Welcome to Oak Harbor
Relocation Guide Presented to You By: Koetje Property Management 380 SE Pioneer Way, Suite 104 Oak Harbor, WA 98277 (360) 675-2271 info@koetjerentals.com
Whidbey’s History
Joseph Whidbey, Master of H.M.S. Discovery under the command of Captain Vancouver, discovered Deception Pass in 1792. In so doing he proved that Whidbey Island, thought by the early Spanish explorers to be part of the mainland, was in reality an island. The first contact between the Island Indians & white men occurred when Whidbey’s party landed in Penn’s Cove. In 1848, Thomas Glasgow took up a prairie claim near Coupeville. He planted crops but soon the Skagit Indians became hostile and Glasgow abandoned the area.Other families eventually arrived and by 1856; there were seven blockhouses built for the protection of the settlers against the Haidah (a tribe from the North) attacks. Isaac Ebey became the leader of those early Pioneers. He was a man prominent in public service and one to whom others turned in time of trouble. However, he was not a man to stand for an affront from the Indians. In his diary of August 19, 1852, he wrote, “Pulled in Indian’s wool and kicked another one’s bottom today for being impudent and saucy to Rebecca when I was absent.”
Thomas Coupe, a sea captain, took up a claim in 1852 on Penn’s Cove and it was on this property that the town of Coupeville grew. Coupeville is one of the oldest towns in the state. Coupe has the distinction of being the only man ever to sail a full rigged ship through Deception Pass. In 1847, Ebey was killed by the Haidah Indians. A Haidah Chief at Port Gamble had been killed, and Ebey, because he was the recognized leader of the white settlement, was beheaded in retaliation. After World War I the Island prospered. Farms were producing grain; cattle were being raised; dairy products, poultry and berries were items of trade. A fine bridge was built across Deception Pass, and a regularly scheduled ferry service from Mukilteo to Columbia Beach took the place of the old up-island ferry from Everett.
Oak Harbor Early in 1850, three adventurers by the names of Taftson, Sumner, and Freund took up donation claims where the City of Oak Harbor now stands. Only one of the three first settlers, Ulrih Freund, a Swiss Army Officer, retained part of his claim which is today settled by his descendants. The town was named by Dr. Richard Landsdale, for the many Garry Oaks which grew to great size in the area. He also named the adjoining Crescent Harbor which has figured prominently in North Whidbey History, and which is now part of the City of Oak Harbor. Early day pioneers built stores and homes along the shore of Oak Harbor, as they relied completely on water transportation. Indian canoes were replaced by steamers which served the Island for passengers and freight until the 1930’s when the Deception pass Bridge was built. A number of sea captains settled in and around Oak Harbor and San de Fuca. They brought their families to live on the land within sight of the sea which they loved. These men took the lead in forming the early government for the area, and later representing the early settlers in the legislature.
In the late 1850’s, a number of settlers of Irish extraction came to Oak Harbor forming large families which dominated the scene for many years. It was not until 1894 that the Hollanders began to arrive, and the town of Oak Harbor began to grow. The Hollanders came from Michigan and the Dakotas where they found living too hard. It was said that they chose Whidbey Island mainly because they found the area safe from their age-old fear of floods. Industrious, thrifty people, they set about to clear and plant the land, cut timber, build homes, and raise their families as Americans. Their children preferred not to be reminded of the Dutch language and customs, and as one,‘old-timer’ put it, “We wanted to be so VERY American!” Schools, churches, and places of business followed the advent of the Hollanders, and Oak Harbor flourished as a small country town until 1941, when the Navy arrived to build the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station. A seaplane base was constructed between Maylor’s Point and Oak Harbor. Many Navy personnel, sent to this lonely outpost at the grave beginnings of World War II, are now retired here. It has been said that it took only 100 years to repeat the settling of North Whidbey by Sea Captains!
