Here’s your chance to take a small detour and explore a couple of unique places on Whidbey Island. As you’re heading north on SR 20 on the central part of the island, you will suddenly find yourself not surrounded by trees, but, instead, a prairie.

Over thousands of years, the island’s indigenous people used fire to burn away trees and create space for farming and turned a large swath of the center of the island into a prairie.

Just north of the Navy’s Outlying Field, keep a sharp eye out for Morris Road and turn right. Take an immediate left onto Parker Road. A few hundred feet ahead is the Pacific Rim Institute for Environmental Stewardship, a private organization teaching people about sustainable living. They have 2.2 miles of trails open to the public. Say hello, pick up a map and explore.

A group of people is standing in a grassy prairie with a few large trees scattered about.
Touring the prairie at the Pacific Rim Institute

After you finish exploring, continue north on Parker Road. This scenic route offers beautiful views of lush forests and occasional glimpses of local wildlife.

Just before you reach Coupeville, you’ll find the Price Sculpture Forest. It’s a true hidden gem. As you wander its trails, you encounter an array of unique sculptures harmoniously integrated with the forest’s natural beauty. The artistic fusion of man-made art and nature’s splendor creates an immersive, contemplative environment that inspires and soothes. There’s one trail that, in dry weather, is wheelchair friendly.

20-foot tall metal structure with four large legs supporting a metal stand and a ball. It is supposed to look like an upside-down metal flower.
“Pentillium” by Gary Gunderson
Picnic Table and green lawn next to the water of Penn Cove.
Captain Coupe’s Park