7 Best Sights in Whidbey Island, The Puget Sound Islands

The reserve encompasses a sand-and-cobble beach, bluffs with dramatic views down the Strait of Juan de Fuca, two state parks (Fort Casey and Fort Ebey), and several privately held pioneer farms homesteaded in the early 1850s. The first and largest reserve of its kind holds nearly 400 nationally registered historic structures (including those located within the town of Coupeville), most of them from the 19th century. Miles of trails lead along the beach and through the woods. 

With nearly 3.5 million visitors annually, this is the most visited park in Washington and one of the largest, with 4,400 acres. A big draw of the park is the historic two-lane Deception Pass Bridge connecting Whidbey Island to Fidalgo Island, about 9 miles north of Oak Harbor. Park the car and walk across to get the best views of the dramatic saltwater gorges and churning whirlpools below. Then spend at least a few hours walking the 19 miles of rocky shore and beaches, exploring three freshwater lakes, or walking along the many forest and meadow trails. Camping is popular here too, with 234 campsites spread over three campgrounds and evening ranger programs at the amphitheater.

The 467-acre Fort Casey Historical State Park, on a bluff overlooking sweeping views of Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Port Townsend ferry landing, was one of three forts (the "Triangle of Death") built after 1890 to protect the entrance to Admiralty Inlet from naval invasion. Look for the concrete gun emplacement and a couple of 8-inch "disappearing" guns. The charming Admiralty Head Lighthouse Interpretive Center is north of the gunnery emplacements. There are also grassy picnic sites, rocky fishing spots, waterfront campsites, and a boat launch on Keystone Spit. A Washington State Discover Pass is required ($45/year or $10/day; see  www.discoverpass.wa.gov). Once you're done exploring the park, take the nearby ferry to Port Townsend for a quick side trip or a long lunch.

In late May and early June, Fort Ebey State Park blazes with native rhododendrons. West of Coupeville on Point Partridge, it has 3 miles of shoreline, campsites in the woods, trails to the headlands, a freshwater lake for fishing, World War II gun emplacements, wildflower meadows, spectacular views down the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and miles of hiking and biking trails. The park is a favorite with paragliders and hang gliders; watch them take off while you enjoy a picnic at a bluff-top table.

You can't miss the huge, chestnut-color, two-story barn out front—the centerpiece to this picturesque, 150-acre property, a former working farm that was once the top loganberry producer in the country (and maybe the world!) and later owned by Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, which produced and popularized loganberry wines. It now houses a café and several small shops, including cheese and wine shops where you can get provisions for a picnic. Greenbank's grounds include a demonstration garden and lovely walking trails, many of which are open for dogs to enjoy off leash. It's a popular place for bird watching too—bring your binoculars.

Collections include Ice Age relics, mammoth remains, and a strong Native American collection, including three rare cedar dugout canoes. The square-timber Alexander Blockhouse outside dates from 1855. Note the squared logs and dovetail joints of the corners—no overlapping log ends. This construction technique was favored by many western Washington pioneers.

The 53-acre Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens contain more than 1,500 native and hybrid species of rhododendrons and more than 100,000 spring bulbs on 10 acres of display gardens with 2 miles of nature trails. The flowers are in full bloom in April and May; summer flowers and fall color provide interest later in the year. The 43 remaining acres are kept wild as a nature preserve. Leashed pets are permitted on the gravel paths.