End of beach trail.
1 / 10

Dugualla State Park

4.6
·145 reviews·Oak Harbor, United States

A tranquil, lesser-known state park on Whidbey Island offering serene forest trails and a secluded beach, perfect for peaceful escapes.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more solitude

CrowdLow
Loading map...
End of beach trail.

Dugualla State Park

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more solitude

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A tranquil, lesser-known state park on Whidbey Island offering serene forest trails and a secluded beach, perfect for peaceful escapes.

4.6
(145 reviews)

"Really great shady trail down to a scenic beach! We were very surprised that this park is not rated higher."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Lot Safety

Be aware of potential car break-ins. Secure valuables or consider carpooling. :warning:

🥾 Steep Beach Trail

The trail to the beach is steep, especially on the way back up. Wear sturdy shoes! :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Secluded Beach Trail

Secluded Beach Trail

Trail leading to the saltwater beach

A steep but rewarding hike down to a quiet, scenic beach. Perfect for a peaceful escape and enjoying the coastline.

Reddit+1
Lush Forest Trails

Lush Forest Trails

Various park trails

Wander through enchanting forests with large trees and native plants. Experience the tranquility and mesmerizing sounds of nature.

TikTokInstagram
Peaceful Hiking Experience

Peaceful Hiking Experience

Throughout the park

Enjoy a serene and quiet hiking experience, often with few other visitors. Ideal for forest bathing and finding inner calm.

Instagram+1
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Trail Etiquette & Safety

Dugualla State Park offers beautiful trails, but some are steep and lead to the beach. Be prepared for a hike back up! Keep an eye on your belongings, as car break-ins have been reported. Always stay aware of your surroundings and follow park guidelines for a safe and enjoyable visit. Reddit

Hidden Gem Status

This park is a true hidden gem, often overlooked. You might find yourself with the trails all to yourself, offering a peaceful escape. While there are no major facilities, the natural beauty and quiet atmosphere are its main draws. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more solitude
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Shady trails offer cool respite
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

You’ll find me here - Okay, byeeeee! 💚☀️ . . Dugualla State Park . . #weekendescape #naturegetaway #forestbathingtherapy #whidbeyisland #pnwbirdie #pnwadventures #getoutside #wastateparks
pnwbirdie
69 likes • 415 views

🚗 Parking Lot Safety

Be aware of potential car break-ins. Secure valuables or consider carpooling. Reddit :warning:

🥾 Steep Beach Trail

The trail to the beach is steep, especially on the way back up. Wear sturdy shoes! Instagram :athletic_shoe:

Went hiking today to a trail we had not visited. Dugualla State Park trail down to beach. It was steep going down … and quite the hike going back up. Beautiful beach.
withmagsy
22 likes • 423 views
Our first highlight as a magical space is Dugualla State Park! Stay on the lookout as we discuss some history and some lore about the park later this week! Follow along for all of our videos on TikTok! #magical #magicalplace #whidbey #whidbeyisland #whidbeyislandlife #oakharbor #oakharborwa #pnw #pnwlife #oaklawnenchantments
oaklawn_enchantments
19 likes • 167 views

🤫 Embrace the Quiet

This park is a hidden gem, perfect for a peaceful, solitary nature escape. Instagram :sparkles:

🐾 Pet-Friendly Trails

Dogs are welcome on the trails. Ensure they are leashed and cleaned up after. Reddit :dog:

Liverwort releasing spores. #forestwalking #liverwort #liverwortspores #pelliaepiphylla #duguallastatepark
jane_billinghurst_writer
8 likes • 99 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Lot Safety

Be aware of potential car break-ins. Secure valuables or consider carpooling. Reddit :warning:

🥾 Steep Beach Trail

The trail to the beach is steep, especially on the way back up. Wear sturdy shoes! Instagram :athletic_shoe:

🤫 Embrace the Quiet

This park is a hidden gem, perfect for a peaceful, solitary nature escape. Instagram :sparkles:

🐾 Pet-Friendly Trails

Dogs are welcome on the trails. Ensure they are leashed and cleaned up after. Reddit :dog:

🗺️ No Roadside Signage

Look for the wide parking area at the road; there's no prominent park sign. Reddit :round_pushpin:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(145 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Dugualla State Park for its beautiful, quiet trails and secluded beach access, calling it a true hidden gem. However, concerns about car break-ins at the parking area and past disturbing incidents detract from the experience for some. Despite these issues, the natural scenery and peaceful atmosphere are highly valued.

"Only found on map, no road-side sign or directions to this delightful, quiet and wide, well maintained trail system. Some very large trees and many species of native plants. One trail does go to the salt water and others are fairly flat. Parking is just the wide area at the road."

Bj Hedahl

"Really great shady trail down to a scenic beach! We were very surprised that this park is not rated higher. We had spent 6 days on Whidbey Island, bought the annual pass and had visited one to two state parks a day. We like shady trails and beach access, the Deception Point, South Whidbey And Dugualla were our favorites!"

Jeffrey Chou

"Nice and quiet hiking trail. No pass required to park. They have a few trails to walk. One leads to the beach. Some hills to walk but nothing to crazy. Kid and pet friendly. Will go again."

