CAMANO, Wash. — A state commission voted Thursday to permanently close beloved historic cabins at Camano Island's Cama Beach Historical State Park.
Thirty-three cabins at the park comprise one of the last historic saltwater fishing resorts on the West Coast. The cabins date back to 1934, but modern problems have forced them to close them permanently.
Members of the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission said the decision was difficult due to how beloved the cabins are and the known "cultural and historical complexities that impact the sustainability of reopening the cabins."
"State parks are often spaces that are deeply personal for visitors,” said Washington State Parks Director Diana Dupuis in a press release. “We take that seriously and don't make decisions like this lightly. We are committed to adapting this park to the current realities we are faced with while continuing to provide a unique place to make memories for years to come."
The 90-year-old cabins were originally a private resort. The property was eventually donated to the state for use as a park. It opened in 2008 and is a popular spot for weddings and family vacations, but years of rain, wind and waves have taken a toll.
The cabins are deteriorating, the seawall is too short and needs to be replaced, and the septic system is failing. These issues are only expected to worsen in the coming years. In addition, "impacts of rising sea levels have damaged buildings in the area," according to the commission members.
Commission members chose not to reopen the cabins due to these issues as well as other environmental, operational and cultural complexities.
In 2005, archaeologists uncovered human remains and other Native American artifacts that date back 1,600 years. Under a 2021 executive order by the governor that says state agencies should take reasonable action to avoid damage to archaeological and historic sites, the commission chose not to go forth with any significant cabin restoration efforts.
Current climate laws also direct state agencies to retreat when faced with threats caused by natural land change processes, such as coastal erosion.
The commission is still working on a long-term plan to preserve other parts of the park from expected climate impacts.
Day use of the park, Cama Center and cafe will remain open.
KING 5's Eric Wilkinson contributed to this report.
