Hiked the Beach trail with 5 kids under 12. As stated in other reports the last 50' of the trial is damaged (stairs washed out) so if you want to get to the beach you have to use the make shift foot holds carved into the bank.
The 'scariest' part was not the sketchy end of the trail, it was all the stinging nettle on the trail. We had to keep reminding the kids not to touch it. It was hanging over the trail in several places and we had to play 'low bridge' and in two spots turn sideways to avoid contacting the plant.

What a fantastic day. South Whidbey State Park is a great place to spend an afternoon. Was planning to do both Double Bluff and South Whidbey, but when we arrived at Double Bluff near 2pm, the lot was full and many cars were parked along the road in. Many families spending Mother's Day at the beach on such a nice day. We opted to drive to South Whidbey instead. When we arrived the lot only had a few cars, mostly those picnicking. Restrooms were open and stocked. Planned to do a loop of all the trails in the park, starting with Beach trail. The last 50ft of the trail is still being repaired, as the staircase down the bluff is damaged. Individuals have cut some foot holds to make it to the beach, so it is possible to make it, but not particularly safe. As we took in the views, the resident eagles greeted us. Headed back up Beach trail and through the old campground to Hobbit trail, then caught Wilbert trail to Ancient Cedar and Fern Gully trails, before looping back on ridge loop trail. Once back to the park, we looped the Forest Discovery trails back to our car. In total did over 6 miles with around 600 ft of elevation gain. Hardly anyone on the trails today. It was lovely to hear the birds chirping. In all a very peaceful and refreshing hike. Will definitely be back!

A beautiful day for a trail hike and a walk on the beach and Whidbey Island never disappoints. Trail goes downhill to the beach and is mostly in the shade until the last 200 feet where the staircase has been damaged from mother nature. It twisted on its side and is not usable so you have to bypass it and climb down the embankment so be careful with younger kids and anyone with balance issues. The lower quarter of the trail just above the beach is under construction and I hope they will be able to salvage all the good wood from the staircase. I don't think they can fix it as is but will have to remake it. I think making stairs by cutting them into the hill side and supporting them with squares of wood filled in with gravel would be better. Check out the video of this hike by clicking on the link below or check out my VIMEO Channel at  https://vimeo.com/mikemorrison for over 350 other hikes I have done in Washington State. 

As always get out and see this beautiful state and enjoy your hiking!!!

Take Care,

Mike

Beautiful area, as always! We hiked the Wilbert & Ridge Loops. Only came across one other party wearing masks/social distancing (thank you)! Someone has created stepping “stones” since last year (downed trees cut to make stones across muddy areas). This was a huge help, thank you! Very easy hike for young kids as well. Mud not too terrible but waterproof hiking boots as always nice. Love the area especially getting into old growth; we’re so glad this area is preserved! 

A great Earth Day weather wise for hiking on Whidbey Island. The Wibert trail was dry and the ground was soft to walk on with all the fallen needles. A big thank you to the Whidbey Athletic Club volunteers who help build and maintain a boardwalk through the swampy areas. These swampy areas had lots of huge, blooming skunk cabbages which were as beautiful as any wildflower meadow. The Ancient Cedar on this trail is the Northwest equivalent to the giant sequoias in our national parks and worth viewing. There were also many more large cedars, western hemlocks, and Douglas fur trees that made this short hike very enjoyable.