Ebey's Landing

Ebey's Landing might be one of my favorite hikes in the Seattle area.  I first learned of this hike from 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles - Seattle that I had picked up shortly after moving here.  This hike traverses through Ebey's Landings State Park and National Historic Reserve, the first national reserve in the nation.  The reserve is located on Whidbey Island just outside the small town of Coupeville.  You walk up the along the bluffs with stunning views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains and then make your way down rounding Perego's Lagoon to finish the hike walking along the beach.  It edges next to farmland and there is a side trip you can take to the Sunnyside Cemetery which I haven't tried yet. 

The hike takes about 2-3 hours depending on how leisurely you want to be and afterward I recommend heading over to Coupeville and stopping in Toby's Tavern for a beer and a bite to eat.  They have great burgers, fresh Penn Cove mussels, and an excellent veggie basket. If you have some time stop into the Penn Cove Gallery, an artist cooperative, you won't regret it.  An artist is always on staff and is able to talk with you about any artwork in the shop.  A few of my favorites in the shop right now are Gary A. Leake's custom wood furniture and Kelly Kellogg's photography.