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Washington
12

Washington State Parks

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USA Parks
Washington
Olympic & Kitsap Peninsulas Region
Fort Worden Historical State Park
Fort Worden Historical State Park © Joe Mabel / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Officers Row amp parade ground, Fort Worden, Port Townsend, Washington.
Fort Worden Historical State Park © Joe Mabel / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Fort Worden, Port Townsend, Washington. North shore, looking west from near Battery Kinzie.
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FORT WORDEN HISTORICAL STATE PARK
FORT WORDEN HISTORICAL STATE PARK
200 Battery Way
Port Townsend, Washington   98368
(lat:48.1392 lon:-122.7694) map location

Phone: 360-344-4412
Reservations: 888-226-7688
Fort Worden State Park and Conference Center is a 432-acre multi-use park with over two miles of saltwater shoreline and a wide variety of services and facilities. The park rests on a high bluff overlooking Puget Sound. Many historic buildings remain at this 19th century military fort.This historic fort offers a full-service conference center, an ideal setting for seminars, conferences, retreats, and family reunions. Historic 100-year Victorian parlors, spacious carpeted dormitories, and hook-up campsites can meet the needs of most any small or large conference group. The center has a dining facility and a wide range of meeting rooms. The park has a pleasantly informal atmosphere in a historically formal setting.
History of the Area
Fort Worden, along with the heavy batteries of Fort Flagler and Fort Casey, once guarded nautical entrance to Puget Sound. These posts, established in the late 1890s, became the first line of a fortification system designed to prevent a hostile fleet from reaching such targets as the Bremerton Naval Yard and the cities of Seattle, Tacoma and Everett. Construction began in 1897 and continued in one form or another until the fort was closed in 1953. The property was purchased as a state park in 1955. Fort Worden is named after Rear Admiral John L. Worden.
Passes
A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to Washington state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the Discover Pass web page.
Meeting Rooms
Fort Worden State Park and Conference Center has a variety of meeting rooms, accommodations, food services and recreational opportunities available to make sure your event is memorable. Fort Worden is a delightful place to gather with business associates or other people with shared interests.

Park staff will help find the best accommodations for your group. To ensure your gathering is successful and enjoyable, we offer individual attention to planning your event. Your gathering is important, and we want to ensure every detail is addressed. For your convenience, we have experienced planning staff available seven days a week to make sure your stay at Fort Worden is wonderful.
Visitors Center
The Coast Artillery Museum was established to preserve and interpret coast artillery history with special emphasis on the harbor defenses of Puget Sound as they existed and functioned from the late 1800s to the end of World War II. Among the collections and artifacts, visitors will see a three-dimensional scale model of Battery Kinzie showing the design and structure of the massive fortifications and the emplacements for the two 12-inch disappearing guns that were kept in readiness for possible attack from 1910 to 1943. The museum is open daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Camping
Campers may enjoy this scenic and historic fort at two campgrounds with 80 campsites.

Beach campground features 50 full-hookup water, electric, and sewer sites tucked between the bluffs and the beaches of Point Wilson. The sites are level, spacious, and open. Most sites have an amazing view of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Upper campground features 30 partial-hookup sites with water, electricity, and a sewer dump station nearby. The campsites are mostly forested, some with privacy. They are fairly level, and quite long. This campground offers easy access to miles of trails.

Campsites are popular and fill quickly year-round. Reservations are highly recommended.
Lodge
With 456 bedrooms, Fort Worden State Park Conference Center offers a wide variety of overnight accommodations for family vacations, conferences, reunions and retreats. Visitors may choose from century-old officers' housing, a castle, special one-room houses and large dormitories. All accommodations are located on beautiful state park grounds that have miles of trails, sandy beaches and unparalleled views of the Cascades and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.Houses at Fort Worden

There are 35 housing units available for renting year round. Houses range from six-bedroom to single-bedroom units with living rooms, dining rooms and kitchens. All the houses have fully equipped kitchens (coffee makers, utensils, dinnerware and cookware) and have full linen service. These houses are very popular with conferences and travelers. Reservations may be made online, by phone or mail up to one year in advance of arrival date.

Dormitories - Buildings 225, 202 and 203

These buildings were built in 1904 and served as barracks for soldiers stationed at Fort Worden. The facilities now are used for both overnight accommodations as well as conferences for groups of 16 or more. These dormitories provide comfortable accommodations, either with the privacy of individual rooms or the openness of large sleeping bays. The dorms are carpeted, have ample restroom facilities and can accommodate up to 365 guests. In addition to the sleeping rooms, select dorms have large, meeting areas where groups may gather. The first levels of dorms 203 and 225 comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Non-Commissioned Officers? row

These five duplex homes and three single houses were intended for Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs are sergeants with three or more rank stripes) with families. The houses were built between 1904 and 1915. Some homes have been renovated to be single units and one to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The rates below include full-linen service for bedrooms and bathrooms. Fort Worden practices "Green Housekeeping," encouraging our guests to help conserve water and related power associated with laundering by reusing towels instead of having them replaced daily.

