
Joseph Whidbey State Park
A waterfront gem on Whidbey Island, offering stunning sunsets, serene forests, and driftwood-laden beaches.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Prime time for sunset views

Joseph Whidbey State Park
Best Time
Prime time for sunset views

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A waterfront gem on Whidbey Island, offering stunning sunsets, serene forests, and driftwood-laden beaches.
"This park is a fabulous state park with both open grassy/brambly areas, forest and seashore."

🌅 Catch the Sunset
Arrive early for the best sunset views and parking spots. It's a local favorite!
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be muddy in spring; good footwear is essential for comfortable exploration.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sunset Over Puget Sound
Beachfront
Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky with vibrant colors over the water. A truly magical experience.

Driftwood-Covered Beaches
Shoreline
Explore expansive beaches adorned with fascinating driftwood, perfect for beachcombing and quiet contemplation.

Lush Forest Trails
Wooded areas
Wander through serene evergreen forests, offering a peaceful escape and a chance to connect with nature.

Wildflower Meadows
Grassy areas
In spring and summer, discover meadows dotted with beautiful wildflowers, adding a splash of color to your visit .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Sunset Views
Trail Conditions & What to Pack
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Catch the Sunset
Arrive early for the best sunset views and parking spots. It's a local favorite!
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be muddy in spring; good footwear is essential for comfortable exploration.
⚠️ Watch for Nettles
Be cautious of stinging nettles along trails in warmer months. Long pants recommended.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Walks
A great spot for dog walks, with waste bins available. Keep them leashed.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Catch the Sunset
Arrive early for the best sunset views and parking spots. It's a local favorite!
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be muddy in spring; good footwear is essential for comfortable exploration.
⚠️ Watch for Nettles
Be cautious of stinging nettles along trails in warmer months. Long pants recommended.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Walks
A great spot for dog walks, with waste bins available. Keep them leashed.
🧺 Picnic Spots Galore
Enjoy a picnic with tables available, some with ocean views.
🌊 Beachcombing Treasures
Discover interesting rocks like jasper and unique driftwood at low tide.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Joseph Whidbey State Park for its stunning sunset views and diverse natural beauty, offering everything from serene forest trails to expansive driftwood beaches. While parking can be limited and some trails muddy, the overall experience is highly positive, making it a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike.
"I don't use the inside of the park but I walk the ocean perimeter. Inside is picnicking and there are benches overlooking the ocean and a few tables at ocean level. Outside of park ocean parking. Great sunset opportunity. There is a flat land path (always seems to have 1 flooded spot so not terribly handicapped friendly but b4 that space plenty of room for wheelchairs. Semi sandy beach. (Changes yearly) tide does go way out for sand building."
Susan
"My favorite park to watch sunset on Whidbey Island❤"
Lily Nguyenova
"There is a forest path on the side of the beach, so it is a cute place with forest roads, fields, and beach beaches. The trail is a loop trail that comes back to its place just by walking without thinking, so it's a very good and flat path to walk. There is also a picnic table and a BBQ pit, so I think it will be a great picnic place. There aren't many parking areas, so if there are a lot of people, you have to park on the side of the road.
The road for a walk with the dog is the best."
Kai Dwd
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Joseph Whidbey State Park is located on the southern shore of Whidbey Island. You can reach it by car via State Route 20. Parking is available within the park, but can be limited, so consider arriving early or parking on the roadside if necessary.
Public transportation options to Whidbey Island are limited. It's generally recommended to have a car for convenient access to the park and other attractions on the island.
From Seattle, take I-5 North to exit 189 for WA-525 N towards Mukilteo. Follow WA-525 N to the Mukilteo Ferry terminal. After crossing to Clinton on Whidbey Island, follow WA-525 N which becomes WA-20 W. Continue on WA-20 W towards Oak Harbor, and you will see signs for Joseph Whidbey State Park.
Yes, there are parking areas within the park, including a gravel lot near the eastern trailhead. However, parking can fill up quickly, especially during peak times and weekends.
While some parking is available, large RVs or vehicles may find it challenging to maneuver and park, especially during busy periods. It's advisable to check with park authorities for specific guidance if you have a larger vehicle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Joseph Whidbey State Park is a Washington State Park, and a Discover Pass is required for parking. You can purchase a day pass or an annual pass online or at select retail locations.
State parks are generally open from dawn to dusk. However, specific facilities like restrooms may have limited hours. It's always a good idea to check the official Washington State Parks website for the most up-to-date information.
