Whidbey Island Map

Description: This map shows towns, villages, roads, beaches, lakes, rivers, airports, and parks on Whidbey Island.

Description: This map shows roads, beaches, picnic areas, campsites, hiking, marinas, docks, kayak camp sites, off-leash dog parks and beaches, visitor information centers, musesums, cabins, golf courses, charging stations, parks, public spaces on Whidbey Island and Camano Island.

Description: This map shows farms on Whidbey Island.

Description: This map shows where Whidbey Island is located on the Washington State Map.

Other Maps of Whidbey Island

Whidbey Island is the largest island in Washington State and one of the longest islands in the contiguous United States, stretching approximately 55 miles from north to south. Located in Island County, the island sits in Puget Sound between the mainland and the Olympic Peninsula. With a population of approximately 70,000 residents, Whidbey Island is home to several incorporated towns including Oak Harbor, Coupeville, and Langley, as well as extensive unincorporated areas. The island is accessible via the Deception Pass Bridge at its northern end and by ferry service from the Clinton ferry terminal to Mukilteo on the mainland.

Geography and Natural Features

Whidbey Island covers approximately 169 square miles of land area, with a varied topography ranging from flat agricultural plains to forested hills and dramatic coastal bluffs. The island's width varies considerably, narrowing to less than a mile at some points near Coupeville and widening to several miles in other areas. The highest elevation is approximately 500 feet above sea level.

The island is bounded by several bodies of water: Deception Pass to the north, the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the west, Admiralty Inlet to the southwest, Possession Sound to the east, and Saratoga Passage separating it from Camano Island to the northeast. The western shoreline features numerous bays, including Penn Cove, noted for its mussel farming operations.

Whidbey Island is home to several state parks and natural preserves. Deception Pass State Park, straddling Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands, is one of Washington's most visited state parks, attracting millions of visitors annually. The park features rugged coastline, forests, lakes, and the iconic Deception Pass Bridge. Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve encompasses nearly 17,000 acres in central Whidbey Island, protecting a rural historic landscape including farmlands, historic structures, beaches, and bluffs. Fort Casey Historical State Park preserves a former coastal defense fort with batteries, bunkers, and a lighthouse.

History

The island was inhabited by several Coast Salish tribal groups for thousands of years before European contact. Captain George Vancouver explored the area in 1792 and named the island after Joseph Whidbey, master of HMS Discovery and the navigator who confirmed the island's insularity. American settlers began arriving in significant numbers in the 1850s. Colonel Isaac N. Ebey became one of the first permanent American settlers in 1850, claiming land in the central part of the island that now bears his name.

Agriculture became established early, with the prairies of central Whidbey Island proving suitable for farming. The town of Coupeville, established in the 1850s, became an important commercial center. Military presence began in the late 19th century with the construction of coastal defense fortifications. Naval Air Station Whidbey Island was established in 1942 and has remained the island's largest employer and economic driver.

Military Installations

Naval Air Station Whidbey Island occupies significant portions of northern and central Whidbey Island. The installation is home to all Navy EA-18G Growler squadrons and numerous P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft squadrons. The base includes Ault Field near Oak Harbor and the Outlying Field Coupeville, a practice landing facility. The military presence significantly influences the island's economy and demographics, with thousands of active-duty personnel, civilian employees, and military families residing on or near the island.

Economy

The island's economy is diverse, with major sectors including military employment, agriculture, tourism, retail, and services. Naval Air Station Whidbey Island is the largest single employer. Agriculture remains important, particularly in the central prairie areas, with crops including hay, grain, and vegetables. Penn Cove mussels are a well-known local product. Tourism contributes significantly, with visitors drawn to the island's natural beauty, state parks, historic sites, and small-town atmosphere. The towns of Coupeville and Langley attract visitors with their historic architecture, galleries, shops, and restaurants.

Communities

Whidbey Island includes three incorporated towns: Oak Harbor (the largest, with a population over 24,000), Coupeville (the county seat), and Langley (the smallest incorporated town). Large unincorporated areas include Freeland, Clinton, Greenbank, and smaller settlements. The southern end of the island, near the Clinton ferry terminal, is more suburban and has many residents who commute to Seattle or the Eastside. The central and northern portions are more rural, though Oak Harbor has more urban characteristics due to its larger population and proximity to the naval air station.

The island is served by several school districts. Transportation consists primarily of State Route 20, which runs the length of the island, and State Route 525 in the southern portion. Public transportation is limited, with Island Transit providing free bus service throughout the island. The economy, culture, and demographics vary considerably from the more rural and agricultural central areas to the military-influenced northern areas around Oak Harbor and the more residential and tourist-oriented southern portions and Langley area.

Communities on Whidbey Island

Main sights in Whidbey Island

How to Get to Whidbey Island

Whidbey Island is located in Puget Sound, Washington State. There are several ways to reach this beautiful island destination.

By Ferry

The most scenic and popular way to reach Whidbey Island is by Washington State Ferry:

• Mukilteo to Clinton Ferry: 20-minute ride from Mukilteo (south end of island)
• Port Townsend to Coupeville Ferry: 35-minute ride to central Whidbey Island
• Keystone to Port Townsend Ferry: Connects to Olympic Peninsula

By Bridge

You can drive to Whidbey Island via the Deception Pass Bridge:

• Drive north from Seattle on I-5 to Highway 20 West
• Cross the scenic Deception Pass Bridge
• No toll required for bridge crossing
• Approximately 1.5 hours from Seattle

By Air

For private aviation:

• Whidbey Airpark (W10) - small private airstrip
• Naval Air Station Whidbey Island - military use only

Getting Around the Island

Once on Whidbey Island:

• Highway 20 runs north-south through the island
• Car rental available in Oak Harbor and Coupeville
• Island Transit provides free public bus service
• Bike rentals available in most towns

Main Destinations

Popular towns and areas on Whidbey Island include:

• Langley: Charming waterfront village (south)
• Coupeville: Historic town and ferry terminal (central)
• Oak Harbor: Largest city with amenities (north)
• Deception Pass State Park: Scenic bridge and hiking trails (north)

References