
Dugualla State Park
A tranquil, lesser-known state park on Whidbey Island offering serene forest trails and a secluded beach, perfect for peaceful escapes.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more solitude

Dugualla State Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more solitude

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil, lesser-known state park on Whidbey Island offering serene forest trails and a secluded beach, perfect for peaceful escapes.
"Really great shady trail down to a scenic beach! We were very surprised that this park is not rated higher."

🚗 Parking Lot Safety
Be aware of potential car break-ins. Secure valuables or consider carpooling. :warning:
🥾 Steep Beach Trail
The trail to the beach is steep, especially on the way back up. Wear sturdy shoes! :athletic_shoe:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Secluded Beach Trail
Trail leading to the saltwater beach
A steep but rewarding hike down to a quiet, scenic beach. Perfect for a peaceful escape and enjoying the coastline.

Lush Forest Trails
Various park trails
Wander through enchanting forests with large trees and native plants. Experience the tranquility and mesmerizing sounds of nature.

Peaceful Hiking Experience
Throughout the park
Enjoy a serene and quiet hiking experience, often with few other visitors. Ideal for forest bathing and finding inner calm.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Etiquette & Safety
Hidden Gem Status
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Lot Safety
Be aware of potential car break-ins. Secure valuables or consider carpooling. :warning:
🥾 Steep Beach Trail
The trail to the beach is steep, especially on the way back up. Wear sturdy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
🤫 Embrace the Quiet
This park is a hidden gem, perfect for a peaceful, solitary nature escape. :sparkles:
🐾 Pet-Friendly Trails
Dogs are welcome on the trails. Ensure they are leashed and cleaned up after. :dog:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Lot Safety
Be aware of potential car break-ins. Secure valuables or consider carpooling. :warning:
🥾 Steep Beach Trail
The trail to the beach is steep, especially on the way back up. Wear sturdy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
🤫 Embrace the Quiet
This park is a hidden gem, perfect for a peaceful, solitary nature escape. :sparkles:
🐾 Pet-Friendly Trails
Dogs are welcome on the trails. Ensure they are leashed and cleaned up after. :dog:
🗺️ No Roadside Signage
Look for the wide parking area at the road; there's no prominent park sign. :round_pushpin:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Dugualla State Park for its beautiful, quiet trails and secluded beach access, calling it a true hidden gem. However, concerns about car break-ins at the parking area and past disturbing incidents detract from the experience for some. Despite these issues, the natural scenery and peaceful atmosphere are highly valued.
"Only found on map, no road-side sign or directions to this delightful, quiet and wide, well maintained trail system. Some very large trees and many species of native plants. One trail does go to the salt water and others are fairly flat. Parking is just the wide area at the road."
Bj Hedahl
"Really great shady trail down to a scenic beach! We were very surprised that this park is not rated higher. We had spent 6 days on Whidbey Island, bought the annual pass and had visited one to two state parks a day. We like shady trails and beach access, the Deception Point, South Whidbey And Dugualla were our favorites!"
Jeffrey Chou
"Nice and quiet hiking trail. No pass required to park. They have a few trails to walk. One leads to the beach. Some hills to walk but nothing to crazy. Kid and pet friendly. Will go again."
Danielle Thompson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Dugualla State Park is a bit of a hidden gem and lacks prominent roadside signage. Look for a wide parking area directly off the road. Some visitors note it's not easily found on maps, so GPS coordinates or careful observation are key.
Public transport options to Dugualla State Park are very limited. It's best accessed by private vehicle. Consider carpooling if you're concerned about parking safety.
Parking is available in a wide area at the road's edge. While convenient, be aware that car break-ins have been reported, so secure your valuables.
According to recent visitor reports, no pass is required to park at Dugualla State Park, making it a free option for enjoying nature.
While trails are generally well-maintained, some can be steep, especially the one leading to the beach. Downloading an offline map or using a reliable GPS app on your phone is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Based on recent visitor feedback, it appears that a Discover Pass is not required for parking at Dugualla State Park, offering a free entry experience.
As a state park, Dugualla State Park is generally open from dawn to dusk. However, specific hours can vary, and it's always a good idea to check official Washington State Parks information if available, though it's often not prominently advertised for this location.
Dugualla State Park is primarily a natural area with trails and beach access. It does not typically offer reservable picnic shelters or group sites. It's best suited for informal visits.
Visitors have reported that no pass is required for parking at Dugualla State Park, suggesting it's a free-to-access area for hiking and enjoying nature.
If you encounter any issues with park access or facilities, it's best to contact the Washington State Parks department directly. However, for this less developed park, on-site support may be minimal.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Dugualla State Park features a network of well-maintained trails, including a notable steep path leading down to a scenic beach. Other trails offer flatter, peaceful walks through lush forests.
The trail to the beach is described as steep, which might be challenging for individuals with mobility issues or very young children. The hike back up requires significant effort.
While not a primary wildlife viewing area, you can expect to see forest birds and potentially marine life along the beach. Some visitors have noted the mesmerizing songs of the forest.
Dugualla State Park is a more natural, undeveloped park. Visitors have noted a lack of extensive facilities, so plan accordingly and bring your own supplies.
To experience the magical atmosphere, take your time on the forest trails, listen to the natural sounds, and appreciate the stillness. Visiting during off-peak hours can enhance the sense of solitude and enchantment.
📸 📸 Photography
The secluded beach offers beautiful coastal shots, especially during golden hour. The lush, moss-covered forest trails provide opportunities for capturing intimate nature scenes and unique flora like liverwort.
Yes, the park's diverse forest environment is home to various native plants, including liverwort releasing spores, making it a great spot for macro photography and botanical enthusiasts.
Early morning or late afternoon light filters beautifully through the dense forest canopy, creating a magical, ethereal glow. The beach can also be stunning during sunrise or sunset.
Regulations regarding drone usage in Washington State Parks can vary. It's advisable to check the official Washington State Parks website for current drone policies before flying. Generally, they are restricted in sensitive natural areas.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive forest and beach views. A macro lens can be useful for detailed shots of plants and fungi. A sturdy tripod will help with low-light conditions in the forest.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Hikers & Nature Lovers
🐶 Dog Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
For those seeking a longer hike, combining several trails can create a loop of up to 5 miles. The park's terrain includes rolling hills and dense vegetation, providing a varied hiking experience. It's a fantastic place for dog walking and getting children outdoors, offering a peaceful escape from busier parks.
The 'Hidden Gem' Appeal
The park's charm lies in its natural beauty rather than extensive amenities. Visitors often highlight the quietude and the opportunity to connect with nature without distractions. The absence of a prominent roadside sign and the less developed nature of the park add to its allure for those who appreciate discovering lesser-known spots.
Safety and Community Concerns
Tragically, the park has also been associated with disturbing incidents involving animal cruelty. Reports detail the discovery of brutally killed family dogs near the trailhead, leading to investigations and community unease. These incidents highlight the importance of being vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity to the authorities. Despite these unfortunate events, many still find the park's natural environment to be a valuable escape.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit