Fort Ebey State Park | |
Washington State Park | |
Country | United States |
---|---|
State | Washington |
County | Island |
Coordinates | 48°13′15″N 122°45′35″W / 48.22083°N 122.75972°WCoordinates: 48°13′15″N 122°45′35″W / 48.22083°N 122.75972°W |
Area | 645 acres (261 ha) |
Established | 1981 |
Management | Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission |
Website: Fort Ebey State Park | |
Fort Ebey State Park is a publicly owned recreation area located on the western side of Whidbey Island, 5 miles (8.0 km) west of Coupeville in Island County, Washington, United States. The state park covers 645 acres (261 ha) overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca and lies within the Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve. It is managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission.
Fort Ebey was built on Pigeon Point in 1942 as a World War II coastal defense near the mouth of Puget Sound. The fort included a battery of two 6-inch guns that were later cut up for scrap.
The state first acquired the land through the purchase of 204 acres from the Federal government in 1965. Additional acquisitions were made between 1968 and 1974, adding nearly 24 acres to the site. The park reached its present size of 435 acres through a purchase from the Department of Natural Resources and a land swap arrangement with a private owner in 1990 and 1997. The park was established in 1981.
The park includes 3 miles (4.8 km) of saltwater shoreline, the 3.7-acre (1.5 ha) freshwater Lake Pondilla, and over two dozen miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. A 4-mile (6.4 km) stretch of the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail crosses the park. Park activities include picnicking, camping, fishing, beachcombing, birdwatching, interpretive activities, and paragliding.