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Fort Casey State Park

Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area
48.1725, -122.6830 Map & Directions
Length
2.5 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
200 feet
Highest Point
200 feet
Calculated Difficulty About Calculated Difficulty
Easy
Admiralty Head Lighthouse. Full-size image
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Good for kids
  • Established campsites
  • Coast

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This is more of a stroll than a hike . It is of historical interest with interpretive signs along the way. Beach walking is also present. Fort Casey was one of three forts chosen in 1896 to form a triangle for protection of Puget Sound. Fort Worden and Fort Flagler were the other two. All have become State Parks. Their use for coastal protection proved to be impractical so their use became a place for instruction and training of troops during both of the world wars. Continue reading

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Hiking Fort Casey State Park

More of a stroll than a hike, Fort Casey's trails offer interpretive signs to educate visitors about the park's history. Fort Casey was one of three forts chosen in 1896 to form a triangle for protection of Puget Sound. Fort Worden and Fort Flagler were the other two. Their use for coastal protection proved to be impractical, so the military utilized all three as training centers during both of the World Wars before the state converted them into state parks.

Fort Casey offers visitors an enjoyable route along bluff and beach, with panoramic views of Puget Sound, the Cascades and Olympic peaks, plus guided tours of a historic lighthouse (check website for tour hours).

Start your own tour near the Admiralty Head Lighthouse. From here, head downhill to the beach. Turn south and stroll along the beach for about a mile, watching out for orcas in the Sound and bald eagles overhead. On clear days you can get views of Mount Olympus, Mount Rainier and Mount Baker. Near the south end of the beach, take the trail uphill to the historic fort and check out the old gun batteries and interpretive signs. Continue on to reconnect to the Bluff Trail to return to the lighthouse.

The Interpretive Center at Admiralty Head Lighthouse is closed during the winter, but remains a scenic feature throughout the year.

Toilet Information

  • Toilet at trailhead

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Wheelchair Accessibility

Trails at Fort Casey are wide and graveled but the steep incline makes it difficult to access the upper level of the Fort in a wheelchair.

WTA worked here in 2021 and 2019!

Hike Description Written by
Mike Morrison, WTA Correspondent

Fort Casey State Park

Map & Directions

Trailhead
Co-ordinates: 48.1725, -122.6830 Open in Google Maps

Before You Go

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Parking Pass/Entry Fee

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WTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.

Getting There

From Hwy 20 on Whidbey Island go south on Engle Road at Coupeville. You reach the park in about three and a quarter miles. Another approach is to go six miles south of Coupeville and when the road changes from Hwy 20 to SR-525 follow Hwy 20 west for three and a half miles.

More Hike Details

Trailhead

Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area

Washington State Parks

Guidebooks & Maps

Washington State Parks by Marge and Ted Mueller

Fort Casey State Park PDF Map: https://bit.ly/2AowMnt

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Fort Casey State Park

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