A fall vacation to Whidbey and Camano Islands, Washington offers a unique and enjoyable experience with mild weather, vibrant fall foliage, and various seasonal activities. Whidbey and Camano Islands are located in the Pacific Northwest, off the beaten track from Seattle. If you are looking for a vacation to where you can experience nature, visit quaint shops, see wildlife, visit wineries, and enjoy breathtaking scenery, these islands are for you.
Here’s what you can expect:
Weather
- Mild Temperatures: Expect comfortable temperatures with daily highs in the mid-60s to low 70s in September, decreasing to the mid-50s to low 60s in October.
- Layering Recommended: Pack layers as temperatures can vary throughout the day, and rain gear is useful, especially in spring and fall.
- Less Rain than Anticipated: Despite the Pacific Northwest stereotype, Whidbey Island is in the Olympic rain shadow and receives less rain than other nearby areas.
Fall foliage
- Scenic Isleway: The Whidbey Island Scenic Isleway is a great place to experience the full array of autumn hues from bigleaf maples, Garry oaks, and other deciduous trees, interspersed with stunning evergreens like the Pacific madrone.
- Peak Time: The second and third weeks of October are typically the peak times for fall foliage, although this can vary depending on local weather conditions.
- Other options: Consider a hike in Deception Pass State Park for stunning views of the changing leaves, particularly around Goose Rock and Hoypus Point. The nearby Chuckanut Drive Scenic Byway also offers beautiful fall colors, according to State of Washington Tourism.
Activities and events
As autumn arrives, Whidbey and Camano Islands blossom with a bounty of fall festivals, pumpkin patches, harvest events, and natural wonders perfect for a seasonal escape.
Whidbey Island Harvest & Halloween Celebrations
In October, Whidbey Farm & Market (Coupeville) hosts weekends filled with U-pick pumpkins and corn, corn mazes (open late Fridays & Saturdays), hay rides, barrel train rides, giant games, fire pits, and food vendors—from roasted corn to loaded potatoes. It’s a festive playground for families with admission around $12 per person.
Throughout the month, stop by locales like Scenic Isle Farm (pumpkin patches all month), Greenbank Farm (Oktoberfest), Meerkerk Gardens (a Bavarian-style Oktoberfest with live music, German food, beer garden, plus plant sales), and the Coupeville Harvest Fair for crafts, local foods, and seasonal entertainment. Don’t miss spooky-themed events like “Haunting of Coupeville,” witchy takeovers inspired by Practical Magic, Halloween trick-or-treats, drive-through haunted trunk-or-treats, and torchlight parades in late October.
Cultural & Heritage Experiences
In addition to outdoor fun, fall is a great time to dive into the islands’ cultural roots. The Island County Historical Museum celebrates its 75th anniversary in October, showcasing dugout canoes and artifacts from the islands’ indigenous past. The “24 Cultural & Heritage Experiences” guide offers self‑led exploration across historic sites—including Hibulb Cultural Center insights on original Coast Salish inhabitants.
Camano Island Farm & Nature Adventures
Camano Island also blooms in autumn, with frequent Harvest Festivals at local farms. Arrowhead Ranch (on Stanwood–Camano) features hay rides, apple cider pressing, scarecrow building, face painting, axe‑throwing, and a pumpkin patch (previous admission ranged $7–10). Kristoferson Farm hosts a Fall Harvest Festival along with farm tours, seasonal craft workshops, lavender U-picks and even zip‑lining through golden fields.
Trails, Parks & Outdoor Exploration
Both islands offer stunning natural scenery in fall. Camano Island State Park delivers scenic hikes, rugged beaches, bird‐watching and tidepool exploration—especially beautiful with golden foliage and fewer crowds. On Whidbey, fall is ideal for trail walks through Whidbey Camano Land Trust preserves, enjoying kite flying on blustery beaches, or attending theatrical events like DjangoFest or performances at the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts.