While there are picnic tables available, advance reservations for specific picnic shelters are not typically offered at this park. It's first-come, first-served for most picnic areas.
Washington State Parks offers various passes, including annual Discover Passes, which can be more cost-effective if you plan to visit multiple state parks throughout the year.
Dogs are welcome at Joseph Whidbey State Park but must be on a leash at all times. Pet waste stations are available to help keep the park clean.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy hiking on forest trails, beachcombing on the driftwood-covered shores, picnicking, birdwatching, and photography. The park offers beautiful views of Admiralty Inlet and the Olympic Mountains.
Yes, the park is very dog-friendly, and many visitors enjoy walking their dogs along the trails and beach. Remember to keep your dog on a leash.
You might spot various bird species, marine life in tide pools during low tide, and other small forest creatures. Keep an eye out for seals or porpoises in the water.
Some areas offer flat paths suitable for wheelchairs, but certain sections can be sandy or have minor inclines. The main beach path is generally accessible before the sandy areas.
The beach at sunset is a prime photography location. The forest trails and wildflower meadows also offer beautiful scenic opportunities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants or food services directly within Joseph Whidbey State Park. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks for picnics.
The nearest towns with dining options are Coupeville and Oak Harbor, both a short drive from the park. You'll find a variety of cafes, restaurants, and pubs there.
Yes, picnic tables and BBQ pits are available in designated areas, making it a great spot for a cookout.
Pack your favorite foods, drinks, and any necessary utensils. Don't forget trash bags to ensure you leave the park clean.
Yes, you can find grocery stores in Coupeville and Oak Harbor for purchasing picnic supplies before heading to the park.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh, but good for capturing details.
Landscape photography, especially of the sunset and beach scenes, is very popular. You can also capture macro shots of wildflowers and beach treasures.
The main beach area provides sweeping views. The forest trails offer opportunities for dappled light photography, and the open meadows are great for capturing wildflowers.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A tripod is highly recommended for sunset shots to ensure sharpness.
Drone usage is subject to Washington State Parks regulations. It's essential to check the latest rules and guidelines on the Washington State Parks website before flying a drone in the park.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing a picnic to enjoy at one of the park's picnic tables, some of which offer lovely views. The open grassy areas are also great for kids to run around. Remember to keep an eye out for stinging nettles along the trails and ensure children wear appropriate footwear, especially if the ground is damp.
🐶 Dog Owners
Just remember to keep your dog on a leash at all times to ensure the safety of other visitors and wildlife. The varied terrain, from forest paths to sandy shores, offers plenty of sniffing opportunities for your canine friends.
🚶♀️ Nature Walkers & Birdwatchers
Early mornings or late afternoons are particularly good for spotting wildlife and enjoying the quiet ambiance. The park's relatively peaceful nature, despite occasional Navy jet flyovers, makes it a great spot for mindful exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Diverse Ecosystems
Beyond the shoreline, the park transitions into lush evergreen forests with well-maintained trails that are ideal for leisurely walks and nature observation. In the spring and summer, open grassy meadows come alive with vibrant wildflowers, creating picturesque scenes. This variety makes the park a fantastic spot for understanding different ecological zones firsthand.
Visitors can also explore tide pools during low tide, discovering a variety of small marine life. The park's landscape is a mix of open fields, wooded areas, and the seashore, providing a rich experience for nature enthusiasts and families alike.
The Magic of Whidbey Island Sunsets
Many visitors make a point to time their visit specifically for this evening spectacle. The combination of the expansive beach, the silhouette of driftwood, and the dramatic sky creates a truly mesmerizing experience. It's a popular location for photographers and anyone looking to unwind and enjoy a moment of natural beauty.
To make the most of the sunset, arrive in the late afternoon to explore the park and find a comfortable spot on the beach. Remember that parking can be limited, so an earlier arrival is often recommended, especially on weekends.
Navigating the Trails and Terrain
However, it's important to be aware of the terrain. The eastern trailhead can be muddy, particularly in the spring, so appropriate footwear is advised. Along the trails, especially in spring and summer, you might encounter stinging nettles growing alongside the path. While they can cause irritation if touched with bare skin, they are also edible and nutritious when properly prepared. The park also features areas with miner's lettuce, another edible plant.
For those seeking a more varied experience, the park offers a mix of open grassy areas, wooded sections, and the beach itself. This diversity in landscape means you can enjoy different types of walks within a single visit.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit