Joseph Whidbey State Park

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Joseph Whidbey State Park is a stunner. Its west-facing views from Whidbey Island include Victoria, B.C., Lopez Island and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. When the weather is clear, the evening sky lights up with color. Hearty visitors come for the prime storm watching, as dark clouds roll in and giant waves crash on the shore.

A grand beach, a playing field and an excellent trail system through wetlands, forests and fields make this day-use park a destination on any visit to Whidbey Island. Visitors often stop for a picnic, a sunset view, or an excuse to kick back and roam the beach with their kids. The park closes at dusk, but camping is available at nearby Fort Ebey State Park, a historic part of the U.S. coastal defense system until World War II, with batteries and gun emplacements to explore.

Park features

Joseph Whidbey State Park is a 206-acre day-use park with 3,100 feet of saltwater shoreline on the Strait of Juan de Fuca in northern Puget Sound.

Please note: U.S. Navy jets from nearby Naval Air Station Whidbey Island may fly over the campground at any time for several hours. Navy personnel conduct training missions at various times during the day and night. Depending on the direction of the wind, their flight pattern may put them above the park, creating noisy conditions for campers. Although State Parks cannot be responsible for the jet noise, we do share visitor concerns with representatives of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. Flight schedule.

  1. Activities
  2. Boating
  3. Camping
  4. Maps

Picnic & day-use facilities
The park offers one picnic shelter. Reservations can be made online or by calling (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688, and ask for the picnic shelter on Fort Ebey’s inventory. Four sheltered and nine unsheltered picnic tables are available first come, first served.

Note: An additional Special Activity Permit is required for group activities and events with 25 or more people such as wedding ceremonies, races, other sports events, etc. For additional information and a permit, call the park at (360) 678-4519 or send an email.

Activities

Trails

  • 2.3 miles of hiking trails

The Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail (PNT) is a 1,200-mile-long footpath through some of the most spectacular and scenic terrain in the United States. It stretches between the shores of the Pacific Ocean in Olympic National Park and the Rocky Mountains in Montana, connecting the varied landscapes and communities of the Pacific Northwest.

While visiting Joseph Whidbey State Park, you can hike along the PNT to West Beach and Fort Ebey State Park. You might be inspired to visit the PNT in four other Washington state parks, or even to see it all! Every year, adventurous backpackers from around the world attempt to walk the entire trail. To plan your trip on the Pacific Northwest Trail, visit online www.pnt.org.

Water activities & features

  • Crabbing
  • Personal watercraft use

Other activities & features

  • Beach exploration
  • Bird watching

Additional information

  • There are two large grass fields in the park. Nets can be put up, or games can be played on the grass.
  • A recreational license is required for fishing and shellfish harvesting at Washington state parks. For regulations, fishing season information, or to purchase a recreational license, visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
  • Printable park brochure (PDF).