Area of Port Townsend (Washington)

We visited our friends who recently moved to the Port Orchard area of Washington state and were able to go with them on a day trip to the Port Townsend area.

Fort Worden Historical State Park

We started our day in the Port Townsend area by visitng Fort Worden Historical State Park.

The Fort Worden web page states that Fort Worden, along with Fort Flagler and Fort Casey, "made up the coastal defense system known as, 'The Triangle of Fire.'"

The Fort Worden web page also states "Fort Worden Historical State Park is a 432-acre multi-use park with more than 2 miles of saltwater shoreline."

This shorelines includes a sandy beach, but behind the sandy beach is a variety of interesting terrain.

One of the most recognizable features of Fort Worden Historical State Park is the 1914 Point Wilson Lighthouse.

Only a very small number of people were permitted inside the lighthouse at the same time due to COVID-19 and masks were required.

There is a small area at the bottom of the lighthouse in which we heard a brief description of the lighthouse and its importance. There are also maps and some displays in this area. We were allowed to go, two people at a time for 15 minutes, up the circular stairs of the lighthouse.

The last portion to the top was up some metal stairs.

Visitors are not allowed to step onto the top platform of the lighthouse, but can hear more from a person at the top and can see views of the area from the elevated position.

As we were walking away from the lighthouse, fog moved in with beautiful effect that also reminded one of how lighthouses could be useful even in daylight hours.

There was more beautiful shoreline to enjoy on the way back to the parking area.

Although we spent most of our time at Fort Worden Historical State Park walking along the shoreline and touring the Point Wilson Lighthouse, the park (as implied by its name) has more to offer, especially in terms of history. Other attractions of the park (some off the main site) include the Coast Artillery Museum, Commanding Officer's Quarters, Rothschild House, Battery Ash, and Battery Walker. Most of these were closed due to COVID while we were at Fort Worden Historical State Park, but the beautiful shoreline and interesting lighthouse made the visit worthwhile.

North Beach and "Glass Beach"

Our next stop in the Port Townsend area was North Beach, the entrypoint to "Glass Beach."

There is a sign near the entrance to the beach from the parking lot warning about the need to carefully watch the tides.

The North Beach Park website adds more warning details:

More and more people are getting trapped by the rising tide on their way to west to Glass Beach from North Beach County Park. It’s a long hike – better to leave plenty of time. Check the tide and know when to turn around. A rising tide can completely inundate the beach, forcing you to climb the unstable bluffs above to stay out of the (very cold) water. Several parties have experienced this not-exactly-fun situation during the pandemic. Search and rescue teams have spent time and resources including a helicopter and specialized technical rope teams plucking people from the sandy bluffs! New warning signs are in place but not everyone reads them. A summary of the most recent incident is below. Check the tide and stay safe on your beach hike to the West of North Beach Park!

It's a very pleasant and beautiful walk from North Beach Park to "Glass Beach."

William A. Bugge Hood Canal Bridge

We had the opportunity to cross the William A. Bugge Hood Canal Bridge on the way to and from Port Townsend.

There are some fantastic views here.

Chimacum Corner Farmer's Market

Another short and interesting stop on our way to the Port Townsend area was at the outdoor Chimacum Farmer's Market in the Chimacum Corner Farmstand's parking lot.