Ebey's Landing
National Historical Reserve
Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve provides a vivid historical record of Pacific Northwest history, including the first exploration of Puget Sound by Captain George Vancouver in 1792; early settlement by Colonel Isaac Ebey, an important figure in Washington Territory; growth and settlement resulting from the Oregon Trail and the Westward migration; the Donation Land Laws (1850-1855); and the continued growth and settlement of the Puget Sound area.
Within the fast growing Puget Sound region, Ebey's landing NHR has quickly become the remaining area where a broad spectrum of Northwest history is still clearly visible in the landscape.
The historical landscape of the reserve appears to today's visitors much as it did a century ago, when New England sea captains were drawn to Penn Cove. Historic farms are still farmed, forests harvested and century-old buildings used as homes or places of businesses.
Unlike many National Park units, the 25 square mile historical reserve encompasses a mixture of federal, state, county and private property, all managed in a way that preserves its historic essence. This means that changes in the cultural landscape will continue, but in a way that respects the past.
There are two state parks within Ebey's Landing NHR as well as the historic waterfront town of Coupeville, one of the oldest towns in Washington State.
VISITATION:
Peak Season: June, July and August
Over 500,000 people visited Ebey's Landing NHR in 1997.
You can enjoy Ebey's Landing NHR all year. The reserve is popular for short winter weekend trips, due to mild winters and it's proximity to Seattle/Tacoma and Vancouver, British Columbia.
LOCATION:
Ebey's Landing NHR is located on central Whidbey Island, Washington; in the northern reaches of Puget Sound, north of Seattle, Washington.
ADDRESS:
Ebey's Landing NHR
PO Box 774
Coupeville, WA 98239-0774
TELEPHONE:
(360) 678-6084
(360) 678-2246 - FAX
OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:
Scenic Waysides:
Daily - 8:00 a.m. to dusk.
State Parks:
Summer - Daily - 8:00 a.m. to dusk.
Island County Historical Museum:
Summer - Daily - 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Winter - Friday-Monday - 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:
Ebey's Landing NHR enjoys a mild maritime climate, with cool summers and mild winters. Summer highs may reach the 80's, but evenings are always cool. Layers of clothing, including a sweater, are recommended for changing conditions that include wind and rain. A pair of sturdy walking shoes is also advised.
DIRECTIONS:
Ebey's Landing is located approximately 60 miles (via ferry) northwest of Seattle, Washington; 110 miles southwest of Vancouver, British Columbia.
From Seattle via bridge: Take I-5 north to Burlington; turn west, onto SR-20 towards Anacortes. Proceed on SR-20, crossing Deception Pass Bridge, through Oak Harbor, to Coupeville.
From Seattle via ferry: Take I-5 north; turn onto SR 525 at exit 182 and proceed to the Mukilteo ferry terminal. The ferry sailing takes about 1/2 hour. Once on Whidbey Island, proceed north on SR 525 about 26 miles to Coupeville.
From the Olympic Peninsula via ferry: Take the Port Townsend-Keystone ferry from Port Townsend to Whidbey Island. The ferry sailing takes about 3/4 hour. Once on Whidbey Island, follow signs to Coupeville.
Due to adverse tides and winds, the Port Townsend-Keystone ferry run has frequent cancellations. Please check the Washington State Ferries schedules to help you plan your trip. During summer months and holiday weekends, expect long lines and lengthy delays at both the Mukilteo-Clinton and Port Townsend-Keystone ferries. For recorded ferry information, telephone (800) 843-3779. When in the reserve, listen to 1610 AM for news about canceled ferry sailings.
TRANSPORTATION:
The Reserve is best seen by private car or bicycle. Free, island-wide bus transportation (with bike racks) is available and accessible at both ferries and Coupeville.
FEES, COSTS RATES:
There is no entrance fee. There are free hiking trails, beaches and state park facilities. The visitor information display at the Island County Historical Museum is also free.
FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:
Visitor Information Display:
Located at the entry of the Island County Historical Museum on Coupeville's waterfront, this is a good place for visitors to pick up informative brochures and plan their visit. Access to Ebey's Landing NHR display is free, access to museum exhibits requires admission fee of $2.00 per person.
Waysides:
Interpretive waysides are located throughout Ebey's Landing NHR. The sites touch on a wide range of historical and natural resource themes.
Self-guided Driving/Bicycling Tour:
A free self-guided driving/bicycling tour will show you the reserve's scenery, introduce you to its recreational opportunities, and help you learn about its history. You can obtain a copy of the tour brochure at the Island County Historical Museum, Admiralty Head Lighthouse or by writing or calling the reserve office. The tour can take anywhere from 1-1/2 hours to a full day, depending on your pace and interests.
Historic Coupeville:
On the south shore of Penn Cove, Coupeville's historic past as a center of commerce and a major stopping point for the "mosquito fleet" is still apparent. The historic whart extends 400 feet into the Cove. Over 50 homes and stores are on the National Register of Historic Places.
Admiralty Head Lighthouse/Fort Casey State Park:
One of two state parks within the Reserve, Fort Casey is home to the Admiralty Head Lighthouse and a World War I coastal defense fort. Interpretive displays and a gift shop are located in the lighthouse.
Hiking:
Day hiking opportunities are plentiful in the Reserve. Enjoy miles of scenic beach between Fort Casey and Fort Ebey state parks. Trails border historic farms, beaches, and a cemetery.
LODGING AND CAMPING FACILITIES:
FOOD, SUPPLIES:
Restaurants and grocery stores are located in Coupeville.
ACCESSIBILITY:
Most waysides are accessible.
PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES:
(Summer activity schedules will be posted as soon as they are available. Check this site for updates.)
Interpretive Walks:
Guided walks at Sunnyside Cemetery, Ebey's Prairie and Fort Casey are provided free of charge on Saturdays and Sundays during summer months.
Evening Programs:
Evening slide shows are provided free of charge during the summer months at Fort Casey State Park and occasionally in Coupeville.
Guided Walking Tours of Coupeville:
Walking tours of Coupeville (fee) are provided by Island County Historical Society docents during summer months.
RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES:
Tour Ebey's Landing NHR by car or bicycle, visiting waysides that share the early history of the Pacific Northwest. Visit Fort Ebey State Park for breathtaking marine views and WWII history. Eat lunch in historic Coupeville or take a picnic to one of many beaches. Visit the Historical Museum. Scuba dive at Fort Casey Underwater Reserve or visit the Admiralty Head Lighthouse. Birdwatch at Crockett Lake. Mountain bike in the Kettles area, east of Fort Ebey State Park.
SPECIAL EVENTS:
0 May -- Penn Cove Water Festival
1 June --National Trails Day
2 December--Greening of Coupeville
VISITOR IMPACTS:
Some hiking trails in the Reserve cross private property. Please respect the fields and crops of local farmers by staying on trails and keeping pets on a leash.
High tides can be dangerous to beach hikers. Use extreme caution to avoid being trapped on headlands and watch carefully for beach logs moved by sudden high waves.
Scenic waysides are located on public land, and visitors have unlimited visual access to surrounding farm and other scenic land - look but please don't trespass.
Use wayside pullouts; do not stop in the middle of the highway or paved roads.
ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:
Ebey's Landing is located close to both North Cascades and Olympic National Park. Many people combine a visit to one of these parks with a visit to the Reserve
COMMENTS WELCOME!
You are the visitor to this site since March 18, 1998.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: