and the area offers several tremendous hikes with views of the nearby mountains and water that are absolutely incredible. In fact, words can’t fully describe how incredible it is, but we’re going to do the best we can! With so many great local options, you’ll quickly see why so many people are in the market for Whidbey Island homes for sale.

Dugualla State Park is a great spot for visitors, residents, and anyone looking to take a short break from searching for Whidbey Island homes for sale. There are six trails here, perfect for hikers and explorers of any skill level. There is a little over one mile of shoreline present here, with a slight elevation gain. Trails are well-signed, but if you want to bring a map along with you just to be safe, you can download one from the state park’s website (linked in the section heading). Dugualla State Park tends to be slightly less crowded than some of the other parks on this list, so if you want somewhere to hide away from the crowds, you might consider this park first.

This hike is a local favorite for owners of Whidbey Island real estate. On this hike, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Baker, Mt. Rainier, and the Olympic Mountains. There is also a long picturesque beach below and views into the Admiralty Inlet on the Salish Sea. This hike is great to do in a loop, which would end up being about five-and-a-half miles long. If you prefer to avoid the rocky beach, you can go out and back on the bluff trail. Kids can come along on this hike with you; however, keep in mind that there are some steep drop-offs along the bluff trail, so you’ll want to stay alert and keep an eye on them throughout the entire hike. Dogs are also welcome to join, as long as they are on a leash.

 

There’s lots of variety when it comes to hikes in Deception Pass State Park. If you want to see forests, there’s a hike for you. If you would rather see water, including the historic Deception Pass bridge, there’s a hike for that too. North Beach is also a great place to take a dip during low tide. Hikes range from two to three miles and have elevation gains that range from minimal to none on the North Beach hike and up to 500 feet on the Goose Rock hike.

This is a great beginner hike for those who own Whidbey Island real estate as well as visitors, a real local favorite!  The well-maintained trail is just over a mile long, the elevation gain is minimal, and the hike only takes around 30 minutes to complete on average. This trail can be walked, run, or biked, and it is open year-round. Pets are allowed on a leash, and the trail connects to several others in the area if you would like a slightly longer adventure.

 

If you would rather be in the forest than looking out over the water (although there’s certainly a time and place for both), this will likely be a hike that you’ll enjoy. You’ll witness Old Growth Cedar and Douglas Fir trees on this two-and-a-half-mile loop. The elevation gain is only slight throughout, at around 200 feet if you take the loop. If you simply want to go out and back, it’s a little shorter and features slightly less of an elevation gain. The trail can sometimes be muddy, but it’s otherwise in good condition.

The Kettles Trail System is named after kettles, a geological feature left from previous glacier recessions. The main trail runs about three-quarters of a mile out from Highway 20 and is paved until it joins the other trails that make up the state park system. The trail is open to non-mechanical bikes and horseback riders, but there is plenty of room for everyone to pass through together. The trailheads are well-marked, but maps are also available online or in the Fort Ebey State Park visitors’ center.

 

This hike is located near a beach, and you’ll love taking pictures of the old lighthouse nearby. The adjacent Coupeville-Port Townsend Ferry terminal also offers the area some extra Northwest flair and character. The hike itself is around two-and-a-half miles and features around 200 feet of elevation gain. This state park is also a great spot for boating and winter recreation. The views are simply breathtaking here, as the mountains meet the sky and you observe the peacefulness of the water below. Another interesting note about this park — US Navy jets often fly over the campground from the nearby Naval Air Station. While this can be quite exciting to witness, it might also prove to be inconvenient to guests who are especially sensitive to loud noises. 

We think you’ll love Whidbey Island for many reasons, and these hikes are certainly one of them. If you’re in the market for Whidbey Island real estate, Mike Konopik can be a great resource. Mike is a leader in selling Whidbey Island homes for sale, and his knowledge and experience about the area and about the buying or selling process will make the transaction seamless from start to finish. If you want to know more about buying or selling in the area, contact Mike today.