Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve

The past meets the present at Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve on Whidbey Island, in the Puget Sound of Washington State. Created in 1978 as the nation's first Historical Reserve, the 17,572 acres (7,111 hectares) integrate working farms and historic land use traditions, one of the oldest towns in Washington, a focal point of the Pacific Northwest's military history and large tracts of ecologically intact habitats. The reserve includes the Victorian seaport community of Coupeville (covered in detail in its own article), as well as Fort Casey Historical State Park and Fort Ebey State Park. == Understand == Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve encompasses a mixture of federal, state, county and private property, all managed in a way that preserves its historic essence. Only 209 acres (0.85 km²) of the reserve is federally owned. Much of the western shoreline, once part of various military installations, is now owned by Washington state. The rest is largely private, including holdings by the families of early Euro-American settlers. === History === When the first Euro-American settlers came to Central Whidbey Island, they found a land tempered by centuries of human habitation. As early as 1300, the Skagit Indians had established permanent villages on the shores of Penn Cove. The island provided an abundance of natural resources for their sustenance—salmon, bottom fish, shellfish, berries, small game, deer, and water fowl. The Indians cultivated the prairies with selective burning, transplanting, and mulching to encourage the growth of favored root crops like bracken fern and camas. More than 1500 American Indians were recorded in the area in 1790. By 1904, the Indian population around Coupeville was reduced to a few small families. Whidbey Island was named by explorer Captain George Vancouver in honor of his Lieutenant, Joseph Whidbey, who explored the island in a ship's launch in 1792. Vancouver's well-publicized exploration of Puget Sound helped prepare the way for settlers to the area. A more important inducement was the Donation Land Law of 1850, which offered free land in Oregon Territory to any citizen who would homestead the land for four years. Newcomers flocked to the fertile prairies of Central Whidbey and, within three years, had carved out irregularly-shaped claims that followed the lay of the best land. Today, this early settlement pattern can still be seen by the fence lines, roads, and ridges of the Reserve. Colonel Isaac Neff Ebey was among the first of the permanent settlers to the island. Upon the advice of his friend Samuel Crockett, Ebey came west from his home in Missouri in search of land. Both men had filed donation claims on Central Whidbey by the spring of 1851. Ebey wrote home, enthusiastically urging his family to join him. Ebey's family soon emigrated to the island. The simple home of Isaac's father Jacob, and a blockhouse he erected to defend his claim against Indians, still stand today overlooking the prairie that bears the family name. As for Isaac, he became a leading figure in public affairs, but his life was cut short in 1857, when he was slain by northern coastal Indians seeking revenge for the killing of one of their own chieftains. Today some farmers of Central Whidbey still plow donation land claims established by their families in the 1850s. Their stewardship of the rich alluvial soil preserves a historic pattern of land use centuries old. Fertile farmland was not the only incentive to settlement. Sea captains and merchants from New England were drawn to the protected harbor of Penn Cove and the stands of tall timber valued for shipbuilding. Many brought their families and took up donation claims along the shoreline. One colorful seafaring man was Captain Thomas Coupe, who startled his peers by sailing a full-rigged ship through treacherous Deception Pass on the north end of the island. In 1852, Coupe claimed 320 acres which later became the town of Coupeville on the south shore of the cove. The early success of Central Whidbey's farming and maritime trade transformed Coupeville into a dominant seaport. The past remains apparent in Coupeville today, with its many 19th-century false-fronted commercial buildings on Front Street, its historic wharf and blockhouse, and its rich collection of Victorian residential architecture. The military introduced another layer of history to the landscape of Central Whidbey, with the construction of Fort Casey Military Reservation in the late 1890s. Built on the bluff above Admiralty Head, Fort Casey was part of a three-fort defense system designed to protect the entrance to Puget Sound. The first contingent of U.S. Army troops reported for duty in 1900, and eventually numbered 400. The fort became a social center for the surrounding community, hosting ball games, dances, and other social