Anyone who grew up in Western Washington during the 60's and 70's likely has fond memories of visiting Fort Casey in the sixth grade. We would packed our suitcases and headed to the enlisted barracks, now called Camp Casey, for an overnight field trip as part of our Washington History course of study.
Fort Casey, along with its siblings, Forts Flagler & Warden, has great historical significance in the Pacific Northwest. They were shortly built after the Spanish-American War to protect Admiralty Inlet, and subsequently Puget Sound, from attack or invasion by sea. They were armed with 10-inch guns on disappearing carriages, which would raise from their protective emplacements long enough to fire, then recoil back down out of sight. However, by the time construction was complete, the forts were obsolete due to the introduction of aircraft to the military arsenal. Fort Casey was utilized as a training facility in WWI and WWII, decommissioned in the 1950's, and sold to Seattle Pacific University. The forts are a wonder to visit. I have returned dozens of times in the years since sixth grade to explore and marvel. No matter how many times I visit, or how old I get, Fort Casey still brings out the little girl in me.
Most people just visit the fort batteries where the guns reside. Many also walk up the hill to visit (and maybe tour) the Admiralty Head Lighthouse. Few, however, venture to follow the trail down to the old storage bunkers, which are built into the hillside. Even fewer wander down the hill to the beach, from where you can view the platforms that once housed big searchlights. Although more of a stroll than a hike, if you plan your adventure right, you can link everything together in a big loop that includes woods, nature (deer) and pretty sights.
This particular Halloween weekend my sister was part of a group who were haunting the fort. I was in the mood for a good scare and couldn't think of a better reason to re-visit one of my favorite haunts. My co-worker, Corinne, and her friend Tim had never been to the fort, so they joined me for this Halloween adventure. I bundled up for the weather and started my adventure aboard a ferry bound for Whidbey Island.
I met up with my sister, Corinne & Tim in Coupeville where we had lunch. We wandered the small shops along the waterfront, taking in the historical buildings and marvelous smells wafting from the doorways of the small eateries. These aromas mixed with the sea air for an olfactory treat that can only be described as heavenly. From there it was a short drive to the Fort Casey State Park. We left from the lower parking lot and walked up the grassy knoll to the lighthouse.
The Admiralty Head Lighthouse was originally built in 1856, moved in 1897 and replaced. The current lighthouse has stood in its this location since 1901. With ships' power moving from air to steam, the marine traffic lane shifted more to the western slopes of the inlet. Thus, just 19 years into her service, the Admiralty Head Lighthouse was extinguished. At the time of its construction, it was considered one-of-a-kind as it was of stucco construction and 'fully modernized' housing both an indoor bathroom and laundry room. It's sturdy construction has helped it survive the forces of nature for over a century. It is lovingly preserved, maintained and cared for by a volunteer force of 'friends'. These volunteers keep it open for visitors to tour, and are always happy to answer questions about the lighthouse and its neighbor, Fort Casey. Unfortunately, due to the Halloween event being held at the fort, they had closed the doors of the lighthouse early. I was disappointed that Corinne and Tim weren't able to climb the tower and gaze out the windows of the Fresnel housing across the inlet and into the Straight of Juan de Fuca. The next leg of our adventure was the fort and its guns. We headed back down the hill to the cement walls of the fort, climbing the stairs up to the emplacements. We ran our hands along the walls, the ammo carriers and the guns themselves. The fort may be a sight to see, but you can actually feel the history under your fingers if you take the time. The craftsmanship that went into pouring the walls and mounting the heavy iron & steel hardware can best be appreciated by both looking and feeling. We wandered the length of the structure, exploring rooms and lookout towers as we went, then followed the route taken by the soldiers to the storage bunkers. We entered two of the bunkers, walking from end-to-end in total darkness. Our footsteps echoed against the cement walls, fueling the eeriness. I was thrilled that a compartment was open that hasn't been in my past visits ... we were standing in one of the enlisted waterclosets (toilet). On the floor were the remaining signs of the two commodes that once stood there, as well as a urinal on the wall. There was no sink for handwashing. Privacy was afforded by wood partitions, the hand-crafted outer framework of which remained, worn smooth and stained a dark brown by time, water, and visitors' hands. Tim walked into one of the guardhouses, which looked upon both the bunkers and out over 'Crocket's Lake'. If I'm correct, this shallow body of water is where the ferry from Port Townsend now docks.
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| Taking aim along one of the 10-inch guns |
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| View from one of the Lookouts |
We continued on our journey, winding back around and up the hill, returning to the Lighthouse. The sun was beginning to set. I took the opportunity to shoot a photo, then we headed back down to the fort to partake in the 'Haunted Fort' event.
After playing some kid's games, eating some awesome cotton candy and having the bejeebees scared out of ourselves in the fort, it was time to call it a day. The volunteers did a fabulous job haunting the facility and I look forward to returning. As we crossed the field some very ominous and creepy music was being broadcast. We looked up to see a line of cars proceeding slowly down the hill ...
Well played, Fort Casey. You transported me back to sixth grade and left an everlasting impression on me yet again.
Hike 50 of 52.
Distance: 3.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 150'
Highest Elevation achieved: 200'
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