The Hike of the Week is Monroe Landing. If you're looking for a sunny beach walk, I would recommend this one. It's on the north side of Penn Cove and offers a distant view of both the Olympics and the Cascade Mountains. The micro-climates on Whidbey are such that if it's raining on the south end, chances are you can find some sun around Coupeville or Oak Harbor. This walk is halfway between the two. Even on a winter day you'll need sunscreen for this beach. And if you don't mind a half mile walk before you get to the beach, you'll be able to get there by bus. Take the fare free Route 1 bus that goes from Clinton to Oak Harbor and ask the driver to let you off at the Monroe Landing and Arnold Road intersection. Walk down the hill to the water and you can access the beach at the boat ramp. There are interpretive signs to tell you about the early Native American villages and another sign says this is a good spot for bird-watching. Bring your binoculars and you can also get a good look at sailboats or the Coupeville Wharf directly across the water. If you're really lucky you may see the occasional whale from here. You can walk west toward the bluff for a mile or more. Be sure to check the tides before you come and if you brought your canine companion, please bring a pet poop bag to help keep the water and the beach clean. There's a porta-pottie in the parking lot and a log bench by the boat ramp, but most of the amenities are natural. So fold up your umbrella and visit Monroe Landing for a bit of sun. Directions:
Take Highway 20 north of Coupeville 5 miles and turn right on Arnold Road. Then turn right at the stop sign at Monroe Landing Road and it's a half mile to the beach park. Or starting from Walmart in Oak Harbor, go south about 2 miles and turn left onto Monroe Landing Road and go straight to the beach. Or take the fare free Island Transit Route 1 bus Monday-Saturday and ask the driver to let you off at Monroe Landing and Arnold Road intersection. You'll need to walk another half mile to the beach. Get a bus schedule here: www.islandtransit.org/
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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
April 2024
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