Shoreline Access Guide

Shoreline Access Guide

Getting to the Water's Edge, published by Sound Water Stewards, is the premier guide to Island County beach access and stewardship. The newly updated and expanded 3rd edition lists 69 beaches on Camano and Whidbey Islands including directions to, facilities at, and special features of each beach, including information on picnic facilities, boat and kayak launches, trails, and features and activities.

A comprehensive table and map tells exactly what can be found at all of the 69 beaches and where each beach and trail system is located on each island. The table enables readers to find the beaches which best address their own wants and plans, and also includes activities such as whale and bird watching, hiking, fishing, and swimming.

Chapters address safety, property rights, stewardship best practices and the effects of rising temperatures on the Salish Sea. Box essays scattered through the book provide information on human history, stewardship, and natural history including animals, plants, geology, and streams and estuaries.

A new section features 53 upland trails or trail systems, including 15 trails accessible to persons with mobility challenges. Also new are sections on children’s beach activities, dog parks, and accessibility.

This edition is the result of two years of dedicated work from over 67 Sound Water Steward volunteers and community resource persons on both Whidbey and Camano who gave far over 1500 hours of their own time to bringing it into being, including meticulous fact-checking, writing and editing. The printing costs were paid entirely through the gifts of sponsors in the community including businesses, non-profits, and SWS members who stepped forward to meet the goal needed to print 6000 books.

The MRC was involved in the development of the 2nd edition in 2006, and is now pleased to spread the word about this newly updated 3rd edition. Getting to the Water’s Edge, Third Edition is for sale at bookstores and other outlets on Whidbey and Camano Islands and directly from Sound Water Stewards on their website: soundwaterstewards.org.

Shoreline Access Guide