Lee says this is her favorite trail with the wildflowers, the meadows, the old growth and views of the water. I like the split rail fence that makes such a nice backdrop for photos of birds and flowers. Of course, it’s there to protect the native prairies keeping people on the trail. Such a lovely way to guide us through the Admiralty Inlet Preserve. We had just finished the Pie Ride, a fundraiser for the Whidbey Camano Land Trust. Dozens of cyclists gathered at Keystone Spit for the start of the month long event. It was fun to see all the colorful cyclists circling Crockett Lake and pedaling up and down the nearby roads. This is one of the most popular places to ride bikes on the island. It’s almost flat and has stunning views of Ebey’s Prairie and Admiralty Inlet with the ferry going back and forth to Port Townsend. Our route passed by several properties preserved by the Land Trust, State Parks and National Parks. We chose the ten mile loop and then decided to stretch our legs with a nice walk afterwards. The new Central Whidbey Parks bus goes right by here seven days a week now, so we could call this a Bus, Bike and Boot Trail. But if you really need a car, there’s a recently improved parking lot across Engle Road from the trailhead which, incidentally, also serves as the trailhead for the new Walking Ebey Trail that connects this preserve with Rhododendron Park. Pockets of prairie on Whidbey are real treasures. I like to visit Admiralty Inlet Preserve in all seasons, but especially in spring and summer when the flowers are blooming. Colorful interpretive panels help us identify the plants we might see. In spring the chocolate lilies were blooming. This week we saw yarrow, Indian Paintbrush, foam flowers, purple asters, ocean spray and wild roses. Lee tested the native blackberries. I love Thimble berries but they weren’t quite ready yet. A deer raised her head in the meadow as we started our walk. White crowned sparrows, song sparrows, towhees, robins, chickadees, goldfinch and house finch, darted in and out of the shrubbery peeping cheerily. The Swainson’s thrush called its lonesome song. We heard high peeps near the edge of the bluff. Ahhh, Pigeon guillemots below. Douglas squirrels chirped at us as we passed. High singing from the tops of the trees got our attention. We stopped to look. Yes, Cedar Waxwings. Then we heard people! Across the meadow two hikers approached. A few minutes later they passed us and climbed the stairs near the old fort installation. We caught up with them near the huge Doug fir as they looked out over the water. Through the trees we saw the fenced in area where plants are kept for restoration work. We turned east and took the trail through the lush, green forest by deep red Elderberry bushes on out to the road. There’s a bike rack next to the kiosk at that trailhead. Three cyclists pedaled up the road as we turned back along the trail. This path borders Engle Road but a curtain of wild roses focused my attention on the trail, the meadows, birds, trees and flowers. The roses and willows screen the trail so well it’s hard to see it when you’re driving by. Look for the bright blue house across the street and then you’ll see the gravel parking area just to the west. When I’m on the bus, I ask the driver to stop at the top of the hill and point out the parking area. The Park bus comes by every 90 minutes daily through Labor Day, perfect timing for a walk at the preserve. For more about the Land Trust and the Preserve click here. Maribeth Directions: From Highway 20 in Coupeville, turn south on Main Street (which turns into Engle Road) and go for 3 miles. The gravel parking area is at the top of the hill next to a brown house. The trailhead is across the road.
Bus and Bike: Island Transit has a new Central Whidbey Parks Bus that runs right by the preserve every 90 minutes daily through Labor Day. The Route 6 bus also passes the preserve on weekdays. All Island Transit buses are free. You can stand by the road and flag it down for your return trip. Two bikes fit on a bus bike rack. Here's the bus schedule. This area south of Coupeville is a great place for a bike ride. It’s almost flat with scenic vistas. Just be aware of ferry traffic and wear something bright as you ride on the shoulder. Mobility: This trail is mostly flat except for a set of stairs on the water side of the loop and short steps on each end of the boardwalks. The surface is mowed grass and dirt and is a bit uneven.
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Authors
Maribeth Crandell has been a hiking guide in the Pacific NW for over 20 years. She's lived on Whidbey and Fidalgo Island for decades. As a frequent bus rider she easily makes connections between trails and transit. Archives by date
May 2024
Categories
All
|