Whidbey Island
Whidbey Scenic Isle Way begins and ends with two of Washington’s icons: To the north, the rugged beauty of Deception Pass and to the South, the state ferry brings you into Clinton, the “Gateway to Whidbey Island”. Whidbey Island is the larger of the two islands (Camano Island is the other island, east of Whidbey) that compromise Island County, Washington. Located about 30 to 40 miles north of Seattle, it lies between the Olympic Peninsula, forms the northern boundary of Puget Sound, and is home to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
History
Once home to members of the Lower Skagit, Swinomish, Suquamish, and Snohomish Tribes, the island is now home to approximately 58,000 residents. First discovered in 1790 by Spanish explorers on the Princesa Real, the island wasn’t fully explored until 1792 by Captain George Vancouver. In May of that same year, Royal Navy officers and members of Vancouver’s expedition, Joseph Whidbey and Peter Puget, began to map and explore the area of what would later be called Puget Sound. After Whidbey circumnavigated the island in June 1792, Vancouver named the island in his honor.
Whidbey Island is divided into north (Oak Harbor and Whidbey Island Naval Air Station) and South (Coupeville, Greenbank, Freeland, Langley, Clinton, and several smaller communities). It lies partially in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountain range to the West, which gives it a variety of climate zones. Whidbey Island is the perfect easy-to-reach escape with several State parks, wildlife preserves, historic reserves, walking-friendly shopping venues, restaurants, fishing docks, marinas, and other incredible sights. Visitors can take in a day be it with a hike, beach stroll, pleasure boat tour, or more. Many of the artists who live on the island take their inspiration from the beauty found along the “Isle Way”. Visitors can follow the migration of the gray whales as well as the orcas. Often the whales will feed close to shore, their pectoral fins and fluke tips can be seen above the surface of the water. Visitors can stop and take in the beautiful dance these majestic mammals display as they feed on the small crustaceans and tube-worms found in the sediment.
Events & Heritage
In addition to all the sights available on land and water, Whidbey Island hosts many festivals and celebrations throughout the year. Visitors will always find something to do with seasonal festivities including: the longtime tradition of Holland Happening, celebrating the island’s historic Dutch heritage; Fourth of July Fireworks sponsored by the Oak Harbor Chamber; Race Week, week long sailing regatta every summer based out of Oak Harbor with daily racing in Penn Cove and/or Saratoga Passage; Monster Mash Street Bash in October celebrating Halloween; Christmas Tree Lighting Celebrations in December; and many others.
In addition to the incredible sights and often-heard freedom sounds of practicing Navy jets, there is a plethora of activities to take part in throughout the year.
Whidbey Island is incredibly rich in natural beauty making it a perfect haven for painters, artists, and photographers; boasting a natural bounty of fresh produce, plants, and flowers; encompassing an enriching and diverse cultural blend of many people from around the country and around the world. On your next visit to Washington State, take a moment and head north in your car or on the ferry and take in a very special gem hidden amongst the evergreens and oak trees.
Economic Information
Whidbey Island is divided economically into two different regions: the northern end of the island which includes Oak Harbor and Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, and the remainder of the island which includes Coupeville, Greenbank, Freeland, Langley, Clinton, and a few smaller townships along the route.
Whidbey Island’s north end economy is strongly influenced by the presence of Whidbey Island Naval Air Station near Oak Harbor (N.A.S. Whidbey).
“Before the pandemic-induced recession hit in early 2020, Island County had experienced six consecutive years of growth. From 2018 to 2019, Island County nonfarm civilian employment expanded by 300 jobs or 1.8 percent – similar to the state and the nation. Employment gains were concentrated in a few industry sectors, with the largest annual gains attributable to construction, government and leisure and hospitality. Manufacturing and retail trade each shed jobs over the year.” Data provided by ESD.WA. Additional details can be found on their website at ESD.WA.Gov
