Explore Ebey's Landing, Whidbey Island Register

Date and Time:
Sat, May 17, 2025; 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM  (Pacific)

Organized By: Sno-Isle Group

Location: 162 Cemetery Rd, Coupeville, WA 98239, USA

Map | Directions

Event Organizers:
Nancy Johnson
   jargent6986@gmail.com
   (206) 371-5499
Ann Posner
   noraposner@gmail.com
   (503) 703-1782
Cynthia Jones
   cynthiaj42259@gmail.com
   (425) 923-3983

Join us for a hike full of wonderful views, charming natural landscapes, and lots of history! Issac Ebey was the first permanent white settler on Whidbey Island, and Ebey's Landing is full of the history of that time.

From our starting point near the Sunnyside Cemetery, we will be able to enjoy tremendous views, with Mount Baker on the horizon to the east and other Cascade peaks to the south. To the west, the Olympics loom large over Puget Sound. We will take the Pratt Loop trail from the east side of the parking lot. This trail will take us along the edge of the prairie to the old Pratt sheep barn and machine shed, then into the woods.  After about one mile, we will join the Prairie Ridge trail that will take us to the bluff.

At the end of the Prairie Ridge Trail, we come to a ‘T’ junction, where we will follow the trail to the left. From here, we will traverse along the bluff, gradually descending, with fabulous views along Puget Sound and the lagoon below. Near the base of the bluff we will walk through the fields to visit the Ferry House. Built in the early 1860s by the Ebey family, this public house first welcomed visitors to Whidbey Island at the front gate of Isaac Ebey’s 1850 land claim—the first claim of an American settler on the island. 

After learning something of the history of the Ebey family, we will return, climbing back to the top of the bluff, and then making a loop to pass by the historic Jacob Ebey house and blockhouse on our way back to our starting point. 

DIRECTIONS:
 Address:
    Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve Office 
    162 Cemetery Road
    Coupeville, WA 98239 
Directions to the start:
From Central/North Whidbey:
   Head south on HWY 20.
   Turn right on S. Sherman Rd.
   In 0.3 miles turn right onto Cemetery Rd.
   Follow the road past the Sunnyside Cemetery to the parking lot at the Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve Office.
From South Whidbey:
   Head north on HWY 525, which becomes HWY 20.
   Turn left on S. Sherman Rd. You will have gone about 0.8 miles north on HWY 20 after crossing the Main Street intersection into Coupeville.
   In 0.3 miles turn right onto Cemetery Rd.
   Follow the road past the Sunnyside Cemetery to the parking lot at the Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve Office.

PARKING:
Parking is available in the parking lot at the National Historical Reserve Office. Additional parking is available along the road just west of the Sunnyside Cemetery.

DIFFICULTY:
The degree of difficulty for this hike is moderate. Approximately three miles, on uneven ground and dirt surface, and an incline. 

OPTIONAL MEAL OR SNACK FOLLOWING THE OUTING
Join us for an optional meal or snack following the outing at Callen's! https://www.callensrestaurant.com/
 

Level: Moderate

Cost: Washington State Parks daily ($10.00) or annual ($30.00) Discover Pass. Passes may be obtained on-line, or at Fort Casey State Park Administrative Office.

Bring: Wear appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes, bring water and a snack.

Signup Restrictions: Limited to 25 participants; no dogs

Additional Directions: The hike begins at 10:30 and will last approximately 3 hours.

Cancellation Policy: Heavy rain cancels

National Park Service Ebey's Landing page