This is one of the most beautiful off-season hikes I have been on, but the travel to/from is long but worth it. The trail is sun exposed, therefore being sun protection, lots of water and snacks.
Cost will be collected to reimburse drivers for gas, wear and tear, and ferry ride. (see below)
Excerpt from Washington Trail Association:
The Prairie Overlook Trailhead has two parking lots. If you park in the lot across from the cemetery, take a moment to enjoy the view laid out in front of you. Mount Baker rests on the horizon to the east and other Cascade peaks march away to the south. To the west, the Olympics loom large over Puget Sound. Take the view in, then take a narrow, brushy, but thankfully short access trail along the driveway to the larger parking lot with trailhead kiosk and vault toilets. A sign here points west to the Prairie Ridge Trail which will pass by the historic Jacob Ebey house and blockhouse on your way to the bluff. Stay on the clearly marked route, walking past fields of wheat along the road. The way becomes more rugged as you head due west, changing from gravel to dirt, drawing you ever closer to the coast.
At the end of the Prairie Ridge Trail, you will come to a ‘T’ junction, where you can follow the trail either right or left. Take a right and head up a somewhat steep, but very short hill to a summit with a beautiful view of the beach below. From here, traverse along the bluff, enjoying the wildflowers on the slope to your left and the windswept trees to your right. The trail gradually descends along the bluff, offering an ever-changing perspective of the lagoon below, a birdwatchers haven. Hike until you come to a switchback, and descend steeply through several switchbacks to the beach. Ramble south along the beach until you arrive at the junction with the Ebey’s Landing parking lot.
Restrooms and informative brochures are available here, and note that if you start from this parking lot, a Discover Pass is required. Take a moment to learn about the history of the area before climbing two sets of stairs back up to the prairie.
Head north along the prairie to the junction you started at, and the turn right to return to the Prairie Overlook parking lot the same way you came. Be aware that there are stinging nettles on the brushy access trail on your return to the car — long pants and keeping an eye out will help prevent irritation from these little guys.
Itinerary:
- 745 a.m. Form carpools at Tacoma Dome Station Parking 4th Floor
641 E 25th St, Tacoma, WA 98421
- 8 a.m. Leave for Mukilteo Ferry Station for in Edmonds
- Arrive for 10:00 sailing to Clinton. Sailing arrives at Clinton around 10:20
- Arrive at Ebey's Landing trailhead 11 a.m.
- Hike (estimate 3 -4 hours)
- Lunch/Dinner somewhere in Freeland, WA (TBD)
- Catch the Ferry Clinton to Mukilteo (TBD) 6pm?
- Arrive back in Tacoma approximately 8pm
Cost (estimate based on vehicle of 4 - Drivers do not pay for driving):
Drivers, please arrive to the Tacoma Dome with a full tank of gas.
Ferry = $9.20 per passenger to driver
Gas/wear & tear 90 miles = $15 - $25 per passenger to the driver
I estimate, that each passenger should pay their driver approximately $30.
