Location: Oak Harbor
Top Things to do in Oak Harbor
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Things to do in Oak Harbor, Washington (WA): The Best Nature & Parks
Oak Harbor is a city located on Whidbey Island in Island County, Washington. The population was 22,075 at the 2010 census. Oak Harbor was incorporated on May 14, 1915.
Restaurants in Oak Harbor
1. Ala Spit County Park
2. Deception Pass State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,381 reviews
This isn't a lie: with over 30 miles of hiking trails, this park is one of the premier hiking destinations in the country.
Reviewed By U6309DAmelissad - Arlington, United States
There are so many fantastic places to check out at this park...(As of April 2020 it is now closed due to COVID-19 but hope it opens soon!) The scenic beauty of this park is immense and varied. As I've strolled beside Cranberry lake in the early morning or at dusk I've seen beaver, otter, osprey and eagles, mergansers, gorgeous swans and snow geese, red breasted nuthatch, pileated woodpeckers, and so many other birds. When visiting West Beach there is nothing like the 'sea' of pink sea blush flowers that carpet the ground beside the dunes and the cries of oystercatchers (birds) that nest at Rosario flying by or red loons flying by the hundreds just over the water.. There is a handicapped accessible trail that is somewhere between 1/4 and 1/2 mile in distance at the dunes where you can see long hanging lichen that look like tinsel waving in the trees, along with magnificent Pacific Madrone trees, yew trees and crab apple trees. There is a marvelous "overlook' of the bog and lake in the middle of this unique micro-forest that is well worth the extra few steps to get there.as well as an ancient twisted Douglas Fir on the short, flat but a little bumpy with roots dunes trail. If you choose 'Bowman Bay to explore there are kayak rentals during Summer and a pier where a lot of folks do crabbing. There is a boat launch there as well as other sites. IF you head South from the boat launch you take a lovely 'up and down' trail to Lighthouse Island. On the side facing Deception Pass waters there is a unique habitat of a 'rocky bald' area filled with native wildflowers. On the way you'll cross a tombolo which is a sandy isthmus that connects the mainland with the island. There are unique plant communities there. .This is where you can see 'wild carrot' and 'silverweed' whose roots were a food of the Native peoples before there were 'grocery stores! Rosario beach area is the site of an ancient Samish Village site (occupied by First Peoples for over 10k years) Is a peaceful, lovely place where the small, beautiful flat pebbles make a lovely sound as the tide comes in an out..This is a perfect place for barbecues, weddings, and there is a wide open grass field and shelter for special events. The tidepools there host some great diverse creatures from sea stars to sea anemones, small crabs, different kinds of little fish, barnacles and seaweeds. This is a delicate ecosystem so please read the signs and tread with care and go during the low tide to see the most interesting creatures! Take only pictures and leave with only happy memories! Throughout this park there are these gorgeous, rustic, hand-built stone shelters complete with wood fired stoves made by the Conservation Corps in the 1920s that are buildings and works of art! At Christmas time they put on a Holiday gathering with a roaring fire and invite "Santa and Mrs' Claus" for the kids..The whole family or if it is just yourself are welcome to come, join in the live music, & enjoy hot cocoa and cookies! Then there is the old growth forest at Hoypus Point, where a lot of folks fish from and boat launch, This forest is a avorite place for us mushroomers! Pass Lake is fantastic for just pulling over while you're on a drive as it is right off Hiway 30.. A lot of folks go there for fishing...I like swimming there but not too many people do as it is colder than ..Cranberry Lake that has swimming and picnicking and small boat rentals in the summer! Goose Rock is a steep treck uphill for about 600-800 feet but well worth the view...sepctacular! It is like being up in an airplane and on a clear day you can see the Olympics, a wide swath of the Salish Sea and Cranberry Lake in it's entirety. This too is a lovely place to be 'on top of the world' like an eagle looking down on everything. There are trails from here that lead either to Cornet Bay Learning Center or to the bridge in a trail called the "perimeter' trail that is also lovely Finally, even if you just 'drive through' if you are a passenger you'll get an 'amazing' view from the bridge as you pass by...fantastic sunsets and sunrises. These are but a few of the treasurer of this amazing park...I'm so happy to live only 15 minutes away and I go there every chance I can...it is the BEST place in the world!
3. Joseph Whidbey State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By travelwhere - Modesto, United States
The water had waves. It seemed cleaner looking with not as much seaweed Ebey’s landing. Had nice picnic areas.The driftwood was pretty.
4. Fort Nugent Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By G3690RNbrianb
Huge playground, basketball, volleyball, and some large athletic fields create plenty of opportunity to get out and get active for kids and adults. The park also has a Frisbee golf course, which I have never played but there are people out playing all the time. If you're a visitor this would be a solid choice to spend some time.
5. Windjammer Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By Rainier72 - Lynnwood, United States
Windjammer Park is a beautiful waterfront park in Oak Harbor. The highlights of the park are the beach and pathways connecting this park to nearby Flintstone Park. It was a beautiful day when we visited. We mainly walked the pathways and not the beach. A lot of Windjammer Park is mainly a big grassy park with play areas you would see in most city parks. There is a lot of nice artwork scattered throughout the park. Instead of a swimming pool, there is a lagoon. On the west side, there is a pathway leading into Freund Marsh. Very easy and a lot quieter than the park. This is definitely a great small town park and worth the visit when in Oak Harbor.
6. Dugualla State Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By U6309DAmelissad - Arlington, United States
This is a small park with a short trail to the end of the beach. The walking is uneven with all the rocks, sandy and it can be really windy here. It has a lovely view and beautiful pieces of driftwood too.
7. Flintstone Park
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By Skwiki - Burnaby, Canada
This could quite possibly be my final review and what a wonderful little park to end with. Seeing this recommended after a visit to Deception Pass , I was intrigued and curious. Growing up watching the Flintstones , it was awesome to see this recreation of their car. What really blew me away was the incredible view of the mountains! I was so confused as to what direction we were looking , but it had to be the Cascade range. With the mountains in the background and the water filled with different species of birds, there was so much to look at and appreciate the beauty surrounding us. Also having the jets practicing overhead was fascinating to watch. There is a nice path to walk alongside the shoreline. Restrooms were clean. We had perfect weather, although a little chilly, and this park was much better and more interesting than I was expecting.
