Outdoor adventures near Seattle: Fort Ebey State Park on Whidbey Island

South of Fort Ebey, Near the Ebey Bluffs Geocache

 One of the most beautiful destinations on Whidbey Island is Fort Ebey State Park and the areas surrounding it. The State Park offers three miles of coast line and 28 miles of hiking trails over 645 acres and some of the best views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains.

Serving as one of several coastal defense bunkers along the west coast during World War II, Fort Ebey is now known for its fishing, hiking, mountain biking, paragliding, bird watching and camping. Lake Pondilla has smallmouth bass and is a within walking distance from the campground. There is no vehicle access to the lake.

Lake Pondilla is also known as a “kettle”. Created during the retreat of the ice age glaciers, this beautiful lake is definitely worth finding. There is an earthcache named “Kettles and Kames” available through Geocaching.com and if you do this cache you will learn that there are more than 30 kettles in the nearby area. Lake Pondilla is the only kettle with water in it.

Mountain biking Fort Ebey is also popular at Fort Ebey. There are several trails to choose from. When you pull into the park, stay to the right and stop at the ranger station for a current trail map. Recommended rides: Cedar Glen (near the beach), and two longer rides, The Kettle’s Trail and the Main Line. There are many other trails to choose from as well. All of these trails offer up a great mix of forest and Puget Sound views and if you like rocks, mud and roots, you’re going to like to ride here!

If you are a regular follower of my articles, you know that geocaching is one of the best way to find hidden adventures. Here is a great example: Just south of the Fort Ebey State Park there is a trail that takes you along the bluffs. The trail head is also south of the park off of Hill Road. If you have the time, you can start with the “Ebey Prairie Earthcache” then drive on down South Ebey Road to the “Colonel Ebey’s Time Capsule” Mystery Cache.

Even if you don’t geocache, if you only have time for one hike, you must hike this trail. It climbs along the bluffs of Whidbey Island and again has stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. You may see whales, submarines, ferries, and seals from this vantage point. Trail Head for the Ebey Bluff hike: N48 11.584 W122 42.574

If you are geocaching, you must hike at least to the “Ebey Bluffs” geocache (under 2 miles). The view from this vantage point is amazing. If you want more, you can hike to the “I’d Turn Back if I Were You” geocache.

Fort Ebey is just one of several hidden adventures on Whidbey Island and around Coupeville, Washington. Plan on making several different day trips or giving yourself several days to explore this beautiful part of Whidbey Island!

View The Unusual Adventurer's Map of America in a larger map