Distance: There are 3.5 miles of trails in this park. The Wilbert Trail is 1.7 miles round trip. The Beach Trail is 1.0 miles RT.
Elevation Gain: The Wilbert Trail has negligible elevation gain or loss. The Beach Trail descends 200 feet to the shoreline. The Ridge Trail ascends approximately 120 feet.
Season: Year-round.
Description: This quiet park is located on the forested edge of Puget Sound, on Whidbey Island. Hikers have a choice of several trails to walk. The gentle and winding WIlbert Trail starts from the parking lot at the entrance to the park. Cross the street to begin the hike through mature forest, with patches of old growth cedars and firs. We’ve enjoyed birds flitting in the bushes, mushrooms popping up from the duff, ferns, maples, and little streams. If you want more of a workout you can add on the Fern Gully Trail, or climb up the 1.9 mile Ridge Trail. My kids also enjoyed winding 0.5 miles down the bluff to the shore, where we watched birds and played in the sand. At high tide there is just enough beach to sit on. The Bluff or Discovery Trail walks the upper edge of the bluff before turning inward and winding back to the parking lot. There are covered and uncovered picnic areas to enjoy, and restrooms at both parking areas. Water is also available. This park has pay stations if you need to buy your Discover Pass here. Camping used to be allowed here, but it was recently closed indefinitely due to hazardous trees.
Directions: From I-5, follow signs to the Mukilteo-Clinton Ferry. Ride the ferry across to Clinton, and drive north on SR 525 for about 9.5 miles. Turn left onto Bush Point Rd. The road eventually turns into Smuggler’s Cove Road, and about 2.7 miles after that point, look for the park entrance on the left. You can park in the lot at the entrance, or drive in and park in the larger parking lot. The park is open from 8am till dusk, and requires a Discover Pass to park.
Links: Find a good map with distances on it at this link. Check out the State Parks page.