The Whidbey Camano Land Trust led a special tour for its members through the Navy-owned Lake Hancock estuary in Greenbank on Whidbey Island.
Lake Hancock was previously a fresh water lake until the sand dune berm between it and Puget Sound was broken through in a big storm back in the 1920s or 1930s. The area was used by the Navy as a practice bombing range (without live munitions) around World War II, which is incredible to imagine such an ecologically important area being used for such a purpose nowadays.
The main Lake Hancock area is still owned by the Navy, and is bordered by additional property owned by The Nature Conservancy, Island County, and the Port of Coupeville on the south and east sides, with private property on the north side and Puget Sound to the west. Since it is Navy property and there is the potential for unexploded ordinance, the area is off limits to any visitors. WCLT got special permission to enter and was accompanied by a Navy representative.
Lake Hancock provides terrific bird sanctuary and a vibrant place for fish to rest on longer journeys. The tidal flow in and out is significant, resulting in a flooded “lake” that recedes to deep muck expanses lined by stranded driftwood. It was a great opportunity to see an unusual part of Whidbey Island.
Walking into Lake Hancock woods from the east side by highway 525
Tour on east side of estuary
North side of Lake Hancock estuary, looking south
Walking along west side beach by Puget Sound, looking south
Tidal outflow between Lake Hancock and Puget Sound, looking east from beach
Leave A Comment