Spotlight: Island County The location of Island County, just north of Puget Sound and east of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, has been and is both a valuable asset and an economic limitation. The area attracts people because of the isolated island environment, yet manufacturing is practically non-existent for the same reason. Consequently, the economy of the Island is almost entirely based on tourism, the retired population, and the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station. At one time, agriculture and forestry were the primary economic activities of the county; now however, they contribute only some measure of diversification. In land area, Island County ranks 38th out of the 39 counties in the state. Population density, however, is almost three times the state average at 399 persons per square mile. Population growth in Island County has been steady since 1930, with increases will above the state average. Huge population gains in the forties and fifties in Island County had a population of 44,000 and have increased over the years. North Whidbey population contains 34,737 persons. Whidbey Island has all the charm of the country yet all the facilities of the city. From most places on the island, majestic views of the Cascade or the Olympic Mountains can be seen. It is a place of forests, farms, and rail fences; of windswept bluffs and sandy beaches covered with driftwood- a place to find relaxation and contentment with its beauty. Whidbey is a way of life! THE NAVAL PRESENCE With the advent of World War II and the introduction to the airplane as a strategic weapon, the military began looking for new defense sites. In 1937, plans were made to locate a torpedo rearming and seaplane base on Whidbey Island. Approximately $3 million was appropriated by Congress in 1941 to build the station, and in September 1942, it was commissioned. Placed on reduced operating status at the end of the war until December 1949, plans were then made for the base to be the multi-type, all-weather Navyfield that it presently is. Since then, it has dominated the Island County economy.
Whidbey Island was chosen as the site of a major base essentially because of its excellent flight condition; best flying weather in the country, little electrical interference, out of major commercial airline flying routes, and close to majorcities, but still relatively isolated. Presently, the NAS is home to the Navy’s electronic warfare squadrons flying Grumman EA-6B Prowler and EA-18G Growler with four maritime patrol squad and two fleet reconnaissance squad flying EP-3E Aries. NAS has three patrol squadrons, VP-40, VP-46, and VP-1, and a fleet air reconnaissance squadron, VQ-1, VP-69, VQ-2, VR-61. NAS Whidbey Island is also the center of the activity for Naval Air Reserve training in the Northwest. Search and Rescue crews aid civil authorities, when requested, for operation in the northwest counties of Washington State. As the Navy’s premier air station in the Pacific Northwest and winner of the Commander-in Chief’s Installation Excellence Award for 2005, NAS Whidbey Island will continue to support the Navy’s mission. The Naval Air Station is also home of the 13th Naval District Reserve, which takes care of all the Naval and Marine reservists from Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana.
A Bit About Our Weather... Contrary to popular belief, the slapping windshield wiper is not the most familiar sound a Whidbey Islander hears. Dazzling sunlight bathes our hillsides and valleys and bounces off our lakes, inlets, and harbor area throughout much of the year. Yes, it does get a little wet sometimes--the skies cloud over and down comes the drizzle. But heavy rains are rare in our area. Our much talked about rainfall actually measures only about 17 inches a year--less than many other major cities including Cleveland, New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, or even nearby Seattle. We like to think our rainfall is productive. It produces the hillsides of green, every shade of green you can imagine, which we all enjoy each and every time they come into our view. This soft, gentle rain produces the most delicious strawberries and raspberries in the country. Our mild temperatures are not so mild as to deny us the beauty of the red autumn leaves when the non-evergreens shed their leaves for the winter after a delightful Indian summer which generally lasts through October. With so much 
of our Island still heavily wooded with tall firs, alders, oaks, willows, maples, and the forest floor carpeted in lush green fern, it is truly beautiful each season of the year. There are several good reasons for our moderate, livable climate. With the towering proximity of the rugged Olympic Mountain Range to the west, the magnificent snowcapped Cascades dominated by Mount Baker to the Northeast, and Mount Rainier to the Southeast, Whidbey Island holds a unique position in Puget Sound. The warm Japanese currents warm our coastal air, while the heavy rain clouds pour their rain upon the high mountains and pass us by without gathering enough to leave more than our usual 17 inches per year. We are sheltered from most of the rough winds and weather of the Pacific Ocean by other land masses. Sure, it may be a bit damp during the winter, but it is the kind of damp that lets you run to the mailbox without getting soaked. The bright, glorious springtime rids us of the gray overhanging clouds. The lack of pollution and warm, long summers are a boater’s paradise, camper’s dream, and a hiker’s adventure land, not to mention the artist’s subject. Our climate is temperate enough to keep us calm, but allows us to be active enough to enjoy one of the most beautiful spots in the world.
Oak Harbor Schools
Oak Harbor School District #201 350 S. Oak Harbor St. (360) 279-5070
Oak Harbor Elementary 151 SE Midway Blvd. (360) 279-5149
Oak Harbor High School #1 Wildcat Way (360) 279-5400
Olympic View Elementary 380 Regatta Dr. (360) 279-5153
Oak Harbor Middle School #1 Wildcat Way, Oak Harbor, WA (360) 279-5399
Midway High School 200 SE Midway Blvd (360) 279-5575
North Whidbey Middle School 67 NE Izett St. (360) 279-5500
Special Education 350 S. Oak Harbor St. (360) 279-5073
Broad View Elementary 473 SW Fairhaven Dr. (360) 279-5250
Skagit Valley College WHIDBEY CAMPUS 1900 SE Pioneer Way (360) 675-6656
Hillcrest Elementary School 350 S. Oak Harbor st. Oak Harbor, WA (360) 279-5200 Crescent Harbor Elementary 330 E Crescent Harbor Road (360) 279-5650
Chapman University -NAS Whidbey 3615 N. Langley Blvd. Bldg. 126 (360) 675-0143 Western Washington Oak Harbor Satellite Campus 360-679-5275
North Whidbey Utilities
Cascade Natural Gas CORP 1520 S. 2nd Street, Mt. Vernon (888) 522-1130 Puget Sound Energy 360 N. Oak Harbor Street (888) 225-5773 (in-state only) (360) 675-1365 Verizon/Telephone Installation (800) 483-4100 360-679-8610 ComCast Broadband Cable 32650 SR 20 #A102 (866) 774-3128 Direct TV (855) 833-4388 PROPANE COMPANIES AmeriGas Propane 668 W Oak St, Oak Harbor 675-5939 Skagit Farmers Supp. 31686 Washington 20, Oak Harbor 888-757-2076
Suburban Propane (800) 776-7263 Corey Oil & Propane 1194 NE Goldie St, Oak Harbor (360) 675-2050 WATER, SEWER, GARBAGE City of Oak Harbor 865 SE Barrington Dr. Oak Harbor, WA 98277 (360) 279-4530 City of Coupeville #4 NE 7th Street, Coupeville, WA 98239 (360) 678-4461 City of Langley 208 Anthes Ave, Langley, WA 98260 (360) 221-4274 Island Disposal (For Island County) Garbage Collection Outside City Limits 19832 W. SR 20, Coupeville, WA 98239 (360) 678-5701/ South Whidbey (360) 321-1311 INTERNET SERVICE Verizon: 877-682-2169 Frontier: 1-855-284-2105 Rapid Wifillc: 360-679-3847 Comcast: 360-200-6791 Verizon 877-682-2169
Bits & Pieces NORTH WHIDBEY CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE  Greater Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce 32630 State Route 20 Oak Harbor, WA 98277 (360) 675-3755 Central Whidbey Chamber of Commerce 905 NW Alexander, Coupeville, WA 98239 (360) 678-5434 or (360) 678-5664  DRIVING DISTANCES FROM OAK HARBOR (in miles)  Anacortes 21 Coupeville 10 Deception Pass 9 Keystone Ferry 18 Olympia 121 Sea-Tac Airport 74 Vancouver, WA 221 Yakima 199 (* includes ferry ride) Bellingham 50 Clinton 38 Everett 48 Langley 34 Seattle 62 Tacoma 94 Vancouver, BC 103 NEWSPAPERS Seattle Post Intelligencer 800-542-0820 The Seattle Times 800-542-0820
The Crosswinds 107 S Main St #E-101. Coupeville, WA 98277 (360) 675-6611 Skagit Valley Herald 360-424-3251 Whidbey News Times 107 S Main St #E-101 Coupeville, WA 98277 (360) 675-6611  RECYCLING INFORMATION  Island County Recycling & Hazardous Waste 20062 SR 20, Coupeville 679-7386 Island County Transfer Station/Recycle Park 20018 SR 20, Coupeville 678-3328 Island County Recycle Park 5790 Kramer Road, Bayview 321-4505 Island Recycling 20014 Washington 525, Freeland 331-1727 Oak Harbor Transfer Station/Recycle Park 3151 N Oak Harbor Rd. 675-6161 Oak Harbor Recycle Center 2050 W Cemetery Rd, Oak Harbor 675-9193
