Above photo: The paved trail at Hoypus Point.
Although we all hope to be active and robust throughout our lives, the reality is that many of us, at least temporarily, are going to need some help getting around. Unfortunately, as amazing as today’s mobility devices are, taking in nature requires a bit of advance planning and insider information.
So, with considerable expertise from Island Transit mobility Specialist Maribeth Crandell and Tom Eisenberg of Friends of Camano Island Parks, here is our very brief guide for those who need help getting around, but still want to enjoy time on Whidbey and Camano Islands.
State Parks on Both Islands
The Washington State Parks that offer ADA accessible campsites are Deception Pass, Ft Ebey, and Camano Island State Park. A Washington State Parks Discover Pass is required.
Whidbey Island
Fort Casey State Park
There are great views of Puget Sound from Fort Casey, and there is a brand-new ADA compliant sidewalk that takes you alongside the fort. The restrooms and picnic area are ADA compliant, as well. The fort, itself, however, has steep hills and narrow stairs.
Trustland Trail
Located just off S.R. 525 about two miles from the Clinton ferry is the Trustland Trail. It’s a flat 1.7 mile gravel forest loop that is ADA compliant. There is ample parking and picnic tables. There is no restroom. The southbound Route 1 Bus can stop 330 feet away at Highway 525 & Craw Road.
Trillium Forest
Located about 3.5 miles north of Freeland on S.R. 225, the Trillium Forest features a recently constructed ADA loop trail accessed at the trailhead near Bounty Loop Road. Part of the trail is paved and the rest is very compact gravel.
Price Sculpture Forest
Located just east of the Coupeville town limits on Parker Road, the Price Sculpture Forest offers a woodland trail that also features amazing sculptures. The “Nature Nurtured” trail is flat and is packed dirt, which may be an issue during the rainy season.
Coupeville Wharf
Getting out on the Coupeville Wharf is easy, and the flat wooden surface is good for wheelchairs. Those on crutches will need to watch their tips, but otherwise, it’s level all the way. The gangway out to the boats, unfortunately, is narrow and can be quite steep at low tide. Routes 1 and 6 take you within one block of the wharf.
Windjammer Park
The City of Oak Harbor’s signature waterfront park has been rebuilt and is more beautiful and accessible than ever. The park features a summertime splash park, a playground, a sheltered picnic, and new restrooms. The waterfront trail is a great and easy way to take in the area’s beauty.
Hoypus Point
This is one of the Deception Pass Hikes that we called “Pure Magic.” You can read about it here. It’s a flat paved road that has some of the best views of Deception Pass. The parking and trailhead restrooms are ADA-compliant. The only headache is there is a 33-inch wide opening around a gate at the start of the trail. There is a park bench along the way for those who don’t want to do the whole trail.
NAS Whidbey Island
The Cliffside RV Park offers ADA accessible bathhouses and other features, however this site requires valid military or DoD ID.
Dive Deeper
Do you or someone you know have mobility issues that confine you to a car? Watch Craig Johnson’s video “Birding by Car!”
Camano Island
English Boom County Park
With great views of the mainland and the mountains and a raised ADA wheelchair trail, English Boom is very accessible. There are no restrooms, however. The parking lot is kind of small.
Iverson Spit
Iverson Spit Preserve is a County park with about 2 miles of level trails. It offers very pretty views of the mainland and mountains. There is at least one bench for resting, as well.
Camano Center
Right next to the Camano center is an enchanting trail that is well maintained and easily reached by those going to senior activities at the center. You can read more about the center activities here.
Jack Penland lives on Whidbey Island with his wife, Diane. Even though they’ve lived here for more than 20 years, they keep finding new adventures, places to explore, and food to try.
