above: Cama Beach State Park
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Note: As of February 29, 2024, the cabins at Cama Beach State Park are closed until further notice.
In recent years, the Pacific Northwest has been nationally recognized for its cultural and historical significance. The launch of the brand-new Maritime WA National Heritage area recognizes the national maritime value of over 3,000 miles of shoreline that envelops both Whidbey and Camano Islands. With such strong maritime heritage, it’s no surprise that many of the local parks preserve pieces of that history.
Cama Beach State Park revives a slice of family fun from the 1930s with rows of cabins on the beach still available for an overnight stay, holdovers from the fishing resort of yesteryear. Possession Point State Park overlooks the point where Puget Sound splits, having made it a major intersection during the days of waterways as highways. Though it has long been popular and populated, this area wasn’t accessible by road until 1940! Visitors instead came by boat or on foot along the beach.
The maritime history of the islands also includes national defense, as evidenced by the bunkers and antique battle guns at Fort Casey State Park, once known as a point in the Triangle of Fire. History catches up with the present as you gaze across Admiralty Inlet from an early 20th century lighthouse but modern-day Navy jets may fly overhead as you do.
The islands’ residents have a staunch history of environmental activism, and many of today’s favorite parks or walking trails were saved by their efforts. Thanks to dedicated citizens and passionate non-profit groups, Saratoga Woods was never logged, providing beautiful forest paths for strolling and protecting more than 100 acres of wildlife habitat. The effort even led to the formation of an orchestra, originally as a fundraising effort but still playing together over 15 years later!
South Whidbey and Dugualla State Parks also sprang up to protect resident trees from logging. Dugualla State Park features a network of trails through the forest and along the beach, with elevation gain for those looking to raise their heart rate. At South Whidbey State Park, you can enjoy views of the Olympic Mountains as you wander through old-growth forests. This site is home to an ancient cedar tree more than 500 years old.