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.
Fort Casey State Park
-
Length
- 2.5 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 200 feet
-
Highest Point
- 200 feet
Hiking Fort Casey State Park
Fort Casey State Park