Post Offices
Licensing Offices
Clinton 4801 S. Deer Lake Road, 360-341-4848
Vehicles, Boats, Trailers
Greenbank 25189 S. Highway 525, 360-678-6808
Coupeville Island County Auditor’s Office, Courthouse 1 NE 7th St. #105 360-679-7368
Coupeville 201 NW Coveland Street, 360-678-5353
Oak Harbor Oak Harbor Motors, 75 SE Pioneer Way, 360-675-5901
Langley 115 Second Street, 360-221-4113
Driver’s License 656 SE Bayshore Dr. #4 360-675-6466
Freeland 1619 E. Main Street, 360-331-6500
Freeland Island Insurance Associates, 18205 Washington Street 525 360-331-4565
Oak Harbor 1155 SE City Beach Street, 360-240-1944 NAS 1080 & 100 w Lexington St. 360-257-2424
Animal Licensing City of Oak Harbor 865 SE Barrington Dr, 360-679-5551 Town of Coupeville 4 NE Seventh Street, 360-678-4461 City of Langley 112 2nd Street, 360-221-4246
ďżź
Transportation
RAILROADS
BUS SYSTEM
AMTRAK 211 Railroad Ave. Edmonds, WA 98020 (800) 872-7245
Island Transit 19758 SR 20 Coupeville, WA 98277 (360) 678-7771
Skagit Travel & Cruise 1500 E College Way Mt. Vernon, WA 98273 (360) 428-5800
AIRPORTS
Sea-Tac Airport (800) 544-1965
Anacortes Municipal Airport West Isle Air 400 Airport Rd. Anacortes, WA 98221 (360) 376-4176 (800) 874-4434 SeaTac Shuttle 360-679-4003 1-877-679-4003 www.seatacshuttle.com info@seatacshuttle.com
Skagit Regional Airport, Bayview 1180 Airport Drive, Burlington, WA 98257 (360) 757-0011 TAXI Whidbey Island Taxi Services (360) 279-9330 Travel Q Inc. 416-A E Morris St. La Conner, WA 98257 (360) 466-4423
Washington State Ferry Washington State Ferries (888) 808-7977 or (206) 464-6400 http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/  • Anacortes Ferry Terminal • Guemes Island Ferry Terminal • Orcas Ferry Terminal Keystone Ferry Terminal • Friday Harbor Ferry Terminal • Lopez Ferry Terminal • Seattle Ferry Terminal • Clinton Ferry Terminal
Payment: Signed Credit cards are accepted. Cash, transit vouchers, ORCA E-purse and travelers checks are accepted systemwide. Canadian currency is accepted at a discount, but no coins please. CHILDREN/SENIOR CITIZENS: Children under 6 travel for free. Ages 6-18 travel for 50% fare. Passengers & Drivers (not vehicles) 65 or older qualify for 1/2 fare. Valid proof of age with a photo is required. Person’s with disablitlies with proof presesnted at 50 % fare. Arrival Time: During tourist season (May to mid-October), arrive at the ferry terminal an hour prior to departure on weekdays, and two hours early on the weekends. Vehicles are loaded in order of arrival. Reservations: Please call to verify if reservations are required. Smoking: Smoking is strictly prohibited Pets: Pets are allowed to travel on the ferry system. They must be kept on leashes and are not allowed in terminals or above the car deck unless they are in a container. Recreational Vehicles: Oversize vehicles will be charged according to size, please visit http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ ferries/ for more information.
