Hiking Close to Home

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Living on Whidbey Island for over 20 years and on Fidalgo Island for 5 has given me the opportunity to explore many of their most beautiful and intriguing places. There are beaches and bluffs, woodlands and wetlands, fields and forest, lovely lakes, and even a few mountains. Lace up your shoes, grab your walking stick and get ready to go exploring. 

Hiking Close to Home 2023 Edition is Available
Our latest edition of Hiking Close to Home with over 70 hikes is available under the Books Tab above or at; Madrona Supply Company in Clinton, Moonraker Books in Langley, Bayview Farm & Gardens, Wild Birds Unlimited in Freeland, Kingfisher Books, Fort Casey State Park and the Island County Historical Museum in Coupeville, Three Sisters Market, Whidbey Farm & Market, Whidbey Wild Birds and Wind & Tide Books in Oak Harbor, Deception Pass State Park campground store, Watermark Books and The Red Snapper in Anacortes, and Seaport Books in La Conner. 

Beware of hunting season starting in October, at Greenbank Farm woods and Trillium Community Forest.

Next Washington State Park Free Parking Day is Tuesday, October 10th, World Mental Health Day
Or get into parks free anytime you take a bus, bike or boot.

Pacific Rim Institute's Cider Festival is Sat. Sept. 30

Meerkerk Gardens October Fest and Plant Sale Sat. Oct. 7, 11am-3pm, live music, brats, gardens, $10

Orca Recovery Day is Oct. 14 with shoreline restoration projects, kid's activities and educational events.
​Visit: Whidbeycd.org for details. 

Friends of Whidbey State Parks,
Possession Point, South Whidbey, Keystone Spit, Fort Casey, Fort Ebey, Ebey's Landing, and Joseph Whidbey State Parks. Volunteer for trail maintenance, restoration work and building community. Click here.

South Whidbey Parks and Rec. Volunteer Trail Stewards Program
Become a volunteer Trail Steward on South Whidbey
Email Carrie Monforte, Executive Director, ​South Whidbey Parks and Recreation District.
Dirswprd@Whidbey.com

On-Going Whidbey Island Beach Clean-Up Schedule
Join Island County Beach Clean Up efforts
extension.wsu.edu/island/nrs/beachlitter/

Deception Pass Park Foundation:
www.deceptionpassfoundation.org

Check out these upcoming events;

Sound Waters Stewards volunteer and educational opportunities here.

Whidbey Camano Land Trust offers monthly outings. For info click here.

Skagit Land Trust does too. Click here for more info.


Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Close to Home!
Even if you've been vaccinated please remain cautious. Dress in layers and bring water, snacks and a flashlight. Stay safe and strong.
  • Get outside for your physical and mental health but avoid the crowds. 
  • Keep appropriate distance and wear a face mask when near others.
  • Pick a less popular trail, a wide open trail or a beach at low tide.
  • Take pictures and share them with family and friends to stay connected. ​
Tommy Thompson Trail, Anacortes