Island Notes Island Notes
Category: Happenings
Old photo of a steam ship and a large wooden dock.

Maritime History

The region’s maritime history stretches from when the waterways were the highways to today’s ships that move people, cars, and commerce.

Lighthouse from the outside. It is Spanish Mission style with a red tile roof. The light tower is not much taller than the house.

Admiralty Head Lighthouse

Built in 1903, the Admiralty Head Lighthouse is the second of two lighthouses built in the area and was operated for only about 20 years.

Grazing deer with Fort Casey and a Washington State Ferry in the background.

Triangle of Fire

Fort Casey is one-third of the “Triangle of Fire,” which guarded Puget Sound from invasion. It’s now a state park, conference center, and inn.

Very large barn with the words roller skating on it.

Roller Barn

Built in 1912 and once the largest barn on the West Coast, this building has since 1950 been primarily a roller skating rink, hence its name.

Heron standing on a sign and letting out a screetch.

Birding

Even the most casual nature-lover will have fun spotting the wide variety of birds on Whidbey and Camano Islands. We offer up some prime birding locations.

Exterior of a small wooden building. A sign on the front says Utsaldy Ladies Aid

Utsalady Ladies Aid

Camano’s pioneer women formed this civic group in 1908 to improve the quality of life here. The building was built in 1924.

The Haller House is mostly hidden by trees, and the morning sun can only reach a solitary upper-story window.

Haller House

One of the first homes settlers built on Whidbey Island, the house was largely unchanged for 100 years and is being renovated today.