Whidbey Island Has It All
by Rita Cook



The first thing for the traveler to do when visiting Whidbey Island is to leave the stress of non-island life behind. No one visiting this perfect haven, complete with 100-foot evergreens, ocean air, balmy afternoons and flora and fauna that make this island the Cape Cod of the West, will want to bring a care in the world to this paradise. Whidbey Island is 27 miles from Seattle and 50 miles from British Columbia. The bulk of the island is made up of a lovely seaside village called Langley (population 900) that offers arts, crafts, dining and even theater.

Things to Do Around Whidbey
First of all, Whidbey's shoreline spans 148 miles, perfect for intense beachcombing. There's also excellent hiking at Goose Rock Trail in Deception Pass State Park. It's here the hiker will find Whidbey's highest point. Once the tourists arrives at Deception Pass, he/she will find a freshwater lake perfect for an outdoor fishing adventure. Then there's clam digging, saltwater fishing and crabbing at Coronet.

Kayaks can be rented and taken into Penn Cove or Possession Sound for some excellent viewing of Sea Lions and Whales. And if that doesn't whet your appetite for Whidbey, there's always pickin' time. Greenback Loganberry Farm is known for berry picking, herb picking and flower picking.

Whatever the traveler's cup of tea, this pristine island has it - from kicking back and watching the sailboats go by to horseback riding or sailing.

The Audubon Society Stays Active
The trees that line Whidbey Island naturally attract a various range of wildlife, most of which are birds. Deception Island boasts seals, deer, squirrels, loons, bald eagles and warblers, while Dugualla Bay and Lake are suitable for river otters, kingfishers, the trumpeter swan and osprey.

And that's not all Oak Harbor City Beach is full of heron, gulls and waterfowl of all kinds. Joseph Whidbey State Park, West Beach and Swantown Lake all offer a few of seals, otters, gray whales, bald eagles and a variety of other birds. Partridge Point enjoys harlequin ducks, scoters, sparrows and wren. Crockett Lake is full of Peregrine falcons, merlins, green-winged teals and the bald eagle. Langley City Beach and Marina offer sightings of cormorants, grebes, eagles, jellyfish and Sea Stars.

Maneuvering on the Island
The island is divided into three main parts - north, central and south. North Whidbey is the metropolitan area and home to the Naval Air Station. Central Whidbey is a simple farming community, and as for South Whidbey, it's a great place for creative types, you know, artists and writers and such. And, the commute to Seattle isn't too bad either.

How About the Weather
Whidbey Island offers a mild climate to the traveler. Being in the "rain shadow" of the Olympic Mountains makes a difference for the island. In January the average temperature is 34 degrees while in August it's a pleasant 72 degrees.

How to Get There
The closest airport to Whidbey Island is SEA/TAC near Seattle, most airlines fly into Seattle. If driving is more what you had in mind, go North on I-5 from Seattle. Take exit 189 to Mukilteo and follow the signs to the ferry.

Where to Stay
There's no shortage of B&Bs on Whidbey, many tucked back into forest settings or found along the beach. Try the Log Castle, a charming log lodge that offers a peaceful island stay any time of the year. The Inn is located on a secluded island beach with breathtaking views of Camano Island, the Saratoga Passage and the snow-covered Cascade Mountains. Take a walk along the beach, relax and listen to the sound of the seagulls. For more information about The Log Castle Bed and Breakfast:
4693 Saratoga Rd.
Langley, WA 98260
(360)221-5483
innkeeper@whidbey.com

Contrast of all contrasts, Whidbey Island is a West Coast Cape Cod with, not only fantastic views of the snow-covered Cascade and Olympic Mountains, but also the peace and tranquility of a calm setting.