You almost don't realize that this State Park is there and if you do, you probably think that it's just an extension of Fort Casey just to the north. To be fair, Keystone Spit is managed by the staff at Fort Casey but it is designated as it's own and why it's separated here.
There's good reason why the two are managed together though, while buildings were being constructed at Fort Casey housing was built on nearby Keystone Spit for the workers.
The spit is a narrow piece of land separating Admiralty Strait from the marshy Crockett Lake. Highway 20 runs along the crest, but this is a peaceful area. Even as the ferry comes and goes at the north end of the spit you can find wilderness here. Having the privilege of close vicinity to Coupeville and Ebey's Landing National Historical Preserve, it's easy to get lost in the quiet ebb and flow of the tides, seasons and farming life.
The beach is rocky and often lined with fishermen during the season. You can photograph little vignettes of beach life along the shore - colorful rocks and interesting pieces of driftwood. Or fishermen in the early morning light.
If it's wildlife you seek, carefully cross the 2 lane highway (very few cars travel this stretch but read the warning below) to Crockett Lake. Here is a birder's paradise. A photographer can photograph shore birds, raptors, waterfowl, song birds and all manners of feathered friends. Bring your long lens and sit for an hour or a day, you will not be disappointed.
If you're in the area visiting Fort Casey or nearby Coupeville, stop by to watch the ferries come and go, watch the fishermen, watch the birds or just relax and watch the day go by. Keystone Spit is a quiet respite from the more hectic Fort Casey and well worth a visit.
Safety Note. Please be careful when crossing the road from the beach area to view the birds at Crockett Lake. There are no crosswalks or protective barriers at this time for pedestrians. Crossing the road or walking on the shoulder can be very dangerous.
To get there.
On Whidbey Island from the north: Follow Highway 20 south to Coupeville and turn right on S Main Street. S Main Street turns into S Engle Road. Continue on S Engle Road past the entrance to Fort Casey State Park and the Keystone ferry terminal. Parking for the park is on your right just past the terminal and at the south end of the park.
On Whidbey Island from the South: Follow Highway 525 to the junction with Highway 20 (W Wanamaker Rd). Turn left and follow Highway 20 towards Fort Casey and the Keystone ferry terminal. Parking for the park will be on the left as the road turns north and closer to the ferry terminal.
