Places

This is a park with a small footpath that takes you down to Shadow Lake. The trumpeter swans mostly stay to the other side of the lake, but are easy to view, especially if you bring binoculars or a long camera lens. It's fun to watch the swans take off in the morning.

We've posted a hike along the trail here on one of our routes pages.

Small island is about five miles off the west coast of Whidbey Island. Smith Island is a protected aquatic reserve. boats must keep a certain distance from shore to protect the wildlife there.

Notable species found here are tufted puffins, rhinocerous auklets, rockfish and bull kelp. But you might also see harbor seals and sea lions on shore, cormorants, and glaucous wing gulls.

Turtleback Mountain is a great place to hike and bird watch. The South trail is pedestrian-only. Take the hike up from here to Ship's Peak for a great view -- and great views on the way as well. Be prepared to stop and enjoy.

This platform, and the area surrounding it (as well as the general area including the nearby campground) are common places to view elk.

The image of the two bull elk, here, were taken while standing on this observation platform. One thing to note, though, is that if you're using a tripod and someone is walking around on the platform, there will be some vibrations.

This is a small nature preserve near Eastsound. The trail here is easy and on a Summer morning there were quite a few joggers running through the trail. Mostly forested, with a few more open meadow areas. Good hike for families wanting a short hike.