Fort Casey State Park: Whidbey Island’s Hidden Gem
Preserving History and Nature at Fort Casey State Park
Fort Casey State Park is a hidden treasure located on Whidbey Island in the state of Washington. It is a beautiful place to immerse yourself in both history and nature, and one of the places we always recommend to visit if you are looking for things to do on Whidbey Island.
History of Fort Casey State Park – What was Fort Casey built for?
Fort Casey is the heart of this state park, a historical military fort that transports you back in time, offering a genuine sense of stepping into history itself.
Fort Casey was part of the “Triangle of Fire,” which also included Fort Worden and Fort Flagler. Built in the 1800’s by the U.S. Army, it originally was used as a training facility for the military.
It was also used for defense of the Puget Sound during World Wars I and II, although it never saw battle. From 1899 to 1945, soldiers were stationed at Fort Casey; however, it was decommissioned by 1945.
Admiralty Head Lighthouse at Fort Casey State Park
The Admiralty Head Lighthouse is located right by Fort Casey and is one of our favorite lighthouses in Washington State.
Built in 1903, the Admiralty Head Lighthouse offers views of where Puget Sound connects with the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The lighthouse had been retired from service by 1922, and can now be toured by visitors.
Things to do at Fort Casey State Park
As local residents of Whidbey Island, we have the opportunity to visit Fort Casey quite often.
Fort Casey State Park has 68 unsheltered picnic tables and 1.8 miles of hiking trails, including part of the Pacific Northwest Trail.
You can enjoy camping, boating, diving, saltwater fishing, bird watching, and browsing the park store.
A visit to the fort and the Admiralty Head Lighthouse is a must on your visit, and you can also check out the lighthouse gift shop.
There is a large grassy area in front of the fort where you can also find many people flying kites frequently when the weather is right.
Fort Casey Beach is a breathtaking destination for beachcombing, where you can discover driftwood scattered along the shore and catch sight of ferryboats and whales as you explore.
Fort Casey State Park Camping
Fort Casey State Park has campgrounds available next to the Coupeville Ferry Terminal (Keystone). You can reserve any of the 22 standard campsites or 13 partial-hookup sites that also have water, electricity, and a restroom with showers.
To reserve a site make sure to call (888) CAMPOUT.
Tips for visiting Fort Casey State Park
You will need a Discover Pass for entrance to the park and can purchase one at the automated pay station. (Check out the list of the free Washington Discover Pass days).
Please be aware that you may hear U.S. Navy jets flying over the state park at any time as Whidbey Island is home to a naval air station.
Things to do near Fort Casey State Park
You can find many things to do near Fort Casey State Park. We have listed a few below.
Fort Casey State Park is located near the charming town of Coupeville, which is the filming location of Practical Magic.
Visit one of the local restaurants in Oak Harbor, or grab an adult beverage at any of the many wineries on Whidbey Island or Whidbey Island breweries.
Whidbey Island is filled with local farm stands, so we definitely recommend visiting your favorite ones or just attending a Whidbey Island Farmers Market.
We have a list of the best campgrounds on Whidbey Island, and the annual festivals and events on Whidbey Island.
Make sure to explore our complete list of the best things to do on Whidbey Island.
Fort Casey State Park offers a fascinating glimpse into history and a chance to enjoy nature’s beauty.
We hope you enjoy this beautiful Washington state park as much as we do!
