Getting to the Water’s Edge

69 Beaches, 2 Islands, 1 Book

A field guide to shoreline access and facilities, parks, marine life, stewardship, and natural history of Island County, Washington.

A labor of love and dedication, this 198-page spiral-bound 2020 edition of Getting to the Water’s Edge on Whidbey and Camano Islands is your go-to guide to all the beaches in Island County, and so much more. Produced entirely by Sound Water Stewards, the book was generously supported by community sponsors, non-profits, friends, and SWS members who paid for the printing costs. Proceeds from sales support SWS ongoing programs and activities. Mail-order here online or find your copy at a local book store, hardware store, gift shop or marine supplies store (list below).

The guide covers 69 beaches on Whidbey and Camano Islands, plus:

• Birding
• Hiking 
• Accessibility of beaches and trails 
• Kayak and boat launches
• Dog parks
• Intertidal species identification guide
• Stewardship best practices
• Natural and human history, historic sites
• Geology
• Beach processes
• Legal rights
• Tables and maps
• ISBN 978-1-7343529-0-0

Getting to the Water’s Edge is back and it’s brilliant! The third edition of Island County’s preeminent guide to the shoreline is not only beautiful but packed with resources. It’s a huge achievement for Sound Water Stewards and their deep talent pool of volunteers. They created a masterpiece that other counties envy, but none have been able to emulate.

Dan Pederson, Local Author

The sponsors below provided financial support to underwrite the printing costs. We appreciate them!