A new publication from Whidbey and Camano Islands Tourism is leading visiting and resident adventurers to seldom-explored trails all over the county.

Popular hiking and recreation destinations such as trails and beaches in Deception Pass State Park and Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve have become somewhat over-loved over the years, leading to crowdedness and site degradation, according to Sherrye Wyatt, the public relations and marketing manager for the tourism committee.

The free publication, “Field Guide: 24 Trails Off the Beaten Path,” provides two dozen alternatives to the islands’ most popular spots and leads hikers through a series of Whidbey’s hidden gems, from Ala Spit County Park Trail on the North End to the Dorothy Cleveland Trail in Clinton.

The guide contains details about each trail, such as length, parking information, difficulty assessment, trail amenities and accessibility information. The online guide also includes a two-minute trailer of each location, providing a brief virtual tour and tips about trail amenities.

Listed trails are diverse in terms of difficulty, terrain and attractions. For example, on the North End, Dugualla State Park boasts a network of moderate trails with up- and downhill climbs. In Central Whidbey, the Price Sculpture Forest trails are dotted with nature-themed art works. On the South End, the Waterman Shoreline Preserve Trail is an easy, wheelchair accessible quarter mile with a brief view of the Saratoga Passage.

While the guide will help draw tourists toward less congested spaces, it is also a valuable tool for Whidbey residents wanting to more deeply explore their own home, Wyatt said. While some of the locations listed in the guide, such as the Greenbank Farm trails or Meerkerk Gardens, might seem well-known to those who have long lived on the island, Wyatt said many residents have never visited or even heard of several of the locations listed.

Some of Wyatt’s favorite locations on the list are the Garry Oak Tree Tour through Oak Harbor and the Earth Sanctuary Trails in Langley.

With seven Camano Island trails, the guide can also help Whidbey residents explore the county’s other island.

The field guide came out at the end of June. The tourism committee printed 30,000 copies, half of which have already been distributed, Wyatt said. Folks can find printed guides at visitors centers across Island County or view the guide online at whidbeycamanoislands.com/24trails.