4 Best Sights in Coupeville, The Puget Sound Islands

The reserve encompasses a sand-and-cobble beach, bluffs with dramatic views down the Strait of Juan de Fuca, two state parks (Fort Casey and Fort Ebey), and several privately held pioneer farms homesteaded in the early 1850s. The first and largest reserve of its kind holds nearly 400 nationally registered historic structures (including those located within the town of Coupeville), most of them from the 19th century. Miles of trails lead along the beach and through the woods. 

The 467-acre Fort Casey Historical State Park, on a bluff overlooking sweeping views of Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Port Townsend ferry landing, was one of three forts (the "Triangle of Death") built after 1890 to protect the entrance to Admiralty Inlet from naval invasion. Look for the concrete gun emplacement and a couple of 8-inch "disappearing" guns. The charming Admiralty Head Lighthouse Interpretive Center is north of the gunnery emplacements. There are also grassy picnic sites, rocky fishing spots, waterfront campsites, and a boat launch on Keystone Spit. A Washington State Discover Pass is required ($45/year or $10/day; see  www.discoverpass.wa.gov). Once you're done exploring the park, take the nearby ferry to Port Townsend for a quick side trip or a long lunch.

In late May and early June, Fort Ebey State Park blazes with native rhododendrons. West of Coupeville on Point Partridge, it has 3 miles of shoreline, campsites in the woods, trails to the headlands, a freshwater lake for fishing, World War II gun emplacements, wildflower meadows, spectacular views down the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and miles of hiking and biking trails. The park is a favorite with paragliders and hang gliders; watch them take off while you enjoy a picnic at a bluff-top table.

Collections include Ice Age relics, mammoth remains, and a strong Native American collection, including three rare cedar dugout canoes. The square-timber Alexander Blockhouse outside dates from 1855. Note the squared logs and dovetail joints of the corners—no overlapping log ends. This construction technique was favored by many western Washington pioneers.