Washington State Parks: South Whidbey

Tucked away in the Southwest corner of Whidbey Island is the little park called South Whidbey. It might seem like a quiet little park, off the beaten path and away from the hustle and bustle of Whidbey Island but it can be a happening place.



On summer weekends, the campground can be full to brimming. Don't let that deter you for the forest of South Whidbey beckons.


The park rests on a bluff overlooking Admiralty Inlet but the treasure of South Whidbey does not rest in the narrow shoreline at the end of a steep trail - the treasure rests in the forest across the road from the campground. And it's a fabulous forest, filled with ferns, ancient trees and a host of woodland critters. You might even think you're Snow White as you walk the trails chatting with the birds and squirrels.


Although the beach is quite lovely with views across to the Olympic Peninsula and up to the Strait of Juan de Fuca. All sorts of little flotsam and jetsam wash up along the shores here and one can spend hours photographing the minutia of beach shells and seaweed. In the fall, fishermen line the shores for a bit of surf fishing.


Yes, spend some time on the beach, but you must head to the forest across the way and hike through an ancient forest saved from the woodsman's axe by a husband and wife team who sought to protect this gem. Here you will find ancient trees, wooded glades, forest marshlands and the bountiful sword fern that keeps the forest understory green throughout the seasons. The forest is a wonderland of quiet reflection and awe inspiring trees.


Photo Tip: If you are finding yourself overwhelmed in the forest, try focusing in on the small forest vignettes. A stump filled with mosses and ferns can convey the majesty and beauty of an old forest just as much as trying to get those big trees top to bottom in the frame. Look for small details and small critters and soon you'll be able to see the forest and the trees.


To get here: Get onto Whidbey Island either by the ferry from Mukilteo (south end of the island) or drive from the north end of the island on Highway 20. From the south, drive north out of Clinton on highway 525 for 10 miles. Turn left on East Bush Point Road. Follow E Bush Point Rd for 2 miles, the main road curves to the right and turns into Smuggler's Cove Road. Follow Smuggler's Cove Rd to the park on your left another 2.5 miles. From the north, drive south on highway 20 through Oak Harbor. From Oak Harbor travel another 20 miles to Smuggler's Cove Road and turn right. Follow Smuggler's Cove Rd for 4.5 miles and the park will be on your right.

Going Solo

I often find inspiration on social media sites when my friends ask questions that really get me thinking. Near Christmas, a question was asked about holiday memories and I wrote a post about some of my favorite holiday memories.

Recently a female hiking friend of mine asked when any of her female outdoorsy friends decided to do their first solo backpack and why.

Good question.

I can tell you that for the longest time, heading into the backcountry by myself was a frightening proposition. A habit of reading true stories of people getting lost and dying while in the backcountry alone made the idea unfathomable to me. Why would anyone do that? You could get eaten by a mountain lion, mauled by a bear, fall of a cliff, freeze to death, get lost and starve, drown, break a leg . . . the list was endless of all the horrible and nasty ways you could meet you maker in the wilderness.

But then, well, isn't that the same list I had for everything that could happen to you in the wilderness anyway? What was the big deal? If I have an accident, it really didn't matter if I was going solo or I was with hiking buddies. And anyone who really knows me, knows that I'm pretty much an accident waiting to happen.

But you can't always live in fear, can you? In the years prior to my first solo backpack I had tried my hand at alpine scrambling, cross country skiing, kayaking, long distance backpacking and winter camping. All things I had been afraid of before but succeeded in accomplishing my goals. My next goal on the list - a solo backpack.

My number one recommendation for backpacking alone is to plan and plan well. I chose a destination I had been to a few times either with others or on day trips - Summerland Park in Mt Rainier National Park. Checking with rangers helped greatly with my planning - I knew the trail conditions, weather forecast and wildlife activity before I packed my pack.

My number two recommendation is to tell another person your exact route and itinerary. This is a good plan even if you're heading out with other people. My most reliable contact person lives in Montana and I email her the itinerary, route (trail names and numbers), which forest or park and the number to call in an emergency (the county sheriff's office - 911 does no good when you are a few counties away).

My first trip was just an over-nighter, but it led to longer trips filled with fantastic adventures. There's a sense I get when I'm out alone of self-reliance, wildness and community with nature.

Going into the wilderness alone isn't for every one, but if you dare to take the chance you will never regret it - unless you get eaten by a mountain lion.

Onward!

Two-Thousand Fourteen was an amazing year for me.

I was able to get into the swing of becoming the Chair of the Seattle Mountaineers Hiking Committee - a position I dove into without much preparation. And I found folks eager to help me succeed and in turn, I'm willing to do what it takes to help them succeed as well.

Walking comfortably in my own skin (both physically and psychically) became easier. I've been able to make peace with my past and accept who I am and move forward in spite of my past.

I reached out to a couple of photography mentoring groups and made new friends, sharing ideas and trouble shooting problems. Good honest feedback.

But the best thing that happened to me in 2014 was that I found my voice and started writing. A friend reminded me that I had something to say and that I should share my message with everyone and anyone. I started writing a book for photographers. Not only started researching and writing but looking forward to getting out and researching more.

So now that we're done reminiscing about last year, what's going to happen this year?

Good things.

My schedule is ready so I can complete 90% of my research by the end of next year. Plus get a major portion of the book written and research getting it out to you.

I'll be looking for a publisher or looking into self-publishing.

Fixing my website so I'm not completely embarrassed when I hand out cards.

Starting a newsletter to keep you up to date on my progress. (Won't you like to sign up?)

It's going to be another amazing year!