I first walked down this old farm road decades ago and felt the magic in this enchanting place. The century old Finnish farmhouse with the log sauna, the orchard and the lush green garden have welcomed visitors from around the world since the 1970s. Tucked into this woodland setting are gardens, trails and gathering places. The Whidbey Institute is an educational retreat center with over four miles of trails weaving through the forest around it. Whether you come for a program or just come for a walk, you'll be able to find a peaceful hour here. Drive to the lower parking area to access the trails where a kiosk provides a map. For an easy walk in a diverse forest, take the Wetland Trail which circles the retreat cabins and farmhouse. It follows an old logging road and borders a wetland with tall cedar stumps and snags. Or cross the bridge and climb into the Legacy Forest up to the Story House. Or cross the parking area and take the Granny's Trail or the Goat Trail to climb the hill, Continue by Granny's on narrow trails over the top of the hill and back down from the Story House to the bridge and back to the trail head. Take your time, and soak in the peace of this place. Please don't disturb the retreat cabins or other facilities and leave dogs at home or in the car. For more information about the programs at the Whidbey Institute visit: whidbeyinstitute.org/ Directions
Take Highway 525 and turn south on Cultus Bay Road. Drive just under a mile and turn right on Campbell Road. Go a half mile and turn left at the sign. Follow the one lane dirt road to the lower parking lot at the bottom of the hill. Find the kiosk with trail map on the south side of the lot. Open dawn to dusk.
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
March 2024
Categories
All
|