First day hikes started in Massachusetts in 1992. By 2012 they were held in all 50 States, typically in State Parks, but not exclusively. On Whidbey this year, there was a bike ride led by a ranger at Fort Ebey State Park, an historic tour at Fort Casey State Park, a walk for families with kids at South Whidbey State Park, and at Deception Pass State Park there was a scavenger hunt at Bowman Bay (north of the bridge on Fidalgo Island). In addition, there was a guided walk at Meerkerk Gardens, and the Whidbey Camano Land Trust offered a hike on the Walking Ebey Trail in Coupeville. That’s where I was on New Year’s Day along with a group of about twenty others. The skies were clearing as we gathered across the road from the Admiralty Inlet Preserve. The Olympics were just peeking through between layers of clouds. Everyone seemed in a good mood, ready to start the New Year with a good walk, exploring a new trail, with a fun group and an experienced guide. Janet Hall took the lead as a Land Trust board member. Vin Sherman came along as the local historian and celebrity storyteller. Born and raised on Ebey’s Prairie, he added cultural context with colorful tales of the farmers and homesteaders. Janet stopped to point out where pines had been planted too close together. The Land Trust had thinned them which allowed more sun and underbrush. Plant diversity invites animal diversity. We heard the cheerful twittering of small birds as we passed through. The Land Trust owns the first little bit of the trail, but most of it follows easements, along hedgerows, between fields and pastures. “This is mostly private property,” Janet reminds us. “The owners can take access away at any time. So please be respectful. Pick up after your pet. Don’t disturb the livestock. And please stay on the trail.” We noted the signage at every turn. Some were small brown posts with a Walking Ebey logo on top. Others had a map and a You Are Here pinned to it. If you were tempted to take a wrong turn, you’d most likely see a No Trespassing sign. There were signs warning of electric fencing. At one point Janet said the cows had become so curious about the hikers, they’d knocked the fence down. An electric fence replaced it. Short sections of the trail were open to equestrians or cyclists, and others were not. It was a bit of a hodge-podge. Walkers and dogs on a leash are welcome the length of the trail. The idea of walking the property lines reminds me of walking in Great Britain where they allow people to cross their fields as long as they close the gates behind them. It’s common in other parts of the world, too, but sadly, not in America. We're a car dependent nation. We hike for recreation, not to get from one place to another. Personally, I prefer walking. It’s good for me and the planet, and walking between farms and fields with no traffic is a delight. The Whidbey Camano Land Trust plans to connect the trails across central Whidbey so you could walk from the ferry to Admiralty Inlet Preserve and up to Ebey’s Bluff and the Pratt Loop to downtown Coupeville and over to the Price Sculpture Park. The Walking Ebey trail is a 3.5 mile corridor connecting the Admiralty Inlet Preserve with Rhododendron County Park. Our group went chatting as we crossed fields, ducked between hedgerows, followed farm roads, passing barns, farms, goats, horses, cows, spying a raptor here, a songbird there, with distant views of the water and mountains. Nearing the end we entered the woods at Rhododendron Park. Vin told us how they used to cut rhody blossoms to decorate the school for prom night. The Walking Ebey Trail connects the farms and the forest, the west side with the east, the past with the future. Starting the New Year with a walk is a step in the right direction. Maribeth Find a trail map here This is a one way trail. If you need a ride back to the other end call 360-678-7771 at least 2 hours ahead to arrange for on-demand bus service with Island Transit. The closest bus stop to the north end is Quail Trail Lane or Jacobs Road on Hwy 20 near the entrance to Rhododendron Park. On the south end of the trail the bus can stop at the Admiralty Inlet Preserve parking area on Engle Road, but drivers may need you to point it out to them. Island Transit buses are fare free and offer daily service except on holidays.
Directions: From the stop light in Coupeville take Main Street south toward the ferry (which turns into Engle Road) for 2.5 miles. Parking is on the left at the trailhead for Walking Ebey or the Admiralty Inlet Preserve across the road. Or to start at the other end, take Highway 20, 3.5 miles east of the light in Coupeville and turn right on Patmore Road. In a half mile you can park at a gate on the curve on the south side of Rhododendron Park. Please don’t block the gate. Walk through the gate on the Rhodie Road to find the Walking Ebey Trail on the left. Bike and Bus: Island Transit has on-demand service to the Admiralty Inlet Preserve and Walking Ebey parking lot. Call at least 2 hours ahead to arrange a ride. You will need to meet the bus at a bus stop. Route 1 will take you to Coupeville where you can meet the on-demand bus. Or catch the Route 1 bus to Rhododendron Park. The nearest bus stop is at Quail Trail Lane or Jacobs Road, a short walk to Rhododendron Park. The Walking Ebey Trail starts at the south end of the park and heads west. Biking to the Admiralty Inlet end of the trail is easy from downtown Coupeville or the ferry. There are wide shoulders and beautiful views. Please wear something bright and use lights when riding with traffic. Mobility: This trail has a few rough spots and wet areas but is fairly level. One short section climbs a hill and goes through a Fat Mans Squeeze so not accessible for wheelchairs or walkers. A shorter alternative (1.5 miles) goes from the Admiralty Inlet trailhead to the Prairie Wayside Overlook on Engle Road which also has parking. (Visit the website for details. )
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
|