From the water it looks like an ordinary beach with an ordinary bluff rising up behind it. There are ordinary gulls flying about and ordinary trees in the distance. There’s a lighthouse shimmering white by the edge of the bluff. But this is no ordinary place. This is Fort Casey, a coast artillery fort, hidden from the water, with huge guns that fire 600 pound ammo, tucked secretly behind a wall. It took dozens of men to ready a gun, raise it up, take aim and fire! The thrust would rock the gun back down completely out of sight. Windows rattled in downtown Coupeville on practice days. But though they were ready, the guns never fired on an enemy. Fort Casey, Fort Worden and Fort Flagler stood guard over the entrance to Puget Sound at the turn of the 20th Century forming a triangle of defense at Admiralty Inlet. When air power exposed the forts from the sky and more modern technology made them obsolete, all three forts became State Parks. If you’re into military history, this is a great place to explore. It can take an hour to walk from one end of the fort to the other studying the displays, investigating the underground rooms, trying out the speaking tubes, or climbing into the observation towers and plotting rooms. Or you can visit the lighthouse, built in 1903, with its own fascinating history. Climb the spiral stairs into the tower, see the displays and read about the lighthouse keepers of old. If you’re interested in natural history, you can walk along the bluff with its population of rare golden paintbrush that blooms in the spring, or stroll the beach for miles. Bring your binoculars to spot shore birds, waterfowl, raptors or marine mammals. Walk through the woods and discover the glacial erratic in the picnic area where you can see Crocket Lake and Mount Baker in the distance. You could even set up your campsite and watch the ferry come and go just beyond the glow of your campfire. Camp Casey, next door, was the residential part of Fort Casey, but when the Fort was sold to the State Parks in the 1950’s, the residential area was sold to Seattle Pacific University. Together they have preserved this historic site. Camp Casey is used for youth camps and conferences. It’s not open to the public without calling ahead for permission (360-678-5050). But Fort Casey, from the lighthouse to the ferry landing, is a State Park full of attractions, especially this time of year. Looking for mystery and spooks? How about underground passageways that echo with eerie sounds and heavy doors that squeeek when they open and clang when they shut. Or a century old lighthouse on a windblown bluff. Haunted Fort Casey will invite families to enjoy Halloween on the last two weekends of October from noon to 4pm for $5. The Lighthouse is open on weekends in October and on Thanksgiving weekend in November. It will be decorated and open on weekends in December (except Dec. 24-25) and on the last week of the year with displays and a unique shopping experience in the gift shop. Sales support the programs at the park and keep the lighthouse open to the public. While exploring the park you’ll be getting your exercise, walking miles, climbing up and down steps, like at the gym only a lot more interesting. This park of 999 acres entertains the mind while you engage the body. If the kids don’t like hiking, “boring”, bring them here. If you need to walk the dog but get tired of the same neighborhood loop, bring them here. If you have out of town guests, bring them here. If you know someone with mobility challenges, you can easily access the fort and its fascinating history. And you can get here by bus! Because this is no ordinary place. This is Fort Casey! Maribeth For details about the Park and upcoming events click here. Fort Casey is accessible by the Route 6 bus on weekdays and the Route 1 bus on Saturdays. For a schedule click here or call 360-678-7771. Directions: From the stoplight in Coupeville turn south on Main Street and continue as becomes Engle Road. In 3.5 miles when the speed limit slows to 20mph, look for the park entrance on the right.
By Bus and Bike: Take fare free Island Transit Route 6 on weekdays or Route 1 on Saturdays. There is a bus shelter at the park entrance. Put a bike on the bus bike rack or ride from Coupeville south on Main Street which becomes Engle Road. There is a wide shoulder and mostly level ride. Please wear bright clothes and use lights on your bike for visibility. Mobility: All Island Transit buses can carry 1-2 wheelchairs and stop at the park entrance. There is a steep hill on a paved road to enter the park. Access to the fort is by the sidewalk on the north end of the parking area. There is no wheelchair access to the inside of the lighthouse.
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Maribeth Crandell has been a hiking guide in the Pacific NW for over 20 years. She's lived on Whidbey and Fidalgo Island for decades. As a frequent bus rider she easily makes connections between trails and transit. Archives by date
April 2024
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