Exploring Fort Casey on Whidbey Island
Tucked away on the scenic shores of Whidbey Island, Washington, Fort Casey State Park offers visitors a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and outdoor adventure! The fort’s gorgeous 999 acres sits within the Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve.
There are three ways to get to the state park.
The first is to drive up I-5 and head towards Anacortes, cross the Deception Pass Bridge and head south to the park.
The next two ways are to take the ferry from Mukilteo to Clinton or the ferry from Port Townsend to the state park. (The ferry terminal is called Coupeville, but the dock sits right next to the park.)
So pretty much, whatever way you choose to get there and then to return home, it WILL be an ADVENTURE!
History of Fort Casey
To provide strategic defense of Puget Sound, three forts were built around Admiralty Inlet: Fort Casey on Whidbey Island, Fort Flagler on Marrowstone Island and Fort Worden in Port Townsend.
Also known as the “Triangle of Fire”, the forts were built in the late 1800s as part of the Harbor Defenses of Puget Sound, a military installation designed to protect Seattle and the surrounding areas from potential naval threats.
Fort Casey was armed with 35 artillery pieces.
The fort played a critical role during World War I and World War II, though by the mid-20th century advances in military technology along with airplanes, rendered its massive coastal guns obsolete.
The park’s interpretive signs provide a detailed history of the fort, explaining its role in the defense of Puget Sound and its eventual decommissioning in the 1950s.
What to See at Fort Casey
Admiralty Head Lighthouse
The current lighthouse was built in 1903 and it is available for tours when staffed! Climb the lighthouse tower and learn the history of lighthouses from their docents. Lighthouse entry is monitored by staff and volunteers due to the space available. The views are stunning!!! Be sure to peek at the gift shop too! Check here for the lighthouse hours.
Batteries Kimball, Worth, and more
You can walk along the top of the gun platforms and explore the underground bunkers. (Don’t forget a flashlight or headlamp!) For those war history enthusiasts, Battery Worth has two 10″ guns with disappearing carriages on display and Battery Trevor has two 3″ rapid fire pedestal guns on display. (There are many different bunkers throughout the park to explore so check the maps!)
The panoramic view of Admiralty Inlet, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Port Townsend and the nearby San Juan Islands is just amazing. You can even see the Washington State ferry that runs from right next to Fort Casey State Park to Port Townsend. On extra special days, you might get to see our orcas that frequent Puget Sound!
Nature and Outdoor Activities
While Fort Casey is renowned for its history, it’s also a wonderful destination for those looking to connect with nature.
Hiking and Trails
Fort Casey is home to several scenic trails, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a more vigorous hike.
The Fort Casey Interpretive Trail is an easy, well-maintained path that loops around the historic fort, offering informative signs along the way.
From these trails, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains, Puget Sound, and the surrounding islands. You can also hike along the shores of the Admiralty Head Marine Preserve on the Pacific Northwest Trail!
Beach Access, Tide Pools, Boating and Diving
The park also offers access to a beautiful stretch of beach, perfect for a stroll, birdwatching, or beachcombing. The shorelines here are rocky, with tidal pools that are home to an array of marine life, including crabs, sea stars, and colorful sea anemones. Wading and swimming is welcome if you can handle the temperature of Puget Sound! Depending on the season, you might also spot seals or sea otters playing in the water. There are boat launches for fishing, exploring or kayaking! For those willing to brave the cold, diving is available at the Keystone Underwater Dive Park located off Fort Casey’s shore.
Birdwatching and Wildlife Viewing
Fort Casey’s coastal location makes it an ideal spot for birdwatching, especially during migratory seasons. Watch for bald eagles soaring overhead, or check the tide pools for waterfowl like scoters, loons, and grebes. The park’s diverse habitats, from wooded areas to coastal bluffs, also provide a home to various species of birds and small mammals making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Deer are everywhere so please drive carefully!
The park offers 48 unsheltered picnic tables! So plan ahead, pack a lunch, grab your sunscreen, get your kites and load up your pup (on leash) to enjoy a fabulous day! Picnic sites are first-come, first-served.
Camping at Fort Casey
Fort Casey is a wonderful day trip, but if you want the magic to last longer, there are campsites available!
Options include primitive and water trail sites, standard sites, partial utility sites and full utility sites.
The campground has bathrooms with flush toilets, showers and drinking water, Each campsite has a table, fire ring and grate. Many of the sites have stunning views of the Sound! Be sure to reserve early!
One note according to the state park camping website: “U.S. Navy jets from nearby Naval Air Station Whidbey Island may fly over the campground at any time for several hours. Navy personnel conduct training missions at various times during the day and night. Depending on the direction of the wind, their flight pattern may put them above the park, creating noisy conditions for campers.” Just so you know!
If you prefer to stay in a house, the YMCA Camp Casey has the restored Fort Casey Officers Quarters and other various staff cottages that you can reserve!
As this is a state park, you will need a Discover Pass or pay a $10 day fee onsite.
Fort Casey is an amazing day trip or multi-day trip. There is so much to explore, see and do! And oh my, the sunsets are spectacular! Enjoy your trip!
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Lisa’s motto is to “Live life with Strength, Love, and Adventure!” It is even tattooed on her arm as a daily reminder! Born and raised in Washington, and now living on Puget Sound on her boat, MV Our Dance, she seeks out any adventure outdoors: kayaking down a waterway, hiking and backpacking along endless trails, listening to the waves crash while sleeping on the beach, biking a gorgeous trail, or just casting off lines and see where the Salish Sea takes her, but she is doing it all, camera in one hand and her husband’s hand in the other!
As a local and world travel, landscape and portrait photographer, Lisa has a burning passion for photography and living a purposeful life. She loves sharing what she sees, feels, and experiences to bring the World to people who cannot see it themselves and then to inspire others to seek out their own beautiful places and adventures. After her son’s suicide, she is determined and driven to share and remind everyone that there IS still beauty and good in this world!
