Island County: Coastlines, Forests and History

Rugged sea cliffs, old forests and traces of different cultures give Island County many different sides. You can hike or cycle along forest trails, experience coastal landscapes and take time to visit places with a long history. Choosing a vacation rental that suits you can depend on the experiences at the heart of your trip.

Coastal Landscapes and Outdoor Trails

At Deception Pass State Park, rugged sea cliffs meet old-growth forests; the park spans two islands. Five boat launches are available for boating on fresh and salt water. There are also several ways to explore on foot: in the park, you can follow the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail, reach the summit of Goose Rock for sweeping views or explore almost ten miles of trails.

Camano Island State Park has a different landscape, with forested trails, a rocky shoreline and views of Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier. Its four miles of loop trails wind through the forest and can be used for hiking or cycling. Visitors can also spot orcas, seals, porpoises and gray whales here. For longer routes through wooded areas, consider the Kettles Trails: the trail network runs for more than 30 miles through glacial kettles and almost 900 acres of forest. Paved trails connect it to Coupeville and Rhododendron County Park.

The sites themselves also offer different highlights. Meerkerk Gardens includes ten acres of display gardens and 43 acres of forested nature trails. The Pacific Rim Institute covers 175 acres and encompasses three ecosystems that can be experienced year-round. Its trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset. Cama Beach Historical State Park has up to 15 miles of park trails for hiking or cycling. Weekly park interpretation programs are held there from mid-June through Labor Day; check current dates before your trip.

Discover Culture and History

Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve preserves the historic, agricultural and cultural traditions of Indigenous peoples and Euro-American communities. The reserve can be reached from the mainland via Washington State Route 20. Coupeville is one of Washington's oldest towns and the only town within the reserve. There, you can stroll along historic Front Street. A ravine also preserves a remnant of a historic wagon road, marking the route between the landing and Ebey's Landing Ferry House. Ebey's Landing Ferry House was intended to serve as a tavern and lodging for ferry travelers.

The Island County Historical Museum offers insight into the region's history through a range of exhibits. “Native People, Native Places” highlights three rare dugout canoes, along with local Indigenous baskets, stone and wooden objects, artworks and artifacts. The Dale Conklin Prehistory Exhibit displays remains of a Columbian mammoth and provides information about the last Ice Age. If you're interested in outdoor art, Price Sculpture Forest is an interactive outdoor museum that brings together sculptures, forest trails and natural habitats. A free, self-guided tour includes descriptions of the sculptures and videos of the participating sculptors.

The state parks also cater to a range of visitor interests: Fort Casey Historical State Park has 1.8 miles of hiking trails; diving is possible off its shore at Keystone Underwater Dive Park. Fort Ebey State Park includes a historic military fort. These differences can help with trip planning: those primarily interested in hiking or cycling can focus on the trails, while Coupeville, the reserve and the museum are among the options for culture and history.

Events and More Destinations

The Penn Cove Water Festival brings the historic Coupeville Water Festival back to life each year. The program includes Indigenous canoe races, entertainment, arts and crafts, and culture; dates vary from year to year. Discover more destinations: Oak Harbor, Langley, Coupeville, Camano Island, Greenbank, Bells Beach, Snohomish, Klickitat County.

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