Bicycles: Bicycles load first unless otherwise instructed, so wait near the head of the dock. On board, secure bike in place provided. When disembarking, please move to the side of the road and wait for cars leaving. Passenger fare and surcharge. See at www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/bicycles for surcharge amounts. Loading Procedures: Vehicles loaded in order of arrival. However, a vehicle may be loaded before you if headed for a different destination or to top off a load. Larger vehicles may be loaded first since it is easier for smaller vehicles to fill in around them. Transportation Propane & Gasoline Containers: Coast Guard regulations require propane tanks to be shut off and sealed prior to boarding. Gasoline is not allowed on board, except in the internal tank of your vehicle or boat. A trailered boat may carry up to 2 cans with a limit of 100lbs. Coast Guard approved. Gasoline in chain saws or spare gas cans is prohibited as well as EMPTY gas cans. Departure: Please return to your vehicle 20 minutes prior to the printed departure time to ensure your space on the vessel.
Marinas OAK HARBOR Decption Pass 200 Cornet Bay Oak Harbor, WA 98277 (360) 675-5411
Anacortes Yacht Club 504 -7th, Anacortes, WA 98221 (360) 293-5277 Fidalgo Marina 3101 V Place Anacortes, WA 98221 (360) 299-0873
Oak Harbor Marina 1401 SE Catalina Dr. Oak Harbor, WA 98277 (360) 279-4575
The Fidalgo Yacht Club 6046 Sands Way Anacortes, WA 98221 (360) 299-9123
La CONNER
Skagit Bay Boat Yard 1870 McGlinn Is Rd La Conner, WA 98257 (360) 466-4905
La Conner Marina 539 N. 3rd Street La Conner, WA 98257 (360) 466-3118 ANACORTES Anacortes Cove Marina 1600 -5th Anacortes, WA 98221 (360) 293-7033 Anacortes Marina 2415 T Avenue Anacortes Suite #1, WA 98221 (360) 293-5227
Lovric’s Sea-Craft 3022 Oaks Avenue Anacortes, WA 98221 (360) 293-2042 Port of Anacortes Harbor Master/ Cap Sante Boat Haven 1019 Q Avenue, Anacortes, WA 98211 (360) 293-0694 Skyline Marina 2011 Skyline Way Anacortes, WA 98221 (360) 293-5134
Local Camping Deception Pass State Park & Bowman Bay 41020 SR 20, Oak Harbor (360) 675-3767 (888) 226-3767 Accommodations: 77,000 Feet of salt water shoreline, 3 fresh water lakes, 167 campsites, showers, restrooms, stoves, tables, swimming, fishing, scuba diving, fire pits, dumping station, & community building. Fort Ebey State Park 400 Hill Valley Dr., Coupeville WA (360) 902-8844 (888) 226-7688 Location: South of Deception Pass Accommodations: 39 campsites, 11 utility sites, restrooms, showers, kitchen shelters, stoves, tables, saltwater fishing, picnicking and hiking trails Rhododendron County Park 502 W. Patmore Place, Coupeville WA (360) 679-7373 Location: 3 miles S. of Coupeville on Patmore Rd. Accommodations: 32 acres, playground, and restroom Fort Casey State Park 1280 Engle, Coupeville WA (360) 902-8844 (888) 226-7688 Location: Central Whidbey Island Accommodations: 21 standard campsites, 14 utility sites, restrooms, stoves, tables, showers, saltwater boat launch, saltwater swimming & fishing, trails and heritage site (lighthouse). Island County Fairgrounds 819 Camano Ave, Langley, WA (360) 221-4677 Location: South end of Whidbey Island Accommodations: Campers must be self-contained Pioneer Trails Campground 7337 Miller Rd, Anacortes, WA (360)293-5355 Location: Off SR 20 on Fidalgo Island Accommodations: 100 campsites, restrooms, showers, laundry, large recreation room with fireplace, ice, propane, dumping station, play field. Anacortes RV Park (Private) 7648 SR 20, Anacortes, WA (360) 293-5355 Location: On fidalgo Island Accommodations: 26 acres, cozy cabins, restrooms, showers laundry, dumping station. Washington Park (Private) 6300 Sunset Ave, Anacortes