Danielle Thompson

What People Like

Beautiful, quiet trails
Secluded beach access
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Car break-ins reported
Steep beach trail

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Dugualla State Park is a bit of a hidden gem and lacks prominent roadside signage. Look for a wide parking area directly off the road. Some visitors note it's not easily found on maps, so GPS coordinates or careful observation are key. Reddit

Public transport options to Dugualla State Park are very limited. It's best accessed by private vehicle. Consider carpooling if you're concerned about parking safety. Reddit

Parking is available in a wide area at the road's edge. While convenient, be aware that car break-ins have been reported, so secure your valuables. Reddit+1

According to recent visitor reports, no pass is required to park at Dugualla State Park, making it a free option for enjoying nature. Reddit

While trails are generally well-maintained, some can be steep, especially the one leading to the beach. Downloading an offline map or using a reliable GPS app on your phone is recommended. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Based on recent visitor feedback, it appears that a Discover Pass is not required for parking at Dugualla State Park, offering a free entry experience. Reddit

As a state park, Dugualla State Park is generally open from dawn to dusk. However, specific hours can vary, and it's always a good idea to check official Washington State Parks information if available, though it's often not prominently advertised for this location. Reddit

Dugualla State Park is primarily a natural area with trails and beach access. It does not typically offer reservable picnic shelters or group sites. It's best suited for informal visits. Reddit

Visitors have reported that no pass is required for parking at Dugualla State Park, suggesting it's a free-to-access area for hiking and enjoying nature. Reddit

If you encounter any issues with park access or facilities, it's best to contact the Washington State Parks department directly. However, for this less developed park, on-site support may be minimal. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Dugualla State Park features a network of well-maintained trails, including a notable steep path leading down to a scenic beach. Other trails offer flatter, peaceful walks through lush forests. InstagramReddit

The trail to the beach is described as steep, which might be challenging for individuals with mobility issues or very young children. The hike back up requires significant effort. InstagramReddit

While not a primary wildlife viewing area, you can expect to see forest birds and potentially marine life along the beach. Some visitors have noted the mesmerizing songs of the forest. TikTokInstagram

Dugualla State Park is a more natural, undeveloped park. Visitors have noted a lack of extensive facilities, so plan accordingly and bring your own supplies. Reddit+1

To experience the magical atmosphere, take your time on the forest trails, listen to the natural sounds, and appreciate the stillness. Visiting during off-peak hours can enhance the sense of solitude and enchantment. Instagram+2

📸 📸 Photography

The secluded beach offers beautiful coastal shots, especially during golden hour. The lush, moss-covered forest trails provide opportunities for capturing intimate nature scenes and unique flora like liverwort. Instagram+1

Yes, the park's diverse forest environment is home to various native plants, including liverwort releasing spores, making it a great spot for macro photography and botanical enthusiasts. TikTok

Early morning or late afternoon light filters beautifully through the dense forest canopy, creating a magical, ethereal glow. The beach can also be stunning during sunrise or sunset. Instagram

Regulations regarding drone usage in Washington State Parks can vary. It's advisable to check the official Washington State Parks website for current drone policies before flying. Generally, they are restricted in sensitive natural areas. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive forest and beach views. A macro lens can be useful for detailed shots of plants and fungi. A sturdy tripod will help with low-light conditions in the forest. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Dugualla State Park offers a great opportunity for families to explore nature. The well-maintained trails are suitable for children, though the path to the beach is steep and may require extra supervision. Reddit It's a fantastic place for kids to experience the forest, listen to bird songs, and enjoy a peaceful outing away from crowded playgrounds. Remember to pack snacks and water, as facilities are minimal. Reddit+1

🚶‍♀️ Solo Hikers & Nature Lovers

For solo hikers and those seeking a peaceful retreat, Dugualla State Park is ideal. The secluded trails and quiet atmosphere provide the perfect setting for forest bathing and mindful exploration. Instagram+1 You'll likely have large sections of the park to yourself, allowing for a deep connection with nature. Just be mindful of the parking safety advisories. Reddit

🐶 Dog Owners

Dugualla State Park is a pet-friendly destination, with trails perfect for walking your canine companions. Reddit Your dogs can enjoy the forest paths and even the beach access trail (though the steepness might be a challenge for some pups). Ensure your dog is leashed and that you clean up after them to maintain the park's pristine condition. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Trails

Dugualla State Park boasts a network of trails that cater to various preferences. The most frequently mentioned is the steep trail leading down to a secluded beach. While the descent is manageable, the climb back up can be quite strenuous, so be prepared for a good workout. InstagramReddit Many visitors appreciate the well-maintained forest paths that wind through the park's greenery. These trails offer a more tranquil experience, perfect for forest bathing and immersing yourself in the natural sounds of the Pacific Northwest. TikTokInstagram

For those seeking a longer hike, combining several trails can create a loop of up to 5 miles. The park's terrain includes rolling hills and dense vegetation, providing a varied hiking experience. It's a fantastic place for dog walking and getting children outdoors, offering a peaceful escape from busier parks. Reddit

The 'Hidden Gem' Appeal

Dugualla State Park is consistently described as a hidden gem on Whidbey Island. Unlike more popular state parks, it often remains uncrowded, allowing visitors to enjoy a sense of solitude and discovery. Reddit+1 This lack of crowds contributes to its peaceful and serene atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. Instagram+1

The park's charm lies in its natural beauty rather than extensive amenities. Visitors often highlight the quietude and the opportunity to connect with nature without distractions. The absence of a prominent roadside sign and the less developed nature of the park add to its allure for those who appreciate discovering lesser-known spots. Reddit+1

Safety and Community Concerns

While Dugualla State Park offers natural beauty, there have been concerning reports regarding safety. Car break-ins have occurred at the parking area, prompting warnings from visitors to secure valuables or consider alternative transportation. Reddit This is a significant concern for those planning a visit. Reddit

Tragically, the park has also been associated with disturbing incidents involving animal cruelty. Reports detail the discovery of brutally killed family dogs near the trailhead, leading to investigations and community unease. TikTokInstagram+2 These incidents highlight the importance of being vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity to the authorities. Despite these unfortunate events, many still find the park's natural environment to be a valuable escape. Reddit+1

You may also like