Eat‑Local & Ag‑Tourism
September marks “Eat‑Local Month” across Island County, featuring farm tours, tastings, workshops, and farm‑to‑table dinners highlighting Whidbey Island Grown and Camano farms. It’s a flavor-packed opportunity to savor cider, fresh produce, honey, mead, cideries, distilleries, and local seafood under the crisp fall skies. Phone ahead to visit favorites like Cultus Bay Distillery, Greenbank Cidery, and Hierophant Meadery.
Whale Watching
Whale watching around Whidbey Island in the fall (October to December) offers the chance to see orcas, humpbacks, and minke whales as they follow salmon runs through Puget Sound. While the gray whales seen in spring have migrated south by summer, the Southern Resident orca pods (J, K, and L) are often spotted in these waters during autumn. The Orca Network’s Whale Sighting Network provides real-time updates, making it easier for visitors to plan land-based viewing or catch a glimpse from ferries traveling near the island.
Boat tours, such as those offered by Mystic Sea Charters and Deception Pass Whale Watching Tours, continue into early fall and focus on tracking orcas and other whales active in the area. These tours provide opportunities to see whales up close, along with seals, sea lions, and a variety of seabirds. As the weather cools, tours also tend to have smaller groups, creating a more intimate and educational experience on the water.
For those who prefer staying on land, Seawall Park in Langley, Penn Cove, and Possession Point are prime viewing spots. The whale bell at Seawall Park is a local tradition—visitors ring it when whales pass by. With Whidbey’s scenic coastal views, crisp autumn air, and fewer crowds, fall whale watching offers a peaceful and memorable way to experience the island’s marine wildlife.
Whale Watching at Deception Pass
Food and Drink
Whidbey Island and Camano Island, nestled in the Puget Sound of Washington State, offer an impressive variety of food and drink experiences that highlight the region’s rich agricultural heritage and coastal bounty. On Whidbey Island, the dining scene is shaped by fresh seafood, farm-to-table cuisine, and locally sourced ingredients. Restaurants like Oystercatcher in Coupeville and Saltwater Fish House in Langley are known for creative dishes that feature freshly caught salmon, Penn Cove mussels, and local oysters. Farmers markets and farm stands, such as those at Greenbank Farm, provide seasonal produce, artisan cheeses, and handmade baked goods that reflect the island’s strong farm community.
Camano Island’s food scene is smaller but equally charming, with cozy cafes, family-run restaurants, and spots serving locally roasted coffee and fresh pastries. For casual dining, Camano Commons Marketplace is a popular hub, featuring a mix of cafes, specialty foods, and local art. Seafood lovers can enjoy salmon, Dungeness crab, and clams at casual eateries and markets throughout the island. Both islands emphasize sustainable and locally sourced dining, with many chefs partnering directly with nearby farms and fisheries.
The drink scene on both islands pairs perfectly with their culinary offerings. Whidbey Island boasts several wineries, including Whidbey Island Winery and Spoiled Dog Winery, which produce exceptional wines from Pacific Northwest grapes. Craft beer enthusiasts can visit local breweries like Penn Cove Brewing Company, while spirit lovers can stop by Whidbey Island Distillery for their award-winning berry liqueurs. On Camano Island, intimate wine tasting rooms and coffee shops provide a relaxed vibe, often with outdoor seating and views of the surrounding water and forests. Together, Whidbey and Camano Islands deliver a delicious mix of culinary creativity, local flavors, and laid-back Northwest hospitality.
Spoiled Dog Winery
Overall, Whidbey Island in the fall offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural events, and delicious local treats, making it a wonderful destination for a autumn getaway.
Getting there
Fly Alaska Airlines nonstop to Seattle, take the Whidbey Sea-Tac Shuttle. The shuttle departs from Sea-Tac’s gate 2 south of the baggage carousels and offers stress-free transportation to eight locations on Whidbey Island, including car rentals (if you ask in advance). Check with your lodging to find options to get to where you’re staying.
Helpful links to plan your vacation: