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Washington
12

Washington State Parks

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USA Parks
Washington
The Islands Region
Joseph Whidbey State Park
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JOSEPH WHIDBEY STATE PARK
JOSEPH WHIDBEY STATE PARK
1755 Crosby Road
Oak Harbor, Washington   98277
(lat:48.3089 lon:-122.7131) map location

Phone: 360-902-8844
Joseph Whidbey State Park is a 206-acre day-use park with 3,100 feet of saltwater shoreline on the Strait of Juan de Fuca in northern Puget Sound. The scenery is beautiful, views are magnificent, wildlife is everywhere and the beach is one of the grandest on Whidbey Island. This forested park on Puget Sound provides magnificent views, natural beauty, and beach opportunities.
History of the Area
The park and other island features were named during the Vancouver Expedition of 1792. Master Joseph Whidbey circumnavigated the island, and Vancouver named it in his honor.
Passes
A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to Washington state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the Discover Pass web page.
Camping
This is a day-use park, but one water trail campsite is available only to campers who arrive at the park by human-powered watercraft. The campsite is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and a primitive camping fee applies. There is one ADA accessible restroom.
Swimming
1. Joseph Whidbey State Park offers beachfront swimming options.
2. The park has a 3, 100-foot shoreline on the Strait of Juan de Fuca for open water swimming.
3. No lifeguards are present at this location; swim with caution and personal safety measures in mind.
4. Swimming is best during summer months due to Washington's typically cooler climate conditions outside that time frame.
5. Visitors can also enjoy tide pooling along the shore after their swim session.

Boating
Most non-motorized activities are available.
Fishing
Enjoy saltwater fishing along the shoreline, with opportunities to catch salmon and various shellfish. Freshwater species are not available here.



Picnicking
The park offers one kitchen shelter. Reservations can be made online or by calling 888 CAMPOUT or 888 226-7688, and ask for the kitchen shelter on Fort Ebeys inventory. Four sheltered and nine unsheltered picnic tables are available first come, first served.
Trails
1. Beach Trail: This trail is a short, easy walk that leads directly to the beach area of Joseph Whidbey State Park. It offers stunning views of Puget Sound and occasional sightings of wildlife.

2. Forest Loop Trail: A moderate 0.8-mile loop through dense forest with towering trees, ferns, mosses and other native plants providing shade throughout your hike.

3. Bluff Trail: An approximately one mile long path offering panoramic vistas over Strait Of Juan De Fuca from atop an elevated bluff; it's especially popular for bird watching during migration seasons.

4. West Meadow Walkway: Easy walking pathway across open meadows filled with wildflowers in springtime leading towards picnic areas perfect for family outings or solo relaxation time amidst nature's beauty.

5. South Kettle Hiking Path: Moderate difficulty level hiking route winding around kettle formations (depressions formed by retreating glaciers) featuring unique geological features along its course.

6. North Point Viewpoint Track: Short but steep track taking you up to North Point viewpoint where breathtaking scenes await including sweeping water views as well as distant mountain ranges on clear days.

7. Eastern Woodland Way: Tranquil woodland trail ideal for leisurely walks under canopy cover teeming with local flora & fauna making it great spot not just hikers but also naturalists.

8. Central Ridge Route: Challenging uphill climb rewarding those who undertake this strenuous trekking journey spectacular aerial perspectives park landscape below.

9. Picnic Area Access Trails: Network smaller trails connecting various designated picnic spots within park allowing visitors easily navigate between these recreational zones while enjoying scenic strolls amid lush greenery.

10. Beachcomber's Delight: Coastal footpath running parallel shoreline inviting explorers discover hidden coves tide pools abundant marine life at low tides.
Birding
Birdwatchers can spot a variety of species including bald eagles, ospreys and various waterfowl. The park's diverse habitats attract migratory birds like warblers in springtime. In winter, visitors may see shorebirds such as sandpipers along the beach areas. Raptors are also common sightings throughout the year.

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Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Located three miles west of Oak Harbor, Wash.

From the north: Drive north on Hwy. 20 through Oak Harbor. Just past town, turn right on Swantown Rd. and follow it about three miles.

From the south: Drive north on Hwy. 20. Just before Oak Harbor, turn left on Swantown Rd. and follow it about three miles.

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Washington
12

Washington State Parks

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