events. Today, the handsome wood-framed officers' quarters, the gun escarpments, Admiralty Head Lighthouse, and other remnants of military history still stand at old Fort Casey. Near the north boundary of the Reserve is Fort Ebey, a remnant of the defensive build-up of World War II. To the south, the 1943 Coupeville Outlying Landing Field is still used today, providing aircraft carrier landing practice for Navy pilots. === Landscape === The landscape of the Reserve, with its pattern of field, forest, and shoreline, has a quiet kind of beauty all its own. Part of this beauty lies in the diversity of its land forms, and vegetation. Within the boundaries of the 17,400-acre Reserve there are five distinctive character areas which together comprise the natural landscape. Overlaying each of these are the tangible reminders of man's presence upon the land. Coastal Strip - on the western shore of the Reserve, along Admiralty Inlet, is an 8-mile strip of narrow beach that gives way to dramatic bluffs and low ravines. The elevation ranges from sea level to just over 200 feet. Many of the bluffs are sparsely vegetated, relatively unstable, and constantly eroding. Access to the fragile bluffs is limited to a trail that runs through State Park property along the crest of the bluff, meeting The Nature Conservancy property and then NPS lands. Prairies - Three large natural prairies cover over 5000 acres of the Reserve. These prairies formed over 13,000 years ago by the receding glaciers. All are defined by ridges that embrace the rich fertile soils, an especially valuable resource. About one-third of the prairie lands are planted in squash, grains, forage, seed and feed crops. The remainder are a mixture of wetlands, pastures, woodlands, and farmsteads. Together these features form a cohesive character area, one that holds the telling physical remnants of human history-old fence lines, hedgerows, orchards, field patterns, weathered barns, and historic farmhouses. Woodlands - Two large, densely wooded areas on the Reserve comprise just over 4500 acres. These forests are primarily second and third-growth Douglas fir and Western red cedar, with an understory of alder, salal, and rhododendron. Steep-sided, glacial-melt depressions called kettles, some over 200 feet deep, are found within these forested areas. With the exception of Fort Ebey State Park and Rhododendron Park, the woodlands of the Reserve remain relatively undeveloped and inaccessible. Uplands - The upland areas of the reserve are undulating, gently rolling hills that sweep up from the shorelines on either side of the island. Primarily pastures and cultivated fields carved out of woodland stands, these areas are sparsely settled with scattered farms and residences, forming a patchwork on the pastoral land. Penn Cove - with its own special ambiance, covers over 4000 surface acres. This scenic shoreline changes from low beach front at Monroe's Landing, to uplifted banks at Coupeville. Along the west edge of the cove, the lowlands shelter lagoons that provide a rich habitat for waterfowl and migratory birds. Modest beach cottages contribute to the peaceful setting at Good Beach and Snakelum Point, where permanent and seasonal residents enjoy the tranquility of the quiet cove. === Flora and fauna === ==== Flora ==== Vegetation varies greatly from one end of Whidbey Island to the other. Vegetation in the south is more similar to that of mainland Washington. The principal trees are Douglas fir, red alder, bigleaf maple, western red cedar, and western hemlock. Compared to the rest of western Washington state, vine maple is notably absent, except where they have been planted. Other under-story plants include the evergreen huckleberry, lower longleaf Oregon grape, elderberry, salal, oceanspray, and varieties of nettle. Non-native introduced plants such as foxglove, ivy and holly are also evident. Farther up the island, however, the shorter Oregon-Grape and the blue Evergreen Huckleberry is seen less, while tall Oregon-grape and Red Huckleberry predominate. The native Pacific rhododendron is much more visible. Amongst the deciduous varieties, Garry oak (from which Oak Harbor takes its name) are seen more frequently in the northern portion of the island and Pacific madrone is also notably present. In the conifer classification, grand fir is found more in the northern part of Whidbey Island along with Sitka spruce and shore pine. There are three open prairie areas on Whidbey Island – Smith Prairie, Crockett Prairie and Ebey Prairie. ==== Fauna ==== Gray whales migrate between Whidbey and Camano Island during March and April and can be seen from both ship and shore. Orca also make use of the waters surrounding Whidbey Island. === Climate === Ebey's Landing NHR enjoys a mild maritime climate, with cool summers and mild winters. Summer highs may reach the 80s (F), but evenings are typically cool. Layers of clothing, including a