Visit a historic marine camping park that boasts saltwater shoreline that abuts Port Townsend Bay. Rife with military history, the trails here travel through beautiful forest and offer insight into the area's past life, including a former military cemetary.
The park consists of more than a third of the original Fort Townsend, which was built in 1856 by the U.S. Army for the protection of settlers. Local forests were used for logs to build the fort. It closed between 1859 and 1874, declared unfit after an inspection by an army headquarters commander from Columbia.
The fort reopened in 1874 and operated until 1895 when fire destroyed the barracks. After the fire, it was used as an enemy-munitions defusing station during World War II. State Parks took custody of the premises in 1953.
Follow an interpretive trail on a self-guided tour of the area, but be sure to get a copy of the trail map at the day use parking area to keep your bearings. The park is open year round for day use.
Fort Townsend Historical State Park
48.0747,
-122.7896
Map & Directions
-
Length
- 6.5 miles of trails
Visit a historic marine camping park that boasts saltwater shoreline that abuts Port Townsend Bay. Rife with military history, the trails here travel through beautiful forest and offer insight into the area's past life, including a former military cemetary.
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Hiking Fort Townsend Historical State Park
Map & Directions
Trailhead
Before You Go
Parking Pass/Entry Fee
Discover PassWTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.
Getting There
From Seattle, take the Bainbridge Island Ferry. Once on the island, take Highway 3 in Poulsbo and drive for 13.9 miles to Highway 19. Turn north onto 19, and continue 28 miles to Old Fort Townsend Road. Turn right onto Old Fort Townsend Road and follow it into the state park in Port Townsend.
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