Robert Y. Pratt Preserve at Ebey's Landing

"Two hours northwest of Seattle, this National Historical Reserve celebrates the early pioneers who came to Whidbey Island for its rich soil and promising seaport. The reserve also shelters one of the area's most stunning all-season hikes: 5.6 miles round-trip, with just 260 feet of elevation gain. The path threads through wildflower-dotted fields for a mile before bursting onto high coastal cliffs fringed with golden prairie grass. (Bird buffs should pause here for a peek down into the lagoon.) Continue another mile before descending to a wide beach, which offersepic views of Puget Sound as well as the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges. (Note:Hikers starting from the Ebey's Landing parking lot need a Discover Pass, good for all state parks, discoverpass.wa.gov)."

A windswept bluff above active farmland and Salish Sea beaches within a National Historical Reserve. Often highlighted by regional editors for year-round appeal; expect wildflowers in spring and orcas offshore in fall. Discover Pass needed at the seaside lot.