Main gate to park was down so you can't park in the lot within the "actual" park. Luckily the gravel lot just outside the main entrance to the west had space for us to park when we arrived around 3:15 pm. (This lot can accommodate about 6 cars without anyone getting boxed in). If this lot is full, there is an upper lot away from the beach that appeared bigger. 

From the beach lot we parked at, you can access the beach or take a trail that runs parallel to the beach and leads you up to the lot within the park where an outhouse is and the trail that continues north within the park. Outhouse had just been cleaned by a park ranger we saw.

We first walked along the beach since it was low tide. There were a few people fishing and beach combing. Once we left the beach and were on the trail within the park, we only came across three other people. 

The first section of trail from outhouse to "open field area" is in a wooded area with trees. Trail is wide and was not muddy. 

Once you are in the open field area, it started to get a bit muddy in parts -- especially in the thickets. Trail takes you in a loop and there was one large section that was extremely muddy and wet (seen in photo below). I was wearing hiking boots so my feet stayed dry. My partner was just in trail running shoes so his feet got wet as the mud was unavoidable. At least our pup didn't mind! Unlike the previous trip report, we really only experienced this one (large) bad portion of mud but it's probably because it had not been that rainy in recent days prior. After rainy days, you'd probably want to avoid this part of the trail and just stick to the beach (unless you really don't mind a lot of mud!)

On our way back to the beach, we saw 5 rabbits hanging out on a grassy lawn. Our hike totaled 2.37 miles. 

It was a beautiful sunny winter day, after a few rainy days, so I went for a short hike at Joseph Whidbey State Park.  I hiked the loop near the upper parking lot.  The trail was in very poor condition.  The area is fairly flat, so there is nowhere for water to go, and the trail is worn, so water pools on the trail.  Some serious work is needed to raise the trail a few inches to allow water to run off.

Did the 8 miles from Fort Ebey to Joseph Whidbey using the Guthook's PNT app. Very easy beach walking, though if the tide was any higher we would not have been able to get around a certain spot. We also opted to road walk the last mile because the tide was starting to come in, and that last headland (if that's even what I should call it?) looked a little difficult to get around. I highly recommend using two cars. You can read full trip report with more pics at slowesthiker.com or follow link below. 

The gate to the park is locked.  There is a small parking lot to the south of the park that you can use to walk along the beach.  The winds had large waves rolling in.  It was a wonderful walk along the beach.  There was a small group of puffins in the water.  They are always fun to see.

Great hike in this state park. I parked at the north trailhead which starts in a meadow. I took one of the side loops before getting on the main trail. The loop was in pretty good condition but had a few low places causing it to be muddy, but not too bad. The main trail to the park was in excellent shape. It was tree covered and cool after being in the open meadow. Quite a few people there. Great picnic tables with grills and tee pee bathroom that was very clean. Great bluff park with direct access to the beach and views of the strait and San Juan islands.