sweater, are recommended for changing conditions that include wind and rain. Whidbey Island lies partially in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountain Range to the west, and has a variety of climate zones. This can be observed by rainfall amounts – wettest in the south with average rainfall of 36 inches (910 mm), driest in the central district of Coupeville where Ebey's Landing is located with average rainfall of 20 to 22 inches (510 to 560 mm), and turning moister again farther north with average rainfall of 32 inches (810 mm). == Get in == === By car === State Route 20 (WA-20) approaches from the north, through Oak Harbor, across the Deception Pass Bridge to Anacortes and Burlington on the mainland. State Route 525 (WA-525) approaches from the greater Seattle area to the south, via the Clinton-Mukilteo ferry. It joins WA-20 about 1 mi (1.6 km) east of the reserve's entrance. The drive from Clinton ferry terminal takes about 35 minutes. From Seattle, WA-525 is about 40 mi (64 km) closer and about an hour faster if you're able to catch the next ferry at Mukilteo. If the wait for the ferry is longer than an hour, drive the extra miles to WA-20 through Deception Pass. === By ferry === Washington State Ferries (WSF) operates the Port Townsend / Coupeville route, connecting Whidbey Island to the Olympic Peninsula. 1 Coupeville Terminal (formerly Keystone Terminal), 1400 S State Route 20 (at Fort Casey, 4 mi (6.4 km) south of Coupeville), ☏ +1 206-464-6400, toll-free: +1-800-843-3779. Ferries from Port Townsend on the Olympic Peninsula. 35 minutes one way; departures every 1½ hours. (updated Aug 2025) Reservations are recommended for vehicles. The small ferries required for the narrow Keystone Harbor mean that vehicle space is often limited, and drive-up motorists may have to wait several sailings for a space. Advance reservations are all but essential on Friday afternoons, weekends and holidays. There's always room for pedestrians and bicyclists. === By boat === 2 Coupeville Wharf and boating facility, 24 Front St NW, ☏ +1 360-678-6379. 12 or more boats can be moored to floats attached to the wharf on a first come first served basis. There are also four buoys near the wharf. Unleaded gasoline and diesel fuel can be purchased at the fuel dock which is attached to the north side of the wharf. This is the only public moorage in Penn Cove. Showers and a coffee shop with basic boating supplies are available. Mooring floats overnight (after 6PM) fees: winter (October 1 - April 30) $0.50 per foot, summer (May 1 - September 30) $1.00 per foot. Mooring buoys overnight (after 6PM) $10 for maximum length of 32 feet. Courtesy moorage: 3 hour maximum after 6PM with approval of Harbor Master $5.00 regardless of length. === By public transit === Island Transit, ☏ +1 360-678-7771. Scheduled bus services on Whidbey Island and Camano Island. Service on Whidbey Island includes to Clinton, Coupeville, Freeland, Greenbank, Langley, Oak Harbor with off island connections to Anacortes. Service on Camano Island includes off island connections to Everett and Mount Vernon. Free. (updated Jun 2023) The main bus stops in Coupeville are: 3 Coupeville Park & Ride on S Main St & SR-20. Served by Island Transit #1 & 6 bus going north into town. Southbound 1 & 6 buses stop in front of Coupeville Elementary School across the street from the Park & Ride. 4 Coupeville Ferry Dock Bus Stop Island Transit #6 bus goes up to Oak Harbor via Coupeville. Transfer to route 1S in front of Coupeville Elementary School on S Main to go towards the Clinton Ferry Terminal. Jefferson Transit, ☏ +1 360-385-4777, toll-free: +1-800-371-0497. Bus stops are in front Port Townsend Plaza which is next door to the Port Townsend Ferry Terminal. === By shuttle === Whidbey SeaTac Shuttle, toll-free: +1-877-679-4003. provides transportation service between communities on Whidbey and Sea-Tac Airport. == Fees and permits == Each site in the reserve is independently operated; the National Park Service does not manage access. Most of the reserve is free. A Discover Pass is required for all private vehicles entering the state parks along the west coast of the reserve - Fort Casey, Ebey's Landing and Fort Ebey. The pass costs $10 for one day, or $30 for one year from the purchase date. You can purchase these from the park stores at Fort Casey and Fort Ebey, or use the kiosks at the parking areas. Dealers, such as sporting goods stores, and online sales add a surcharge. == Get around == WA-20 is the spine, linking most attractions together. The main areas of the reserve are up to 10 mi (16 km) apart from each other. The park suggests a Driving and Bicycling Tour Route that leads through 44 mi (71 km) of the Reserve’s various landscapes, starting from Coupeville. === By bicycle === There are many walking and biking trails that provide opportunities to observe agricultural activities and natural and cultural