South Whidbey State Park, established in 1974, spans 381 acres on Whidbey Island. The park is renowned for its diverse ecosystem, including towering old-growth western red cedar, Douglas fir, Sitka spruce, and western hemlock. A highlight is the giant western red cedar, estimated to be over 500 years old, making it one of the island's largest trees.
The park boasts 4,500 feet of saltwater shoreline along Admiralty Inlet, offering stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Visitors can enjoy around 3.5 miles of hiking trails through the forest and along the beach, with trails tailored to both leisurely strolls and more challenging hikes. Note that part of the Wilbert Trail is temporarily closed for maintenance; alternative trails such as the Fern Gully Trail and Ridge Loop Trail are available.
For group gatherings, there are reservable picnic shelters and an outdoor amphitheater that can host up to 75 people. Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the natural habitats that support a variety of birds, deer, and marine life, while the shoreline offers opportunities for fishing, beachcombing, and regulated shellfish harvesting.
The park is equipped with accessible restrooms, ample parking, potable water, and a trailer dump site. Its history is also significant, marked by community efforts to expand the park in the early 1990s to include additional old-growth forests that were once threatened by logging.
Operating year-round from 8:00 a.m. until dusk, South Whidbey State Park invites visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and recreational offerings of Whidbey Island. Visitors should be aware of occasional overhead U.S. Navy jet training, and check for any alerts regarding trail access or group activity permits before planning their visit.