Admiralty Inlet Natural Area Preserve

The 86-acre property includes an amazing old-growth forest and two rare prairies and is full of birds and wildlife. The preserve overlooks over a mile of shoreline on Admiralty Inlet, benefiting marine species like salmon that migrate along its shores. In addition, the two rare prairies (less than 1 percent of Whidbey Island’s prairies remain) both feature golden paintbrush populations, making the preserve one of only 11 sites in the world where this endangered prairie plant occurs naturally.

What you may marvel at the most are the trees! The branches of the old-growth Douglas fir trees twist and turn making their way under and around each other. At over 4 feet in diameter and 250 years old, these trees have weathered many coastal storms. In addition to fir, the forest contains grand fir, western hemlock, Pacific yew, Sitka spruce and red alder trees with most trees over 145 years old. There are lots of snags, providing perfect nesting and feeding areas for all kinds of raptors, owls and songbirds.

There’s a loop trail on the property that is open to the public for walking and nature enjoyment, and a small parking area off Engle Road.