(360) 661-3463 Location: Near ferry terminal, Anacortes, WA Accommodations: 68 sites, restrooms, showers, laundry, play field, playground equip., saltwater boat launch, salt water swimming City Beach Park (City) SW Beeksma Dr. Oak Harbor, WA (360) 279-4756 Location: downtown Oak Harbor off Pioneer Way Accommodations: 56 hook-up sites, restrooms, bathhouse, kitchen shelters, tables, BBQ pits, swimming, tennis courts, ball field, limited tenting sites. North Whidbey RV Park (Private) 565 W Cornet Bay Rd, Oak Harbor, WA (360) 675-9597 (888) 462-2674 Location: 1/4 mile south of Deception Pass Accommodations: 100 full hook-up sites, stoves, tables, restrooms with showers. South Whidbey Island State Park 4128 S Smugglers Cove Rd, Freeland, WA (360) 331-4559 Location: South end of Whidbey Island Accommodations: 46 tent and 8 utility campsites, restrooms, showers stoves, tables, saltwater fishing & swimming, dumping station, picnicking, hiking, fire pits, & group camping Fidalgo Bay Resort (Private) 4701 Fidalgo Bay Rd, Anacortes, WA (360) 293-5353 Location: Off SR 20 on Fidalgo Island Accommodations: 141 full hook-up sites, deli, clubhouse, laundry, showers, store, small boat launch. Lake Campbell - Lunz’ Resort (Private) 1428 Lunz Rd., Anacortes, WA (360) 293-6316 Location: Off SR 20 on Fidalgo Island Accommodations: Beach sites, restrooms, boat rentals, dock fishing. Lake Erie RV Park (Private) 1344 Heart Lake Rd, Anacortes, WA (360) 293-2772 Location: On Fidalgo Island Accommodations: 42 campsites of which 15 are hook-up, picnic sites, showers, boat launch, store. Partridge Point DNR Park (State) N Ft. Ebey Rd, Coupeville, WA (800) 233-0321 Location: South of Deception Pass Accommodations: 8 campsites, pit toilets, no water. Primitive type of campground setting.
Whidbey Island Golf
PUBLIC COURSES: Gallery Golf Course 3065 N Cowpens Road Oak Harbor, WA 98277 ( 360) 257-2178 This course is military owned, but open to the public. Lam’s Links 597 Ducken Rd Oak Harbor, WA 98277 (360) 675-3412 Lamsgolflinks.com Island Greens Golf Course & Practice Range 3890 E French Rd. Clinton, WA 98236 (360) 579-6042
Holmes Harbor 5023 Harbor Hill Dr. Freeland, WA 98249 (360) 331-2363 PRIVATE COURSES: Whidbey Golf & Country Club 2430 SW Fairway Lane Oak Harbor, WA 98277 (360) 675-5490 Useless Bay Golf & Country Club 5725 S. Country Club Drive Langley, WA 98260 (360) 321-5960
Banks, Savings, Unions & Assoc. & Credit Unions
Alaska USA Federal Credit Union 650 S NE Midway Blvd. Oak Harbor 360-679-5601 Customer Service (800) 525-9094 Banner Bank 570 NE Midway Blvd. Oak Harbor 360-279-1007 Guild Mortgage Oak Harbor 32785 SR 20 #5, Oak Harbor 360-675-6106 800-482-1260 Toll Free Key Bank 90 SE Pioneer Way, Oak Harbor 360- 679-4595 Customer Service (800) 539-2968 Navy Federal Credit Union 32885 SR 20, Oak Harbor (888) 842-6328
People’s Bank Oak Harbor 275 SE Pioneer Way 360-679-7966 Wells Fargo Bank 901 NE Midway Blvd. 361 SE Pioneer Way 360-675-0792 361 SE Pioneer Way, Oak Harbor 360-675-2256 Customer Service (800) 225-5935 Whidbey Island Bank 450 SW Bayshore Dr. (Oak Harbor) 360-675-5968 675 NE Midway Blvd (Oak Harbor) 360-679-3151 401 N Main (Coupeville) 360-679-3151 360-678-3151 US Bank 1241 SW Barlow, Oak Harbor 360-675-9055 (800) 872-2657