resources. Kettles Trail is a multi-use trail along WA-20 from Fort Ebey State Park to Rhododendron County Park. Engle Road is a rural road with a wide shoulder from Coupeville to Keystone Ferry Terminal, and designated as a local bicycle route. Some trails cross private property. Please respect the crops and fields of farmers and the privacy of residents. == See == === Fort Casey === 1 Fort Casey Historical State Park, 1280 Engle Rd, Coupeville, ☏ +1 360 678-4519. Daily, 8AM-Dusk. Discover Pass required. Fort Casey Historical State Park is a 467-acre marine park with a lighthouse and sweeping views of Admiralty Inlet and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The park also features 10,810 feet of saltwater shoreline. Admiralty Inlet was considered so strategic to the defense of Puget Sound in the 1890s that three forts—Fort Casey, Fort Flagler on Marrowstone Island, and Fort Worden at Port Townsend—were built to create a "triangle of fire" against invading ships to thwart any invasion attempt by sea. Construction of Fort Casey began in 1897. However, the fort's batteries became obsolete almost as soon as they were built; the development of military aircraft made the fort vulnerable to air attack, and battleships designed with increasingly accurate weaponry transformed the static strategies of the nineteenth century into the more mobile attack systems of the twentieth century. The fort remained active through World War I as a training ground, and was reactivated again as a training center during World War II, though all of the large guns had been scrapped by 1942. Fort Casey was deactivated in 1953, and eventually purchased by Washington State Parks. While the batteries have long since been emptied, very little of the site is roped off. You are free to wander and even climb around a complete former military base in a highly scenic spot, with plenty of interpretive signage to explain how the entire site operated. 2 Admiralty Head Lighthouse, ☏ +1 360 240-5584. Noon-4PM, Daily Jun-Aug, weekends and some weekdays Sep-May. In 1858 the United States purchased 10 acres (4.0 hectares) acres costing $400 for the location of the lighthouse on Admiralty Inlet. The original Red Bluff lighthouse was completed in the months prior to the Civil War and was among the West's earliest navigational aids. It had a fourth order Fresnel lens, and the light could be seen 16 miles away. In 1890, the original wooden lighthouse was relinquished to the U.S. Army, who demolished it to make room for soldiers and guns in Fort Casey. Its 30 ft (9.1 m) replacement, constructed of brick and stucco, was built in 1903. It was the last brick lighthouse designed by renowned German architect Carl Leick. This lighthouse proved to be too far up the bluff to be useful for navigation. It was deactivated in 1922, and its lantern moved to the New Dungeness Lighthouse. Later, the Army used the lighthouse as a training facility for the K-9 dog program. The lighthouse has since been restored by Washington State Parks. 3 Artillery Guns (Battery Worth and Battery Trevor). The two 10-inch guns on disappearing carriages that are mounted at Fort Casey were transferred from the Philippines in the 1960s, along with two three-inch guns. The 10-inch guns are M1895MI (No. 26 and No. 28 Watervliet) on disappearing carriages M1901 (No. 13 and No. 15 Watertown). The three-inch guns are M1903 (No. 11 and No. 12) on barbette carriages M1903 (No. 6 and No. 7). (updated Aug 2025) 4 Keystone Spit. A stretch of land more than two miles wide that separates Admiralty Inlet and Crocket Lake. (updated Aug 2025) === Ebey's Landing === Isaac Neff Ebey claimed this prairie above the southeast coast of Admiralty Inlet, the most tantalizing parcel of farmland he came across while seeking a Donation Land Claim in 1851. This area is still idyllic farmland, and several buildings from the original settlers still stand. 5 Ebey’s Landing State Park (at the end of Ebey Rd). A small day use park with beach access, trailhead access and dramatic views of the Olympic Mountains and the busy Admiralty Inlet shipping lanes. Discover Pass required. (updated Aug 2025) Bluff Loop Trail. 5 mi (8.0 km) loop, 260 ft (79 m) elevation gain. A moderate hike that combines a coastal bluff ridge with a beach walk, showcasing the marine ecosystems of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the brackish Perego’s Lagoon. (updated Aug 2025) 6 Ferry House (above the beach at Ebey’s Landing). The historic Ferry House, built c. 1858, was a place where early travelers to the island, arriving by boat, could get lodging, food, postal services, supplies, and overland transportation to Penn Cove, where they could continue their journey by ship. Some mistakenly think this is the Ebey House, but that structure no longer stands. The NPS is working on restoring the Ferry House to preserve it for future generations. 