In an age of exploration, a young man served with Captain Vancouver on his journey aboard the Discovery during the years of 1791-95. His adventurous spirit led him to explore the waters of Puget Sound with Peter Puget and later to circumnavigate the largest island in the Sound. Vancouver promptly honored him by naming the island after him: Whidbey Island. Joseph Whidbey returned to England and later became well-known as a Naval Engineer. The island still bears his name as well as a small state park near Port Orchard.
Although Joseph Whidbey is a relatively small state park, it's big on adventure. The park's 112 acres include forests, fields, marsh and saltwater shoreline. Your photographic opportunities abound.
Walk the forested trail to the wide open meadows. In the fall you'll have pastel fall colors in the trees and understory and don't forget to look at your feet for mushrooms. The spring brings woodland flowers and the fresh face of green.
The trail continues through a large meadow where birds flit from shrub to bordering tree. You'll come across some marshy areas where frogs perch at the side of the trail watching hikers pass by. Come in the fall and bring a bucket to pick blackberries while you wait for sunset on the beach.
You will not want to miss sunset from the beach. The shoreline overlooks waters from the Strait of Juan de Fuca and sunsets here are a grand finale for beautiful days. The beach is considered one of the best on the island. No matter if you agree with this statement or not, this little park is worth lingering and photographing.
Remember to bring your tripod and polarizing filter. The tripod will help you in the darker areas of the forest and as twilight approaches. The polarizing filter will cut the glare off leaves and water.
To get there from Highway 20 - driving North turn left on Swantown Rd, if driving South turn right. Follow Swantown Rd for 1/2 mile then turn right on Heller St. Continue on Heller St for 1 1/4 miles and turn left on NW Crosby Ave. The park will be on your right in approx 1 1/2 miles.
Read more about Joseph Whidbey and his explorations in the Northwest on the HistoryLink website.
