Above: The beach at Fort Ebey State Park in Coupeville, Washington

The islands in Washington’s Salish Sea are more than usually blessed with scenic parks and nature reserves. I took every opportunity to explore the countryside on Whidbey and San Juan islands, where stands of primary forest give way to tall bluffs overlooking empty beaches. These were my favorite parks, in order from south to north.

Join Andrew Harper today to continue reading our exclusive content.