Fort Flagler Historical State Park

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Step into U.S. military history at Fort Flagler Historical State Park on the northern tip of Marrowstone Island. Tour and explore a significant coastal defense fort established more than a century ago to guard the entrance to Puget Sound.

Built in the late 1890s and manned during World War I, World War II and the Korean War, Fort Flagler now features a military museum and gift shop. The park offers guided tours of the gun emplacements and other facilities during the summer. Or find the batteries on your own and wander through them at leisure.

Fort Flagler activities include hiking, boating, kite-flying, beach exploration, saltwater fishing, clam digging and crabbing. Experienced paragliders can bring their wings and ride thermals up to stupendous aerial views.

Historic officers' vacation houses can be booked for group gatherings and romantic getaways. Beachfront tent and RV sites boast some of the best views in the region. So gaze out on the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the north, the Olympic Peninsula to the west and Whidbey Island to the east, and breathe deep of the ocean air.

The group of forts built to guard the entrace to Puget Sound (Fort Flagler, Fort Worden and Fort Casey) is a must-see for military, armament and maritime enthusiasts. Fort Flagler's off-the-beaten track location and its wide, manicured former parade lawns make it a winning destination.

Park features

Fort Flagler Historical State Park is a 1,451-acre, marine camping park surrounded on three sides by 19,100 feet of saltwater shoreline.

Automated pay station: This park is equipped with an automated pay station for visitors to purchase a one-day or annual Discover Pass and boat launch permit.

  1. Activities
  2. Boating
  3. Camping
  4. History
  5. Maps

ADA amenities/facilities

  • Campground
  • Restroom
  • Hiking trail
  • Museum (No public restrooms available)

Use our interactive ADA recreation map to search for other state parks with ADA amenities and facilities.

Picnic & day-use facilities

The park provides one reservable kitchen shelter with a power outlet and water on the west side of the island across the road from the Kilisut Harbor launch and concession area. The shelter has five picnic tables and a large fire ring. Restroom facilities and water are nearby. Maximum 100 people.

The park provides numerous unsheltered picnic tables, all scattered throughout the park with the largest number located on the beach, available first come, first served.

Concessions

  • Beachcomber Cafe at Fort Flagler is here for all your needs while visiting the park. Beachcomber Cafe serves up hot sandwiches and burgers as well as a variety of beverages including espresso. In addition, they also have a variety of snacks and grocery items, beach toys, clothing, camping supplies, bagged ice and fire wood. The Beachcomber cafe is open weekends in April, May, and September and daily now through Labor Day. Hours are 11-6. You can also visit them on Facebook.
  • Olympic Kayak Tours offers full day, half day, sunset and evening bioluminescence tours at Fort Flagler State Park.  Your experienced guide will take you to see world renowned bird watching, ample marine life, beautiful shorelines and majestic evening sunsets. Tours are offered April through October. NEW THIS YEAR - OKT now offers rentals! Sit-on-top kayaks and SUP boards are available for hourly and daily rentals. For more information and reservations, contact OKT online, or visit them on Facebook or Instagram.

Activities

Trails

  • 5 miles of hiking/biking trails
  • 2 miles of beach trail
  • Interpretive trail

Water activities & features

  • 256 feet of dock and moorage
  • Boating
  • Clamming
  • Crabbing
  • Fishing
  • Moorage buoys (7)
  • Personal watercraft use
  • Saltwater fishing
  • Swimming
  • Watercraft launches (2)

Other activities & features

  • Museum
  • Paragliding

Interpretive opportunities

Visitors may explore the military museum, featuring displays about area history. The museum is open daily, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. For group visitors or special arrangements, call (360) 385-3701. Admission to the museum is by donation.

Gun emplacement guided tours: A guided walking tour of the historic gun emplacements and other historic sites are offered on Saturdays and Sundays at 3:30 p.m. Learn about Fort operations and what life was like for the soldiers. The tour lasts approximately 1 ½ to 2 hours. A donation of $2 - $5 is suggested for tours. Tours begin the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Hospital guided tours: Step back in time as you take a guided tour of a 1905 military hospital. Hear about the incredible history of this beautiful building that was awarded the Mary P. Johnson award for Historic Preservation in 2012. Tours are offered on Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30 a.m. Donations are appreciated for all tours. Tours begin the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day.

bird watching TOURS: Birding and nature tours are now being held on the 4th Friday of each month.  Bird walks will last approximately 2 to 3 hours.  Wear sturdy footwear and dress for changeable weather.  Bring binoculars and your own water. Please send Bev an email, subject: Birdwatching Walk to Bevybirds53@gmail.com and she will plan directly with you. Please note this program is dependent on good weather and the group size is limited to 5 people.

GROUP TOURS AND ACTIVITIES

To request a State Park interpretive program at Fort Flagler, please fill out the form at the link below. Interested in what programs are offered? Visit the Program Descriptions link below or email the interpreter.

Additional information

  • In addition to the trails, there are 12.5 miles of roads and 2 miles of beachfront to explore. Check regulations for clamming season.
  • A recreational license is required for fishing and shellfish harvesting at Washington state parks. For regulations, fishing season information, or to purchase a recreational license, visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
  • Printable park brochure (PDF).