A peaceful sanctuary for people and wildlife on Seattle's Whidbey Island - SilverKris
"A privately owned 29-hectare sculpture park and wildlife reserve on Whidbey Island, founded in 2000 by environmental artist Chuck Pettis, who leads visitors on a 3 km loop of trails that blend art, spirituality and habitat restoration. The reserve was designed to honour perceived earth energies and ancient monument forms—featuring cairns, a charred-driftwood Ley Line Sculpture, a Buddhist stupa with spinning prayer wheels and a medicine wheel created from a consecrated baby grey whale skull by Nuu-chah-nulth shaman Klaw-osht. Birdlife and wetland habitat are central, with frequent sightings of wood ducks, hooded mergansers, great blue herons and bald eagles; Pettis has planted dozens of native tree species and hundreds of other plants to restore old-growth characteristics and support wildlife. Visitors pay a small $7 honesty-box fee (or can prepay online) and are invited to slow down, reflect and experience the site’s calming, restorative atmosphere." - Carrie Honaker
Beautiful nature reserve with good trails, directions, and can be a very spiritual experience. No dogs allowed. If you take your time and walk quietly, you can see wild life. Will be back!
Soumya Mehta
Google
A very calming, beautiful place to watch a variety of birds. We also came across non venomous snakes which to me was a plus. The entry fee was a bit higher than we hoped but it was worth it to us. $7 i think
Grant Thompson
Google
The Earth Sanctuary is... what it sounds like, a very special place that let's you immerse yourself in nature as you walk the trails. There are many sacred spaces that represent a wide array of beliefs which can help one find peace. Thank you for sharing this gem with us all! Make a point to check it out, it's well worth the $7.00 entrance fee.
Barbara Francois
Google
Wonderful place to retreat, the grounds are spacious and pristine. The energy is positive and nurturing. It was a perfect place for my daughter and I to reconnect and delve deeper into our spiritual practices.
Mike Ryan
Google
When we got to earth sanctuary we had to pay with vendors or PayPal luckily we found a pen in the car and filled out the envelope. The maps are very confusing it never says (you are here) on the paper maps that are hand outs and on every trail cutoff but never says (you are here)
The main objects or temples are located throughout the sanctuary my wife and I had gotten lost at the other entrance, but on the map it does not say (you are here).
Ryan Frable
Google
What a hidden gem. So gorgeous. The loop hike we took was a little over two miles, but you could make it shorter or longer if you wanted. The entire property is green and lush with a couple of large ponds or lakes and some gorgeous marshland. I recommend pants and long sleeves as you may get hit with some stinging nettle if you're not careful. We are very glad we went and we hope to go back 🤙
Samantha Cavanagh Lewandowski
Google
Such an amazing place! We got lucky and were the only car in the parking lot so we had earth sanctuary to ourselves. The trails are well maintained and every step gives such a wonderful feeling of peace. If you have some time in Freeland, make some time to stop by. They accept Venmo and Paypal if you don't have cash.
Tiffany C.
Google
This place is cool. There’s 2 places to drive to inside, then tons of hiking areas to see more the art work, structures, and more. Very peaceful area. The pay area needs to be a little easier to find. But so much fun. Can hit bells, spin bells, lots of touching which is cool.