Fort Casey State Park
Explore massive historic gun batteries, a picturesque lighthouse, and scenic coastal trails at Fort Casey State Park on Whidbey Island.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration
Fort Casey State Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore massive historic gun batteries, a picturesque lighthouse, and scenic coastal trails at Fort Casey State Park on Whidbey Island.
"A must-visit for history buffs and nature lovers, offering stunning views and a tangible connection to the past."
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring uneven terrain. :athletic_shoe:
Pack a Picnic
Plenty of scenic spots to enjoy lunch with a view. :sandwich:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Gun Batteries
Throughout the park
Explore massive concrete fortifications and artillery pits from a bygone era. Imagine the history within these walls!
Admiralty Head Lighthouse
North end of the park
A picturesque lighthouse offering stunning Puget Sound views and a glimpse into maritime history.
Hidden Fallout Shelters
Wooded path near entrance
Discover these intriguing, lesser-known bunkers tucked away in a quiet wooded area. A unique find!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan for Exploration Time
Discovery Pass Required
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring uneven terrain. :athletic_shoe:
Pack a Picnic
Plenty of scenic spots to enjoy lunch with a view. :sandwich:
Look for Wildlife
Keep an eye out for sea lions and birds along the coast. :seal: :bird:
Explore the Bunkers
Don't miss the chance to go inside the historic gun batteries and bunkers. :flashlight:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring uneven terrain. :athletic_shoe:
Pack a Picnic
Plenty of scenic spots to enjoy lunch with a view. :sandwich:
Look for Wildlife
Keep an eye out for sea lions and birds along the coast. :seal: :bird:
Explore the Bunkers
Don't miss the chance to go inside the historic gun batteries and bunkers. :flashlight:
Check Lighthouse Hours
The lighthouse museum has specific operating hours. :clock:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Fort Casey State Park for its impressive historical fortifications, scenic coastal views, and the charming Admiralty Head Lighthouse. Many enjoy exploring the batteries and bunkers, finding the park well-maintained and educational. Some mention the possibility of paranormal activity, adding an intriguing element. The park is a great spot for picnics and family outings.
"My family and I came here for a visit and we had so much fun seeing everything! My husband and I are very big into learning about history most specifically military history. We loved exploring inside the batteries and while we were over by the artillery pits we were all alone and while we were inside we heard a whistle from somewhere. Later when reading some of the information placards we read that there were communication pipes that let out there and a whistle would be heard… perhaps a paranormal experience? Maybe!"
Emily Chapman
"Very nice state park, blends with history and scenic. Has good amount picnic tables, restrooms available. You can view the fort, easy to climb, has beach access as well. You climb up to the Light House as well, lot of people doing fishing, lot of areas for kids and pets to play. Discovery pass is needed to park your vehicles."
Porkaipandian Gopalakrishnan
"We have been to many of the forts and batteries located around Washington. This was one of my favorites. It is well maintained and not destroyed by graffiti like some other ones we have visited.
There is a lot to explore. There are signs located inside areas of the fort that explain what the building and equipment inside was used for. I really enjoyed that. There are also some canons, which was really fun.
The whole fort is along the cliffs of the beach, with stairs leading down to the beach itself. There is also a lighthouse.
Towards the entrance of the fort are some fallout shelters that are hidden from site. A small wooded path takes you there. It was quiet compared ylto the main areas of the fort. I highly recommend exploring these gems, if you can.
There is so much to learn and see here. If you go, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to make your way around. We spent the whole day there, and I still want to go back to explore places we rushed through or missed. This fort is definitely a place you don't want to miss."
Jessie Fox
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Seattle, you can take a ferry to Whidbey Island (e.g., Mukilteo to Clinton). From Clinton, drive north on Highway 525, which becomes Highway 20. Follow signs for Fort Casey State Park. The drive is scenic and offers beautiful views. +1
Public transportation options to Whidbey Island are limited, and getting to Fort Casey specifically without a car can be challenging. It's best to have your own vehicle or arrange for a ride.
The most common route involves taking a Washington State Ferry to Whidbey Island and then driving north. The island itself offers beautiful coastal drives.
Yes, there is ample parking available throughout the park, including near the lighthouse and gun batteries. A Discover Pass is required for parking.
Fort Casey offers a campground with stunning views of the Puget Sound. It's a popular spot, so reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season. 
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You do not need a ticket to enter the park grounds, but a Washington State Discover Pass is required for parking your vehicle. This pass can be purchased daily or annually.
Fort Casey State Park is generally open year-round from dawn to dusk. However, specific facilities like the lighthouse museum may have limited hours. It's best to check the official Washington State Parks website for the most up-to-date information.
