Fort Casey State Park - Washington
You’ll feel like a kid again at Fort Casey State Park. Visitors are invited to embrace childlike glee by exploring each nook and cranny of this retired military training facility. Kids and adults alike are seen exploring bunkers, marveling at the views and peering out lighthouse windows. If you loved building forts when you were a kid here’s your chance to explore the real deal.
Built in the late 1800’s, soldiers were stationed at Fort Casey from 1899-1945. Primarily used for training, this fort was extremely active. Soldiers, officers, mechanics and staff worked night and day to keep the fort running smoothly. At one time, Fort Casey was the fourth-largest military post in Washington state, housing 10 officers and 428 enlisted men.
Fort Casey, Fort Flagler and Fort Worden together created the “Triangle of Fire” which were strategically placed to defend the entrance of the Puget Sound in the event of a war. Fort Casey was designed to be hidden from passing ships inside a natural cliffside. Enemy ships would literally never know what hit them, since all trace of the fort is unseen from the water.
Many of the guns used at the fort can still be seen. The fort’s largest guns were a unique 10 inch disappearing carriage design. The guns could be raised and lowered so that passing ships would not spot them. Luckily the fort never saw wartime action and was decommissioned after the end of World War II in the 1950’s.
This fort is a history buf’fs dream. Signs and markers help show visitors the way and volunteers are on hand to answer questions.
We stayed at the Fort Casey State Park campground which sits right on the Puget Sound. The campground was well kept but if we were to visit again we would definitely stay at the Fort Casey Inn. Built in 1909, the lodgings at the Inn are the former Officers’ Quarters.
Fort Casey is also home to Admiralty Lighthouse. The lighthouse is now an interpretive center which outlines what life was like for the lighthouse keepers and their families. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse and enjoy the expansive views. There’s also a very nice gift shop.
The fort has large grassy fields which can be used for kite flying and picnics. The shoreline is also popular with anglers who can cast directly into the open waters of the Puget Sound.
Our Take: If you like vacations full of activities, Fort Casey State Park is the place for you. The park is equally great for a day trip or an overnight stay and can be lumped in with other activities on Whidbey Island. The park isn’t far from Coupeville which is a fun place to grab a bite and explore.
If you plan to stay in the campground note that there is an active US Navy Base on Whidbey Island so planes can often be heard flying over. Also the Coupeville Ferry Terminal ferry leaves from the campground. Our morning alarm ended up being the blast of a ferry boat horn.
Fire Ring: Yes
Ranger Station: A small check in station at the campground + Visitor Center at the park
Trash on site: Yes, dispersed throughout the campground. No recycling.
Water on site: Yes
Links: Fort Casey State Park, Fort Casey State Park Map, Fort Casey Inn
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