FORT CASEY STATE PARK DEFENDING PUGET SOUND

Fort Casey was built at the turn of the century as part of a "triangle of fire" designed to guard the entrance to Puget Sound. (Fort Worden on the Olympic Peninsula and Fort Flagler on Marrowstone Island were the other two points of the triangle.) The Coast Artillery Corps troops were never engaged, and most of the site became a state park in 1954. WHILE YOU ARE HERE . . . Visit the Admiralty Head Lighthouse. It was built to help guide ships into Puget Sound. The lantern has been removed, but you can still climb to the top of the tower. The lower level houses an interpretive center, open seasonally with limited hours. Explore the gun batteries. Brochures are available in the lighthouse. The batteries are dark inside; bring a flashlight. Hike on the beach or upland trails, fly a kite, or have a picnic. Facilities include accessible restrooms, picnic sites, trails, campground. Exiting Fort Casey, turn left onto Engle Road; drive to Fort Casey Road and turn right. As you leave the park, look for the parade ground, military residences and various auxiliary structures, which were also part of the fort. Casey Conference Center now uses them for teaching and recreation. Shortly after turning onto Fort Casey Road, three old warehouses on your left further illustrate the influence of the military on the landscape. The standardized design and utilitarian construction are characteristic of military architecture.