Sunday was a bluebird morning, blue skies and it simply said “go hiking” and to ignore the always huge pile of chores to be done. So we did. I was in the mood for views, so we headed to the Ebey area on Whidbey Island. Which of course was packed with other hikers (because starting at 11 am is not how you avoid crowds…hahahaha) so we had to park down Cemetery road a bit and walk up, but it was doable. And for the record….it was far more packed after Noon.
Our goal was the Pratt Loop, which we have done many times, but I also wanted to complete the connector trail from the Pratt Loop to the Kettles Trail on Hwy 20. This connector trail allows a couple loops to be done (all trail, or using a little road walking) from the trails at Ebey’s Landing (and the Ridge Trail)and in Fort Ebey State Park, using the Kettles Trails system.
On the main Kettles Trail, as you leave the woods and enter the open section, heading south, you might notice a trail to the West. It’s just before the trail heads even more downhill and pass the field with the big ‘meteor dent’ in it.
There is a trail marker. and a few feet above in the woods is a trailhead kiosk, where if you have a bike you can lock it up. The connector trail is bike free, as are Pratt Loop and Ebey’s Landing. The kiosk has a map to peruse.
The connector trail follows the property line of the farm overall, in woods the entire way. It’s a relaxing hike.
With views of Mt. Baker and the Cascade Mountains in the distance, and a couple benches created from downed trees….and one cheezy kid hamming it up.
The trail ends at a junction with Pratt Loop and you can go either way, we were doing the loop backwards so the trail continues on.
With that you leave the forest and skirt the edge of the field where old man Pratt long farmed.
It comes out on the bluff, overlooking the Salish Sea. Tahoma (Mt. Rainier) was looming in the distance. It was very bright, with the low winter sun up in the sky, the one that nearly blinds you this time of year.
Not long after this you can drop down to the Ridge Trail if you want to, to go out to the end of the bluff.
We stayed on the trail and headed past the Ebey house.
And the Ebey Blockhouse.
Wasn’t a long hike, but it was nice to get a short trail I hadn’t completed in the Kettles Trail System. And these winter hikes get one planning more hikes.
~Sarah