The Admiralty Head Lighthouse itself is free to explore from the outside, and the museum inside is also typically free to enter.
Yes, advance reservations for the campground are strongly advised, especially for summer weekends and holidays. You can usually book through the Washington State Parks reservation system.
While there isn't a specific discount mentioned for veterans, the park offers immense historical value and a moving experience for those with military backgrounds.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore historic gun batteries and bunkers, visit the Admiralty Head Lighthouse, hike trails, have a picnic, enjoy beach access, and even go camping. It's a great spot for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
Absolutely! The historic structures, lighthouse, and coastal scenery make it a photographer's paradise. The 'Triangle of Fire' forts offer dramatic backdrops.
Fort Casey is rumored to be haunted, with some visitors reporting unexplained sounds like whistles from communication pipes. It adds an intriguing element for those interested in the paranormal. +1
Yes, dogs are generally allowed in Fort Casey State Park, but they must be kept on a leash. They are welcome in most outdoor areas, including trails and beaches.
Visitors have reported seeing sea lions and various bird species. The coastal environment attracts diverse wildlife.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants directly within Fort Casey State Park. However, the nearby town of Coupeville offers several dining options, from casual cafes to seafood restaurants.
The park has numerous picnic tables scattered throughout, many with scenic views of the Puget Sound. The areas near the gun batteries and lighthouse are particularly popular.
Campfires are typically allowed in designated fire rings at the campground. Check with park staff or the official website for current regulations regarding fires.
Typically, there are no regular food vendors within the park itself. It's advisable to bring your own food and drinks or plan to dine in Coupeville.
Given its coastal location, fresh seafood is a popular choice in Coupeville. You can also find charming cafes and farm-to-table options on Whidbey Island.
📸 📸 Photography
The Admiralty Head Lighthouse, the imposing gun batteries, the coastal cliffs, and the expansive Puget Sound views are all prime photography locations. Sunsets here are also spectacular.
While drone usage policies can vary, it's essential to check the latest regulations for Washington State Parks before flying a drone. Always fly responsibly and respect park rules.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography. Weekday mornings can also provide clear shots without many people.
The massive concrete gun emplacements, the old artillery pieces, and the communication pipes within the batteries offer unique and historically rich photographic opportunities.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the fortifications and landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for spotting wildlife. Don't forget a tripod for low-light or sunset shots. :camerawithflash:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't miss the Admiralty Head Lighthouse, which is often free to explore inside and offers fantastic views. Packing a picnic is a great idea, as there are many scenic spots. The park's historical significance also provides an educational element that can be engaging for children.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the fortifications and the expansive views. The park's unique blend of military history and natural beauty ensures a diverse range of photographic subjects.
🏛️ History Buffs
Take your time to read the interpretive signs and imagine life at the fort during its active years. The hidden fallout shelters add another layer of historical exploration. Fort Casey is a key part of the 'Triangle of Fire' and a significant piece of Washington's military past.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Military History
+2Visitors can explore these well-preserved fortifications, many of which are accessible to the public. Informative placards detail the history and purpose of each structure, offering a tangible connection to the past. The Admiralty Head Lighthouse, built in 1900, stands as another historical beacon, guiding ships through the treacherous waters. Its museum provides further insight into the maritime history of the region.
Beyond the main batteries, the park also contains hidden fallout shelters from the Cold War era, adding another layer to its military narrative. These lesser-known structures offer a unique exploration opportunity for those seeking a deeper dive into the park's history. The sheer scale and preservation of these military remnants make Fort Casey a compelling destination for history enthusiasts.
Capturing the Coastal Charm
+1The imposing concrete gun batteries provide dramatic and unique photographic opportunities. Their scale and historical significance create a powerful visual narrative, especially when framed against the coastal landscape. Exploring the interior of these batteries can also lead to interesting shots, capturing the textures and shadows of these historic structures.
Beyond the main attractions, the park's expansive beaches and coastal trails offer opportunities for capturing the raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Keep an eye out for wildlife, such as sea lions, which can add dynamic elements to your photos. The combination of history, architecture, and natural scenery makes Fort Casey a highly photogenic location.
Whispers of the Past: Fort Casey's Spooky Side
Visitors have reported hearing unexplained sounds, such as whistles emanating from the old communication pipes within the gun batteries. Some believe these are echoes of past soldiers or perhaps something more spectral. The eerie atmosphere within the abandoned bunkers and the vast, often misty, landscape contribute to the spooky allure.
While the paranormal activity is anecdotal, the historical weight of the fort and the stories shared by visitors create a compelling narrative. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, exploring the fort's darker legends adds an intriguing dimension to your visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit