Embrace The Pace!
The transformation from mainland to island is not only physical, it’s psychological. The pace is not only slower, it feels as if you’ve stepped back in time. The mild climate and close proximity to Seattle make either island an easy getaway all year round.
Day 1 – Camano Island
Explore uncrowded beaches and winding forested trails. Dine on delicious food from local farms and the surrounding waters. Camano Island is known for its arts community and abundant wildlife, including Bald Eagles and whales. An added benefit is the island is easily accessible by bridge, 24 hours a day.
Named “the easy island,” Camano Island offers visitors a relaxed experience. The island is known for its Dungeness Crab, arts community, and unspoiled, natural beauty. To get there, drive 76 miles (123 kilometers) north of Sea-Tac International Airport on Interstate 5. Take exit 212 and go west through the town of Stanwood, over a bridge, and onto the island. The roads on the island create an uncomplicated driving loop.
Camano Commons Marketplace
Look for the giant crab sculpture to find the largest collection of shopping and dining venues on the island. The Camano Commons Marketplace is home to the Camano Island Coffee Roasters. Locally made works of art and products make this an ideal stop to purchase a unique gift to take home. Look for the tourism kiosk at the marketplace as well.
Camano Island and Cama Beach State Parks
Two state parks are only a mile apart on Saratoga Passage where whales and Bald Eagles are commonly seen. Both have forested hiking trails, as well as relaxed beach walks, and Camano Island State Park offers overnight camping in cabins. Depending on the season, Cama Beach features a small store and dining at the Cama Cafe. Looking west, the beaches provide dramatic sunset views of Whidbey Island.
Iverson Spit Waterfront Preserve
Wander the beach and forest on these easy hiking trails. Explore the hidden “Hobbit” trail leading through a thicket of moss covered trees. Enjoy spectacular views of the Cascade Mountains, Mount Baker and Port Susan Bay. Over 125 different species of birds have been spotted here. Read more…
Barnum Point
The county’s newest park, saved from potential development, offers 10 different easy interconnecting trails totaling 2.75 miles. There’s a viewing platform on the Eagle Crest Trail and an unspoiled beach. Read more…
Canopy Tours NW
As you start to head off Camano Island, make one last stop for an amazing adventure, zip lining through the trees at Canopy Tours Northwest. It’s located at historic Kristoferson Farm, which also features farm-to-table dinners, community events, a farm stand featuring local goods, and more.
Day 2 – Whidbey Island
The dramatic beauty of Deception Pass State Bridge makes it a memorable arrival to the island. Surrounded by snow capped mountains and pristine waters, the main road is appropriately named the Whidbey Scenic Isle Way and home to Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve. Look for jets overhead from the Naval Air Station.
Whidbey Island is 42 miles (68 kilometers) from Camano Island. Drive Highway 532 off Camano Island, through Stanwood. Travel north onto Interstate 5. Take exit 230 onto Highway 20, which puts you on the Cascade Loop. Turn left at the Whidbey Island Deception Pass exit and drive onto the island.
Deception Pass Bridge
This is one of the most iconic images of the state and towers 180 feet (55 meters) above the swirling waters connecting Saratoga Passage with the Strait of Juan de Fuca. On both sides of the bridge are the rugged and lush forests, beaches and hiking trails of Deception Pass State Park. Explore the most popular park in the state of Washington. Watch for whales, seals, porpoises, Bald Eagles, shore birds and deer. Note: As you approach Deception Pass Bridge, you may wish to pull over safely at one of the turn outs to take a photograph or to walk across the bridge.
Oak Harbor
Oak Harbor is home to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, which has made a profound contribution to Whidbey Island’s history and vitality. You may see and hear jets flying overhead. Take time to visit the Pacific Northwest Naval History Museum. Drive further on historic Pioneer Way and you’ll find a downtown that is filled with dining and shopping opportunities.
Coupeville
Coupeville is the second oldest town in Washington State. Be sure to take the board walk to the wharf along the waterfront. Stroll the streets filled with shops, restaurants, and the Island County Historical museum. The town is located within Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, over 27 square miles (7,000 hectacres) of beautiful farmland. It is part of the National Park system.
Ft. Casey State Park
Admiralty Inlet was so strategic to the defense of Puget Sound in the 1890’s, that Fort Casey was one of three forts built to protect it. Climb through bunkers and batteries, see cannons, as well as Admiralty Head Lighthouse. Situated next to the Coupeville ferry terminal, it is the gateway to the Olympic Peninsula.
Day 3 – Whidbey Island
As you travel through serene farmland and small seaside villages, stop to enjoy authentic Northwest culture. Home to several state parks, the island offers easy ways to enjoy nature. On the southern end, ferries leave every 30 minutes, easily connecting the island with the mainland. The 20 minute crossing is a relaxing departure.
As you travel south on Whidbey Island you will intersect with State Route 525. Continue on it as you reach the narrowest part of Whidbey Island near Greenbank Farm. Follow signage directing you to various points of interest including Meerkerk Gardens, Earth Sanctuary, art galleries, as well as tasting rooms for wineries and distilleries.
Freeland
This is an ideal stop for antique stores and thrift shops. Freeland is where many locals like to shop and eat. It is close to Double Bluff Beach, a favorite place for a beach walk and picnic, and it also offers a great view of Mt. Rainier.
Bayview Corner
The historic Bayview Cash Store anchors this shopping hub. Stop in for a cup of tea, glass of wine, or pint of cider. Cafes, a pub, a donut shop and fine farm to table dining offers a variety of options.
Langley
Famous for its art galleries, breweries, shops and eateries, this is our charming “village by the sea.” Check out the Langley Whale Center and ring the whale bell if you see one from the shore. Upscale lodging and dining are abundant.
Clinton
The town and surrounding area is your final opportunity to visit local wineries, distilleries, shops and dining. Here, you will drive onto the Clinton Ferry which crosses the water to Mukilteo every 30 minutes. Just get into line, no reservations are required. Mukilteo is home to the Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Factory Tour, another recommended stop.
A 3 Day Itinerary only scratches the surface of what there is to experience on Whidbey and Camano… We hope to see you back soon!
This page was created with the assistance of the Port of Seattle.