7 Jacob & Sarah Ebey House. Memorial Day-Labor Day. Upon their arrival to the island, the Ebeys set about building their home on their Donation Land Claim, which they called "Sunnyside." In 1856, they completed this small, tidy house. Maps, trail guides, and visitor information, along with interpretive panels are available at the house. (updated Aug 2025) === Coupeville === Main article: Coupeville The Victorian seaport community of Coupeville is one of the oldest towns in the state. Coupeville became the county seat in 1881, and began to prosper as a center of commerce, a shipbuilding hub and a busy ferry and shipping harbor. The activation of nearby Fort Casey in 1901 spurred further services and infrastructure improvements. Structures from these eras survived into the 1970s, when area residents created the Central Whidbey Island Historic District to preserve the town and surrounding countryside from development. 8 Coupeville Museum (Island County Historical Society), 908 NW Alexander St, ☏ +1 360-678-3310. M-Sa 10AM-4PM, Su 11AM-4PM. by donation. (updated Aug 2025) 9 Coupeville Wharf (Old Grain Wharf), 26 Front St NW. In 1905, this 500 ft (150 m) wharf was built to accommodate the development spurred by the construction of Fort Casey. Today, the wharf boasts a cafe, gift shop, boat rentals and small marina, as well as an exhibit on Penn Cove sea life. (updated Aug 2025) === Fort Ebey === Fort Ebey was a small World War II gun battery. Constructed in 1942, it was the last fort developed as part of the Puget Sound coastal defense. The site was well-camouflaged from aerial view. The site's only fortification had two six-inch guns, which were removed and scrapped after the war. Today, you can explore concrete bunkers built for the original military fort, and find the concrete platforms marking the gun locations. You can also enjoy a walk to Lake Pondilla; visit the beach, hike along the bluff tops and enjoy views across the Strait of Juan de Fuca. 10 Fort Ebey State Park, 400 Hill Valley Dr, Coupeville (2 miles north of Coupeville). Daily 8AM-dusk. A 645-acre camping park at the site of a World War II coastal defense fort. The park has three miles of saltwater shoreline on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, a freshwater lake for fishing, and miles of hiking and biking trails. Discover Pass required. == Do == === Beachcombing === Whidbey Island offers amazing scenery as the clear waters play against wild coastlines and snow peaked mountains scatter on the horizons. Small crabs, moon snails, sea stars and sand dollars are common sites and tide pools can offer hours of exploration. Beaches stretch across most of the southwest coastline along Admiralty Inlet, with easy access from all three State Parks. === Birdwatching === The Reserve's saltwater lagoons and adjacent wetland marshes offer prime bird-watching opportunities. Shallow and weather-protected, they attract numerous species of migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. === Scuba diving === Scuba diving the cold waters of Puget Sound takes a bit more gear and training than most warm water locations, but the rewards are incredible. Many dive sites are completely covered with colorful sea creatures that defy description. Giant Pacific Octopus are common, along with friendly wolf eels. Colorful sponges, sea cucumbers, sea stars, soft corals, anemones and fish can be seen on nearly every dive. Admiralty Head Marine Preserve (just north of Fort Casey). This preserve incorporates a nearshore kelp bed that grows upon a mix of rocks, boulders and ridges of hardpan and bedrock. The uplands consist of eroding sandstone bluffs and the shoreline is primarily composed of cobble, pebble, and gravel. Most of the upland is adjacent to the Fort Casey Conference Center and also includes the northern portion of Fort Casey Historical State Park. Fish surveys have documented large rockfish, black rockfish, lingcod, and striped seaperch. The area is near a popular salmon fishing site and several species of salmon are expected to move in and out of the reserve. Other biological resources include a variety of encrusting organisms, red rock crab, sea stars, red sea cucumber, red sea urchins and green sea urchins. (updated Aug 2025) ==== Keystone Conservation Area ==== The Keystone Conservation Area is along the southern shore of Fort Casey Historical State Park. It includes the eastern side of the jetty into Keystone Ferry harbor and extends eastward to the eastern row of pilings under the old military dock. The jetty is a man-made structure composed of large revetment boulders that creates high-relief, structurally complex habitat within the site. The area between the jetty and the old military dock has been used for disposal of dredge spoils from the ferry terminal in the past. The bottom is ungraded, mixed material that ranges from sand and broken shell through moderate sized cobble. The reserve extends from intertidal