A perfect day trip
Through the small towns of Langley and Coupville
Every so often the desire arises to take a day trip up Whidbey Island. From where I live it is a short 25 minute drive to the Mukilteo ferry, then a 20 minute ferry ride to the small town of Clinton, on the southern tip of Whidbey. Wide views across Puget Sound, the smell of fresh salt air, seagulls and small fishing boats scattered around.
On the drive up the island we stopped for coffee at Langley, walked the small downtown that faces the bay separating Whidbey and Camano Island to the east. Further on we stop for lunch in Coupeville with its main street also on the edge of the soft cliff banks facing north. These cliffs are the moraines left from receding glaciers 12,000 years ago, made up of sand and pebbles.
I did a sketch at the beach, looking across the channel
Next, we pass by the uninspiring town of Oak Harbor and its air force base, to arrive at Deception Pass State Park. We enter and drive the short windy road through dense forest of ferns, large Douglas Fir and Spruce trees, walking the shaded trail to the beaches. The tide was out, allowing us to walk around the outcroppings or sea rock to reach the northern beach.
This stunning natural setting reveals the narrow strait of turbulent water that separates Whidbey from Fidalgo Island, and is a perfect destination to enjoy the beach surrounded by the powerful tides and dramatic cliffs. My photos show the view from the bridge over the strait as well.
SketchTravel
