7 best trails to view whales from land
Washington has some of the best land-based whale watching locations in the world. If you're lucky, you may be able to see a variety of cetaceans such as the highly endangered Southern Resident killer whales (orcas), Transient killer whales, humpback whales, gray whales, minke whales or harbor porpoises.
Two Southern Resident killer whales. Photo taken from land by Victoria Obermeyer
While watching whales from land requires a lot of patience, there's potential for a really great reward. Plus, land-based whale watching can be beneficial to both watchers and whales. It can allow for closer encounters than from a boat, since boats must stay at least 100 yards from any marine life (and even further for orcas) while also minimizing the impact of vessel disturbances on marine mammals. Fewer disturbances to the whales means they can eat, rest and take care of their young without wasting energy avoiding boats.
With the help of local knowledge from Orca Network's whale sightings network and viewer map, we've selected some of the best trails in Washington for viewing whales. All seven of these trails have had frequent whale sightings from land, both recently and in the past.
While we can’t guarantee you'll see whales from these trails, we can bet you’ll have a memorable hike either way.
Lime Kiln State Park
Location: Puget Sound and Islands -- San Juan Islands
Mileage: 1.35 miles, roundtrip
Lime Kiln State Park lighthouse. Photo by trip reporter findthefuturepath
The whales: Lime Kiln State Park is known as one of the best places in the world to view orcas from land. The park has an amazing interpretive center where scientists work on long-term studies of various species of marine life and the Southern Resident killer whales throughout the summer. Folks within the lighthouse are happy to answer any questions you may have about the local wildlife, and they even keep a log where you can see the most recent whales that passed by and the direction they were headed.
The trails: While you’ll find the lighthouse bustling in the summertime with hopeful whale watchers like yourself, you can follow the 1.3-mile loop on the Upland Trail for a quieter experience. This trail provides even more breathtaking views through the park’s winding wooded trails. Stop and enjoy the gorgeous madrona trees and views of the Olympics along the way.
> Plan your trip to Lime Kiln State Park using WTA's Hiking Guide
Ebey's Landing
Location: Puget Sound and Islands -- Whidbey Island
Mileage: 5.6 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 260 feet
Views from Ebey's Landing photo by trip reporter AlisoninthePNW
The whales: Recommended by world-renowned orca scientist and President of Orca Network, Howard Garett, Ebey’s Landing is a classic hike that provides a sweeping ocean landscape and incredible opportunities to view cetaceans from land. Getting a high viewpoint is advantageous for increasing your chance of sighting a whale. Not only do you have a chance of seeing orcas, but humpbacks and gray whales are also frequently spotted in the area.
The trails: This park offers 5.6 miles of trails winding through epic seaside landscapes, a peaceful beach, beautiful prairie views and the historic Jacob Ebey house.
> Plan your trip to Ebey's Landing using WTA's Hiking Guide
Alki Trail
Location: Puget Sound and Islands -- Seattle-Tacoma area
Mileage: 4.4 miles, one way
Elevation Gain: 0 feet
Ferry passing at Alki Trail. Photo by trip reporter wafflesnfalafel
The whales: This trail offers endless opportunities to look out at the Salish Sea and is accessible via public transit. This is one of the best spots near Seattle to keep an eye out for whales. Sightings are frequent because of the many eyes on the water. A great way to know if whales are around is by looking at others around you. Often, you'll spot people watching whales before you see any yourself!
The trails: We especially love this trail because of its accessibility — both for hikers with wheelchairs or strollers and for hikers taking public transit. This paved trail hugs the Salish Sea for 4.4 miles. It's a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown Seattle.
> Plan your trip to Alki Trail using WTA's Hiking Guide
Point Robinson Park
Location: Puget Sound and Islands -- Seattle-Tacoma Area
Mileage: 0.5 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 100 feet
A sunny day at the Point Robinson Lighthouse. Photo by trip reporter hikermom
The whales: This is one of the best locations to spot whales on Vashon Island. Keep an eye out for the various orcas that are frequently spotted in the area. Of course, there is also potential to observe other marine life, like humpback whales and harbor seals!
The trails: At a half-mile, this is the shortest trail on our list, which means you’re spending less time walking to and more time scanning the water — not to mention a historical lighthouse greeting you at the end of your hike. You can also tour this lighthouse on Sundays between May and September.
> Plan your trip to Point Robinson Park using WTA's Hiking Guide
Deception Pass State Park
Location: Puget Sound and Island -- Bellingham Area
Mileage: 1.8 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 100 feet
Deception Pass bridge. Photo by trip reporter Maddy
The whales: The iconic bridge isn’t the only thing that makes this hike worthwhile. Keep an eye out for all kinds of wildlife and tidal creatures from the trail and around the beach. Even on a day you don’t see whales, there are excellent opportunities to see eagles and tidepool life and if you’re there in the evening, maybe even bioluminescence.
The trails: While you’ll have company at North Beach, the 1.8 miles of trail are often less-traveled. After you get your fill of scanning the sea, you can check out the other trails in the park. These beautiful paths through the woods offer stunning views and quiet escapes from the popular bridge and beach within the park.
> Plan your trip to Deception Pass State Park using WTA's Hiking Guide
Kalaloch – Browns point
Location: Olympic Peninsula -- Pacific Coast
Mileage: 4.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 25 feet
The "Tree of Life" at Kalaloch -- Browns Point. Photo by trip reporter Bob and Barb.
The whales: You can spot baleen whales (like humpback and gray whales) and sometimes orcas here. While telling the difference between baleen whales from a distance can be tricky, you can tell a gray whale apart from others by its heart-shaped spout. This stretch of beach is also a great spot to look for Washington’s sea otters!
The trails: This 4-mile hike along the shore is known for the famous “Tree of Life” and sweeping ocean views. Nothing beats a picturesque walk along the coast, and there is plenty to take in on this beach hike. Just be sure to check the tidal chart before you leave.
> Plan your trip to Kalaloch - Browns Point using WTA's Hiking Guide
Westport state park – westport light trail
Location: Southwest Washington -- Long Beach Area
Mileage: 2.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 15 feet
Sunset at Westport State Park. Photo by trip reporter theexploree.
The whales: While the whales might be a little further offshore here than at some of the other trails listed, Westport State Park offers opportunities to spot them. Keep an eye out for a whale spout on the horizon. With views of the open Pacific, there is nothing but sea to scan.
The trails: This wheelchair-friendly, 2 mile trail is paved and curves to and from the ocean, with lookout points and scenic views throughout the hike.
> Plan your trip to Westport State Park using WTA's Hiking Guide
Have you recently seen whales from the trail? We want to hear all about it and see your photos! File a trip report to share your most recent sightings with fellow hikers.