National park · United States
Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve
Entry to Ebey’s Landing is free. Walk the 5.6-mile bluff-and-beach loop early; Fort Casey and Fort Ebey are state parks, so check Discover Pass requirements before parking.
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
71 km²27 sq mi
approximate
Established
1978
Best months
Apr–May, Sep
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 71 km²27 sq mi
- 17,572 acres (about 71 km²) of federal, state, county and private land combined; only about 209 acres (0.85 km²) is federally owned (check).
- Established
- 1978
- Best months
- Apr–May, Sep
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Seattle
Ebey’s Landing is a 17,572-acre working landscape on Central Whidbey Island, with historic farms, coastal bluffs, forest and the seaport town of Coupeville. Established in 1978 as the first National Historical Reserve, it combines federal, state, county and private land. The reserve has no entrance gate or general entry fee. Fort Casey and Fort Ebey are separate Washington state parks within the reserve.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1978.
Size and age
71 km²27 sq mi · national park since 1978
17,572 acres (about 71 km²) of federal, state, county and private land combined; only about 209 acres (0.85 km²) is federally owned (check).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Seattle.
Why go
- A free coastal bluff walk with farmland on one side and Admiralty Inlet on the other.
- Fort Casey and Fort Ebey: two walkable WWII-and-earlier coastal forts with batteries you can climb on.
- Coupeville's Front Street and wharf, one of the oldest towns in Washington.
- Working farms, hedgerows and fence lines that still follow 1850s donation land claims.
When to go
- JanCaution
- FebCaution
- MarGo
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunGo
- JulGo
- AugGo
- SepBest
- OctGo
- NovCaution
- DecCaution
- JanCool, wet and windy; exposed bluff walking can be uncomfortable.
- FebExpect changeable coastal weather; check trail conditions.
- MarGray whales migrate through nearby waters in March and April.
- AprWhale migration and spring prairie plants; weather remains changeable.
- MayGood for walking before the busiest summer period.
- JunLong days; bring a windproof layer for the shore.
- JulSummer brings more visitors; start popular walks early.
- AugSummer conditions; weekends can be busy.
- SepA useful shoulder-season month for walking and exploring Coupeville.
- OctShorter days and more rain are possible; check conditions.
- NovCool, wet weather and shorter daylight.
- DecPlan for rain, wind and limited daylight.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gray whales offshoreMar–Apr · Migration between Whidbey and Camano islands; possible to spot from shore or a ferry. | no | no | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Orcas in surrounding watersAll year · Present in surrounding waters; sightings are not guaranteed. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Waterfowl and migratory birds around Penn CoveOct–Mar · The cove’s lagoons provide bird habitat. | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
| Prairie wildflowersApr–May · Spring is a good time to look for native prairie plants. | no | no | no | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
How to get there
From Seattle
Drive to Mukilteo, take the ferry to Clinton, then follow WA-525 and WA-20; alternatively, drive north via Deception Pass.
check
Open the page →
From Port Townsend
Take the Washington State Ferries crossing to the Coupeville terminal at Fort Casey, then continue north by road.
35 min crossing plus wait
From Oak Harbor
Follow WA-20 south to the reserve and Coupeville.
check
From Whidbey Island
Plan island transport, ferries and places to stay.
