The Naas Natural Area Preserve in Coupeville on Whidbey Island is a beautiful mix of forest and prairie on high bluffs above Puget Sound. A loop trail meanders out and back, and connects to the Admiralty Inlet Natural Area Preserve to the south with the main remaining fortifications of Fort Casey beyond that. Both the Naas and Admiralty Inlet Preserves were purchased and protected through the local efforts of the Whidbey Camano Land Trust (WCLT) in partnership with government agencies.

Although the trails are open to the public, there are multiple World War I and World War II era buildings hidden back in the forest and bushes. These include a First Battalion Station for sighting and triangulating on ships, searchlight buildings, and Small Arms Range Rifle Butts. They are generally off limits behind tall locked fences due to liability concerns plus to preserve the old structures. However, the WCLT opened up several of the buildings to interested members for a special tour led by a very knowledgeable local resident. He was an active member of the Coast Defense Study Group, and did he ever know his stuff.

If you are interested in beautiful views, a forest hike, and preserved World War I and II history, join the WCLT and get in on one of these tours.

Fort Casey First Battalion Station entrance stairs Naas Preserve Coupeville Whidbey Island

Fort Casey First Battalion Station entrance to underground



Fort Casey First Battalion Station communications and Depression Position Finder rooms Naas Preserve Coupeville Whidbey Island

First Battalion Station communications room with Depression Position Finder room beyond



Fort Casey First Battalion Station Puget Sound view Naas Preserve Coupeville Whidbey Island

First Battalion Station view to Puget Sound (partially cleared for tour)



Fort Casey World War II Small Arms Range Rifle Butts Naas Preserve Coupeville Whidbey Island

World War II era Small Arms Range Rifle Butts where targets were raised into the air



Links:
Whidbey Camano Land Trust
Coast Defense Study Group