If one is planning a hike in November, the weather should always be a consideration. Choose wisely whether to go to the more protected east side, or the wild west (wet and windy). Whether to go on a rainy Saturday or a windy Sunday. Whether to try a woodland walk, or stay out from under potentially falling branches or toppling trees. Whether to wear fleece, Gortex, or both. I’ve heard it said, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing.” Tell that to the driver of the semi-truck blown over on Deception Pass Bridge Monday. And then there are flooding rivers and extreme winter tides that spill over roadways and pitch driftwood in all directions. One should definitely make a plan… or two, or three. I went to the Skagit Valley Saturday to go bird watching with a friend on Padilla Bay, but just as we started out, the drizzle turned into a deluge. Abandoning that plan, I headed back to Whidbey warming to the idea of a good book by the fire. Yet, approaching Oak Harbor, and the rain shadow, the sky brightened and I reconsidered my options. I hadn’t been to Joseph Whidbey State Park for a while. As I parked by the water, I noticed the tide was high. Still there was a path just off the beach and more trails on higher ground. Armed with my wool socks and Gortex raincoat I set out to explore. Joseph Whidbey himself set out to explore this area back in 1792 as the Sailing Master on George Vancouver’s crew. He no doubt endured his share of storms on his four year journey sailing from England around the Horn and on to Alaska and Hawaii. He thoroughly explored the Pacific Northwest and circumnavigated the island that now bears his name. Later, as a Naval Engineer, he designed and supervised the construction of the breakwater in Plymouth, England, to protect the Navy fleet. Picture women in flowing gowns and gentlemen in long, dark coats walking the quay dampened by the spray of waves crashing against the sea wall. Though West Beach Road is famous for waves splashing over the road in winter storms, the adjacent beach at the State Park was surprisingly calm on Saturday. The forecast had warned of a storm that would bring high wind and rain. They said to batten down the hatches, so to speak. But as I ventured out, the day was mild. Flotillas of buffleheads and harlequin ducks bobbed between the waves. Gulls glided over the water and spun above the picnic shelter. Families frolicked on the little bit of sandy beach or climbed over driftwood logs. Clusters walked the trails with kids or dogs, both species requiring time outside every day, no matter the weather. Smith and Minor Islands Aquatic Reserve lay just to the west and the San Juan archipelago in shades of blue to the north. The Strait of Juan de Fuca, a wide channel from here to the Pacific, provides direct access for winter storms. I walked the beach first and then climbed the hill into the trees. Yellow leafed willows glowed among the dark spruce and fir. The trail spilled into an open meadow where I stopped to study the kinglets, chickadees, juncos and sparrows among the bare, barbed blackberries and red, round rosehips. Despite the cloud cover and threat of storms I found myself smiling. As I circled back and felt dampness seeping into my shoes, a song seeped into my head. Look for the silver lining whenever a cloud appears in the blue Remember somewhere the sun is shining And so the right thing to do is make it shine for you. A heart full of joy and gladness, Will always banish sadness and strife. So always look for the silver lining And try to find the sunny side of life. By Eric Coates/ J.Kern / B. g Desylva Hear it sung by Chet Baker Maribeth Click here for a park map Directions: From Highway 20 at the traffic light in south Oak Harbor take Swantown Road west to the park entrance. If the gate is open you may park inside with a Discover Pass. Restrooms and picnic tables are near the parking area. If you turn left and park at the bottom of the hill on West Beach Road or turn right and park around the corner on Crosby Road you won’t need a parking pass.
By Bus or Bike: The nearest Island Transit bus stop is at Swantown and Heller Road in Oak Harbor, 3 miles from the park. Each bus can carry 2-3 bikes. You may bike here from Oak Harbor on Swantown or Crosby Road. West Beach Road has a huge hill just south of the park. Some cyclists like going up the hill as a workout. Others prefer to ride it downhill. Please wear a helmet, bright clothes and lights. Mobility: There are wide, smooth trails at the upper and lower entrances to the park. Driftwood may block access for wheelchair users at the beach parking area, Trails can be soggy or muddy in places.
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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
March 2024
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