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Coastal strip | An 8-mile beach and eroding bluff along Admiralty Inlet, with the Bluff Trail on the crest. | Open; stay on the trail, the bluffs are unstable. |
| Prairies | Three open prairies covering over 5,000 acres, about a third planted in crops. | Open on roads and trails; fields and farmyards are private. |
| Woodlands | Over 4,500 acres of second- and third-growth fir and cedar, with glacial kettles. | Mostly undeveloped; accessible in Fort Ebey State Park and Rhododendron Park. |
| Penn Cove | Over 4,000 acres of sheltered water, lagoons and waterfowl habitat. | Open water; Coupeville Wharf is the public moorage. |
| Coupeville | Victorian seaport with Front Street storefronts, wharf and historic blockhouse. | Open; free to walk. |
Sketch map
- 1Ebey's Landing trailhead · Trail≈48.192, -122.707Approximate; off Cemetery Road west of Coupeville.Map ↗
- 2Ebey's Landing beach · Beach≈48.191, -122.718Approximate.Map ↗
- 3Fort Casey State Park · Gate≈48.159, -122.676Map ↗
- 4Admiralty Head Lighthouse · Viewpoint≈48.161, -122.681Map ↗
- 5Coupeville · Town≈48.220, -122.686Map ↗
- 6Coupeville Wharf · Ranger station≈48.223, -122.688Map ↗
- 7Fort Ebey State Park · Gate≈48.217, -122.767Map ↗
- 8Coupeville ferry terminal (Keystone) · Ranger station≈48.159, -122.673Map ↗
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reserve entry | Free | person | No general entrance fee or gate. |
| Parking at Fort Casey or Fort Ebey state parks | US$10–30 | vehicle | 2026 estimate for a day or annual Discover Pass; check current Washington State Parks requirements and rates. |
| Coupeville–Port Townsend ferry | Free | person | Fares depend on passenger and vehicle; check current Washington State Ferries fares. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Reserve trails no permit
State park parking permit or guide
Drone flights permit or guide
Park rules
- Private land
- Much of the reserve is privately owned. Stay on public roads, signed trails and public beaches; do not enter fields or farmyards.
- Bluff edges
- Bluffs are unstable and eroding. Stay on the trail and away from the edge; do not climb the bluff faces.
- State park parking
- Check current Discover Pass requirements before parking at Fort Casey or Fort Ebey.
- Dogs
- Check the rules at the specific trail, beach or state park before bringing a dog.
- Drones
- Check current NPS and Washington State Parks rules before flying.
Where to stay
Near the park
Coupeville
Look for lodging in town, close to Front Street and the reserve’s central areas.
Near the park
Fort Casey campground
Camping availability and reservations: check with Washington State Parks.
Near the park
Oak Harbor
A nearby base on Whidbey Island; lodging options and travel times: check.
Safety
Bluff edge and erosion medium
Wind and rain on the coast medium
Ferry waits medium
Accessibility
- Coupeville’s waterfront and some Fort Casey areas can be reached by car with short walks; confirm specific access conditions before visiting.
- The Bluff Trail includes steep and uneven sections and a beach segment; it is not suitable for wheelchairs.
- Island Transit serves Whidbey Island; check current routes and schedules for stops near your destination.
Visiting lightly
- Support Coupeville businesses and local farms while respecting private property.
- Stay on marked trails near the bluff to limit erosion.
- Pack out rubbish and follow posted rules at beaches and state parks.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve?
There is no general entrance fee or gate. Parking at Fort Casey or Fort Ebey state parks may require a Discover Pass; check current Washington State Parks rules and prices. Ferry fares are separate.
What are the best hikes in Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve?
The Bluff Trail loop from Ebey’s Landing is the main coastal walk, combining the bluff-top path and beach. Fort Casey and Fort Ebey have shorter walks, and the Kettles Trail connects Fort Ebey State Park with Rhododendron Park. Check current maps and conditions before setting out.
When is the best time to visit Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve?
April, May and September are useful months for walking. Gray whales migrate nearby in March and April. Summer has longer days but can be busier; winter is cooler and wetter, so check trail conditions.
Do I need a Discover Pass?
Not for general reserve entry. Check current Washington State Parks rules for parking at Fort Casey and Fort Ebey.
Can I get there without a car?
It may be possible using Island Transit and the Coupeville–Port Townsend ferry, but routes and schedules vary. Check transit and ferry services before planning a car-free visit.
Is Ebey’s Landing the same as Coupeville?
No. Coupeville is a town within the reserve, which also includes prairies, coastal areas and state park land.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go