KEYSTONE SPIT A BIRDER'S PARADISE

Keystone Spit remains largely undeveloped. The spit and Crockett Lake provide habitat for migrating birds and many other species of plants and animals. Two entry roads midway along the spit offer convenient access to the wild beach. In the late 1880s, Keystone Spit was the site of New Chicago. The settlement was promoted by developers who planned to bridge Deception Pass (at the north end of Whidbey Island) and build a railroad from the Skagit Valley to the townsite. The railroad was never built, and by the turn of the century only ruins remained of the "town". All that is left is a double row of bridge pilings crossing Crockett Lake north of the spit. Long-ago visitors to Whidbey Island who landed at New Chicago walked across the bridge to picnic at the Crockett Farm, while traffic in both directions used it as a short cut to and from Keystone Spit and the harbor. The spit is part of Fort Casey State Park. The fort's Quartermaster Dock remains just off shore. The Army used the dock while the fort was active. Marine life is abundant here, and an underwater reserve offers divers a place to explore the waters of Admiralty Inlet. WHILE YOU ARE HERE . . . Hike the mile-long beach. Enjoy views of Marrowstone Island and the Olympic Peninsula. Go bird-watching. Most birds will be seen around Crockett Lake. Facilities at the west end of spit include restrooms, coin-operated showers, open-air shower, picnic area, boat launch. Accessible restrooms are located at the ferry terminal. Continue west to Fort Casey State Park, entry is on the left.