Admiralty Light House History
Photo by: @pnwdeparture
If you’re sailing into Admiralty Inlet from the open ocean Point Wilson sits to the West of you and Admiralty Head to the East. This entrance to the vast inland waters of Puget Sound is marked by lighthouses on either side to alert ship traffic at night. Let’s review some of Admiralty Light House History. The original Admiralty Head lighthouse was built in 1861 and had similarities to a church. It was later rebuilt in 1903 and decommissioned in 1922. Today it remains an iconic historical part of Fort Casey State Park. When open, the interpretive center features a real Fresnel Lens along with a fantastic collection of historic photos and even a gift shop. A Spiral Staircase leads to the lookout where you can enjoy expansive views of Puget Sound, the Olympic mountains, and watch the ferry as it crosses to Port Townsend.
Check out the rest of Whidbey’s beautiful destinations from this series here.
Whale Park in Langley
Have you heard the whale bell ring while in Langley in the spring? While that is a nice rhyme it is also a legitimate question. Every spring gray whales feed off ghost shrimp in the muddy shallows just off the shore. If you are lucky, they will come right up to the seawall! The bell and “Hope the Whale” are the stars of this iconic park. What some people miss is that the blowholes in “Hope” are there to collect money to fund ADA modifications to improve access to Seawall Park below. This will help everyone see the whales when they arrive. Bring your coins and listen to the clang!
Check out the rest of Whidbey’s beautiful destinations from this series here.
Deception Pass
Washington’s most visited park can be attributed to its prominent historical landmark, the Deception Pass Bridge. Thoughts of the landscape without this icon are unimaginable yet only 100 years ago the barren Pass was simply a deep and turbulent channel of water connecting the Strait of Juan de Fuca with the Saratoga Passage. After years of only an unscheduled ferry to get you off the island (for which passengers were required to bang an old saw with a mallet to summon) construction of the bridge finally began in 1934. At noon on July 31st, 1935 dedication of Deception Pass bridge took place and marked the beginning of a new era for Whidbey Island. Construction of the bridge played a large role in the decision to build NAS Whidbey and in turn helped Oak Harbor to flourish into the thriving city it is today. Tourists and locals alike continue to flock to the bridge in hopes of capturing its impressive beauty.
Follow the photographer on Instagram @chrisjdubs
Check out the rest of Whidbey’s beautiful destinations from this series here.
