Located on Whidbey Island, Fort Ebey was a World War II artillery emplacement, which was positioned to protect Seattle/Everett from enemy ships. All that is left of the installation are the concrete bunker and some spooky underground passageways. The site we fly from is right below the main gun emplacement and is perhaps 150? feet above the water. The slope overlooks the sound/straits where barges, seaplanes, and even submarines can be seen floating/flying by.

SLOPE TERRAIN: The slope essentially runs north-south, facing west, with a slight curve westward which makes it flyable in southwest and northwest winds. The flying site is a sloping plateau with the parking lot and gun emplacement at the top of the slope (third and fourth photos from left below show plateau). The plateau runs 50-100 yards to the much steeper 'cliff' down to the water. The slope is primarily sand with scotch broom and grass. The area below the plateau is accessible and there is a narrow beach down at the bottom. However, the trip is sandy and steep, and not the most enjoyable way to get exercise, and certainly not how one wants to spend their sloping adventure.

Photos: © Washington State Department of Ecology 

FLYING FORT EBEY: The winds are not always where you would most like them to be for Ebey. The often seen south-easterly winds are tough to fly and the Northerlies create shearing, allowing only the lightest of ships to get in the air. The plateau is not the easiest to land on either, since it seems to always slope away at a slightly steeper angle than your landing approach angle. However, the terrain is relatively clear of hard objects, so most flyers aren't too afraid of bringing out their glass ships if the winds are right. The 'cliff' drops off quickly enough that hand launches are all that are required for most ships, unless the winds are shearing, or if you just feel the need for speed off the bungee line…

FORT EBEY WEATHER: It is often hard to determine the wind direction at Ft. Ebey unless you are standing up on the slope. Some of the better sources are weather stations at Smith Island, Whidbey Island NAS, and Coupeville. An overview of the area's wind vectors can be found at the Greater Seattle Soaring Weather.

GETTING THERE: First, you have to get to Whidbey Island. The Automobile ferry runs from Mukilteo to Clinton (the current schedule). However, you might just want to drive over land (I-5 north to 20 west) if you live farther north, the drive time might just be the same or less. Once you get off the ferry, head north on 525 to where it joins 20. You'll drive past the road that goes to Ebey's Landing (an alternate Whidbey site). Just past Coupeville, you'll come to Libbey Rd. Hang a Left (or right coming from the North). Follow this to the signs for Ft. Ebey, directing you to turn left on Floral. Follow the signs around to Valley Dr, which eventually goes into the park and past the ranger station. Follow the signs to the Gun Emplacement and park under the trees. Unpack and head down to the cliff. Have FUN!

Page designed for the SASS by RED, soaring enthusiast and club member (frequently available to hit the slopes).

Whidbey Island: Ebey's Landing

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