depths from the ordinary high water mark offshore to depths of 70 feet (mllw) or more. The offshore terminus of the jetty is subjected to strong tidal currents, and the cove to the east often has eddies that brings flotsam and jetsom on to the beach. A floating kelp bed composed of bull kelp occurs on the southeast margin of the jetty and may occur near the derelict pilings on the southeastern boundary of the reserve. Bladed kelps and foliose red algae occur on the boulders and cobbles in the photic zone of the conservation area. Rocky habitat fish species use the jetty and include copper rockfish, quillback rockfish, and black rockfish, and lingcod. Other fish species that may be observed are blackeye goby, striped seaperch, pile perch, kelp greenling, and painted greenling. Pelagic fishes are also attracted to the site and include Pacific herring, Pacific sandlance, and coho salmon. The high currents provide the basis for a rich invertebrate community, especially for encrusting species. Dominant invertebrates include giant anemones, giant barnacles, red rock crabs, and red sea cucumbers. === Mountain biking === Fort Ebey State Park and the neighboring Kettles Park feature about 25 mi (40 km) of mountain bike trails. == Buy == Coupeville offers a wide variety of shops and supplies. == Eat and drink == Coupeville offers many restaurants and casual eateries. Look for seasonal seafood and ingredients from local farms. Blackberry season towards the end of summer usually means these tasty local berries will find their way into local dessert menus. == Sleep == === Lodging === Lodging is available in Coupeville, more rural parts of the reserve and surrounding towns such as Oak Harbor. === Moorage === Moorage is available at the Coupeville Wharf on the east side of the island as well as Fort Ebey and Fort Casey State Parks on the west side of the island. === Camping === Camping on Whidbey Island is limited, with sites most readily available in the spring and fall. 1 Fort Casey Historical State Park Campground, 1280 Engle Rd (3 mi (4.8 km) south of Coupeville, next to ferry terminal), ☏ +1 360-678-4519, toll-free: +1-888-226-7688. 22 standard campsites and 13 partial-hookup sites with a maximum length of 40 feet. Available by reservation year round. 2 Fort Ebey State Park Campground, toll-free: +1-888-226-7688. 39 standard campsites, 11 partial-hookup campsites with electricity and water, one marine trail campsite (available only to campers who arrive at the park in human-powered watercraft), one group camp that accommodates up to 60 people. One restroom and two showers. Open Mar-Oct, reservations required. 3 Rhododendron County Park, 502 W Patmore Rd, Coupeville, ☏ +1 360-679-7335. 15 campsites. Three can fit RVs, but only water hookups. First come, first served, open Apr-Sep. $15. == Stay safe == Keep wildlife wild. Though many of the animals in the Whidbey Island area are used to seeing humans, they are nonetheless wild and should not be disturbed. Do not feed wild animals. Regulations require boaters to stay 200 yd (180 m) away from orcas and other marine mammals, and keep the path of the animals clear. Do not disturb seal pups. NOAA recommends at least a 100-yard buffer around seals. Seal pups 'haul out' to get much needed rest when they are young and are often alone for many hours. They are extremely vulnerable at this time and should be left alone. Only about 50% of Puget Sound seal pups make it through their first year, so please help to protect their health. Report harassment or sightings of injured/stranded marine mammals to the NOAA Fisheries hotline at ☏ +1-800-853-1964. Deer are prevalent on Whidbey. Be careful driving around blind corners. They travel in herds; if you see one, there are more. 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. Do not stop in the middle of narrow country roads. Wayside exhibits and scenic pull-outs are provided throughout the Reserve for leisurely viewing. === Stewardship === Hike only on designated trails. Private property comprises over 90% of the Reserve. Respect the property rights of the residents of historic homes and farmsteads. Leave driftwood, plants, rocks, and other natural features within the Reserve undisturbed for others to enjoy. Beach fires are prohibited in Island County. == Go next == The Victorian town of Port Townsend on the Olympic Peninsula, giving easy access to Olympic National Park. Deception Pass State Park at the fast-flowing waterway between Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands, with over 4,100 acres (1,700 hectares) of forest, beaches, campsites, trails, and scenic vistas. Coupeville is a convenient stopping point for boaters traveling between Seattle and the San Juan Islands through the sheltered Whidbey Basin area of Puget Sound. There are also several island state parks nearby which are only accessible by boat. Ebey's Landing is on the North Cascade Loop itinerary.