Fort Ebey

Fort Ebey State Park, on the western side of Whidbey Island, was built as a coastal defense fort during World War II. This 651-acre camping park features concrete platforms marking former gun sites and an underground battery that is ripe for exploring (with a flashlight).

The park also boasts 28 miles of walking trails and 25 miles of biking trails. A spectacular hike along the bluff leads to the gun battery, and multiple picnic sites provide panoramic views of the Puget Sound shipping lanes, Port Townsend and the Olympic mountain range. At low tide visitors can walk on the driftwood-strewn beach. Entering the forested trails, hikers and cyclists encounter Douglas-fir, hemlock and native rhododendrons (the Washington state flower). Don't miss the breathtaking, ever-changing sunsets!

Other popular activities include paragliding, smallmouth bass fishing in Lake Pondilla, and eagle watching. There are two large fields at Fort Ebey that accommodate sports activities. The beach at Fort Ebey is open to seaweed harvesting from April 16 through May 15 with a shellfish/seaweed license.

### Things to Remember

* Park hours – 8 a.m. to dusk.
* Winter schedule – Although most parks are open year round, some parks or portions of parks are closed during the winter. For a winter schedule and information about seasonal closures, visit www.parks.state.wa.us.
* Wildlife, plants and all park buildings, signs, tables and other structures are protected; removal or damage of any kind is prohibited. Hunting, feeding of wildlife and gathering firewood on state park property is prohibited.
* One camping party is allowed per site. Maximum of eight people per campsite.
* Campsites may not be held for other parties.
* Camping check-in time is 2:30 p.m., and check-out time is 1 p.m.
* Extra vehicle overnight - $10 per night in designated area for each vehicle in excess of the one allowed per site. Does not apply to vehicle towed by a recreational vehicle.
* Pets must be on leash and under physical control at all times. This includes trail areas and campsites. Pet owners must clean up after pets on all state park lands.
* Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.
* Engine-driven electric generators may be operated only between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m
* The Discover Pass is required for day visits to state parks and access to other state-managed recreation lands. The pass provides access to millions of acres of parks, wildlife areas, trails, natural areas and water-access sites. The annual pass is transferable between two vehicles.
* Annual pass: $30 • One-day pass: $10 (transaction and dealer fees may apply)

### Overnight Accommodations

Fort Ebey State Park offers 39 standard campsites, 11 partial-hookup campsites with electricity and water, one marine trail campsite available only to campers who arrive at the park in human-powered watercraft, one restroom (ADA compliant), and two showers (one ADA compliant). Maximum site length will accommodate most extra-large RVs (limited availability). There is no trailer dump station available at this park. The campground is open March 1 through Nov. 1 with reservations required.

The park also provides a group camp that accommodates up to 60 people. The camp is located on a bluff down Point Partridge Road. The site has a vault toilet and running water. Flush toilets and showers are a five-minute walk down an easy trail. Minimum number of people is 20, maximum is 60. Maximum number of cars is 20.

Reservations may be made online.

### History

Established in 1942, Fort Ebey was one of the last forts built in the Puget Sound harbor defense system. Its single fortification, Battery 248, was designed with the newest technology available, including radar to help aim the guns and camouflage to hide the battery from aerial view. Two six-inch shielded guns were mounted at Fort Ebey in 1943. Though the fort was manned until 1948, it was declared surplus in 1947. The system of coastal fortifications to defend U.S. coastlines became obsolete after World War II. Fort Ebey lies within the traditional territory of multiple southern Coast Salish tribes. The tribes hunted large mammals, harvested Camas bulbs, roots, nuts and berries on the land, and used the waters for fishing and shellfish harvesting. In the 1850s, the area was homesteaded. The fort was acquired by Washington State Parks in 1968 and opened to the public in 1981.