The Diversity of Whitbey Island

With its excellent boating and charming communities, this destination in Washington State will enhance your trip every season in the Pacific Northwest.

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Words by Steve Fennell

Whidbey Island is a scenic and popular boating region that’s approximately 55 miles (89 km) long (north to south) and 1.5 to 12 miles (2.4 to 19.3 km) wide with many shore side communities that welcome recreational boaters all season. Perhaps one of the reasons the area is so popular among boating enthusiasts is the availability of countless services while still providing the chance to easily escape into a quiet inlet or enjoy some tranquility in the range of State Parks.

However, one thing is for sure is that you won’t be able to discover the whole island in one trip. This makes it an enticing destination to return to every year or even during a return run on your route home. So, one of the best ways to enjoy Whidbey is by exploring it area by area, one boating getaway at a time. And starting with these following destinations will allow you to truly experience the island and all that it can offer to enhance the boating lifestyle.

1. Oak Harbor via Oak Harbor Marina

One of the great things about visiting Oak Harbor and Oak Harbor Marina is it’s easy to access by boat. The last thing you want to do after a day at the helm is negotiate an unforgiving break wall or other tight passage. To access the marina, all you need to do is idle in the channel and make your way to a designated transient slip, which offers space for boats up to 15 m (50 ft). Larger vessels can also be accommodated.

A full-service marina, Oak Harbor has all the amenities you’ll want including showers, restrooms, laundry facilities, as well as picnic tables in the park and at the guest dock. Wi-Fi, gas barbecues, a playground for kids, even a fire pit with firewood are also available. If you have been to Oak Harbor Marina before, the discount on fuel still stands.  You’ll get 5¢ off per gallon on purchases of more than 100 gallons and 20¢ off per gallon up to the cost of the first night of guest moorage. If your plans include staying more than a day, reservations are required.

Although you’ll appreciate its amenities, the marina is within walking distance to great shopping, dining, and pubs. Accommodations are also plentiful, which range from hotels and motels to beachside vacation homes and cozy bed and breakfasts.

While there’s The Oak Harbor Waterfront Trail to always enjoy near the marina, 11 km (7 mi away) are the Dugualla State Park trails that lead through 237 ha (586 ac) of alder groves, big tree forests, and wetlands. There’s a scenic shoreline with a secluded beach. Most of the trail loops are about 3.2 (2 mi). Also nearby the marina is the Scenic Heights Road walk. While a mere paved street, it’s known to offer excellent views of Oak Harbor and a great to see the immediate area.

Of special interest about 6 km (4 mi) from the marina is the U.S. Naval Air Station - Navy Region Northwest. The third largest fleet concentration in the continental U.S., part of this branch of the armed forces consists of military, civil service, and contractor professionals that operate the Navy's premier shore installations. Its mission is to support the fleet, fighter and military families to provide ready Naval forces able to execute the nation's defense.

2. Double Bluff Beach

If you’re visiting with a boat in tow, you’ll have no trouble getting to all the great destinations on Whidbey. One area worth visiting is Double Bluff Beach, which is considered one of the best beaches in Washington State. A dog-friendly off-leash area, the beach spans miles and at low tide, it’s hundreds of feet wide with plenty of space for both visitors and active K-9’s.

Located off Highway 525 on Double Bluff Rd. the area has grassy picnic areas, benches, restrooms, and designated rinse stations, and dog-height drinking fountains for your pooch. There are also excellent views of Mount Rainier and Baker, the Cascades, the Olympics, as well as the skyline of downtown Seattle on perfect, clear days. 

Although you can’t launch a boat at the beach, the closest launch ramp is in Austin on Mutiny Bay about 6 km (3.5 mi) away and there are marinas nearby in Langley and Clinton. Many services, accommodations, and dining options are also available in these communities.

3. Deception Pass State Park

Spanning 1,560 ha (3,854 ac), this popular marine and camping park has 24 km (15 mi) of saltwater shoreline, 10 km (6 mi) of freshwater shoreline (on two lakes), and is located on both Fidalgo Island to the north and Whidbey to the south. Access is to the park either via crossing the Canoe Pass and Deception Pass bridges, which connects the two islands.

Popular for many outdoor activities, it’s widely known as a recreational boating haven. The park has five saltwater and two freshwater watercraft launches with easy water access. If you prefer to enjoy days on the freshwater lakes, keep in mind that powerboats are not permitted on Pass Lake, and only electric motors are allowed on Cranberry Lake. However, they are permitted in Deception Pass and Canoe Pass.

In addition to many protected bays with state mooring buoys in the area, there are two popular marinas – the privately-owned Deception Pass Marina with amenities and transient moorage, as well as Cornett Bay Marina that shares many of the same services but is operated by the State Park Service. Regardless of which marina you choose, both are a gateway to excellent boating.

4. Coupeville

In addition to the natural attractions on Whidbey, you may want to chart a course to Coupeville on the east side of Whidbey Island in Penn Cove. It’s here where you’ll find a large public wharf with a transient marina offering a variety of amenities.  

The second oldest community in Washington State, its century-old buildings are now occupied by wine tasting rooms, book stores, plus a variety of small trendy shops that are all nearby to the marina along Front St. With the range of great restaurants, you’ll want to try the popular Penn Cove Mussels, which are locally grown and harvested.

An interesting attraction to visit is Fort Ebey’s State Park. Situated along the bluffs of The Kettles Trail System, there are stunning views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and be sure to bring your binoculars as orcas, gray whales, seals, otters, and eagles can often be spotted. 

Whidbey Island is a destination where you can relax in a protected slip or bay, enjoy nightlife, and browse the range of unique shops, art galleries, and scenic nature. With so much to offer, the region is a true gem of the Pacific Northwest that’s tough to beat.

For more information about your visit to Whidbey Island visit www.oakharborchamber.com and whidbeycamanoislands.com/island-county-tourism-committee