Officers? row

The eight houses and one apartment building were originally constructed between 1904 and 1915. These houses served as the home of officers stationed at Fort Worden, and the apartment house was home to 12 bachelor officers. Each home had servant's quarters on the third floor. Of the eight officers? houses, seven are duplexes and one is a four unit apartment.

Officers' Housing provides the most comfortable lodging experience for your group or conference. The rates below include full-linen service for bedrooms and bathrooms. Since 1999, Fort Worden has practiced "Green Housekeeping," encouraging our guests to help conserve water and related power associated with laundering by reusing towels instead of having them replaced daily.

Barbeque grills may be reserved in advance; ask customer service staff for details. All units, except Building 16, have at least one fireplace. Only compressed fuel logs can be burned in the fireplaces and can be purchased at the park office. All kitchens include a variety of kitchen items. Review the complete list to decide if you need to bring other items to make your stay more comfortable.

Barbeque grills may be reserved in advance; ask customer service staff for details. All kitchens include a variety of kitchen items. Review the complete list to decide if you need to bring other items to make your stay more comfortable.
Swimming
1. Fort Worden State Park offers two miles of saltwater shoreline for swimming.
2. The park's beach area is perfect for a refreshing swim during the summer months.
3. Swimming at Point Wilson Lighthouse provides stunning views and marine wildlife sightings.
4. Beaches are sandy with gentle slopes, suitable for swimmers of all levels.
5. No lifeguards are on duty; visitors should exercise caution when swimming in open water areas.

Fishing
Located in Washington, the park offers saltwater fishing from two miles of shoreline. Anglers can catch salmon and crab.

The area is known for its Dungeness Crab population, providing a unique opportunity for shellfishing enthusiasts.

Fishing licenses are required to fish here due to state regulations ensuring sustainable practices and species protection.

There's also an option of pier fishing where you might reel in flounder or sea bass among other marine life.

Remember that certain seasons may have restrictions on what type of fish can be caught so always check local guidelines.



Picnicking
Fort Worden offers dozens of outstanding day-use and picnic areas. Whether overlooking the high centennial cliffs of Artillery Hill and the often wild Straights of Juan de Fuca. Or a placid vista encompassing the distant Mt. Baker, framed by Pt. Wilson Lighthouse and the Port Townsend Marine Science Center on the end of the pier. Numerous day-use picnic tables and fireboxes provide the excellent picnic spot. The Cable House Canteen is an on-site food and convenience store, offering sundries, delicious burgers or hot breakfast entrees.
Trails
2.6 mi. ADA Hiking Trails

11.2 mi. Hiking Trails

8.3 mi. Bike Trails
Bicycling
Bicycling is permitted on designated trails, offering scenic views of the coastline and surrounding forests.

Riders must adhere to trail etiquette rules for safety.

Mountain biking opportunities are available but require caution due to uneven terrain.

Helmets should be worn at all times while cycling in this area as a precautionary measure.

Cyclists need to respect wildlife habitats by staying within marked paths only.

The park's hilly landscape can pose challenges; beginners may find some routes difficult.

Remember that weather conditions might affect your ride, so plan accordingly.
Birding
Birding enthusiasts can spot a variety of species including Bald Eagles, Black Oystercatchers and Pigeon Guillemots. The park's diverse habitats attract migratory birds like the Pacific Loon. Other common sightings include Anna's Hummingbirds, Northern Flickers and Steller's Jays.
Area Attractions
Several golf courses are nearby, along with the fascinating historic town of Port Townsend. The Olympic Mountains rise majestically nearby. From nearly everywhere, you can hear the cry of the gull and the call of the sea.

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Directions
Fort Worden State Park Conference Center is located in the Victorian seaport of Port Townsend, Wash.

From Seattle-Bainbridge Ferry to Fort Worden State Park

Depart from the ferry terminal, and drive straight (NE) on State Route (SR) 305 for approximately 13 miles. Drive through Poulsbo, and take a right onto the ramp for SR 3 to the Hood Canal Bridge - approximately 7 miles. At the lighted intersection for SR 104, take a left and remain on SR 104 for about 6 ? miles. At the intersection of SR 19, turn right. Stay on SR 19 for 14 miles; it will merge with SR 20. Continue straight (north) on SR 20 into Port Townsend, take a left on Kearney Street, right on Blaine Street, left on Cherry Street, and follow signs into the park.

From Canada/Northwest Washington to Fort Worden State Park

Travel south on Interstate 5 to Highway 20 (Burlington exit). Follow Highway 20 west through Oak Harbor and Coupeville to Keystone Ferry, approximately 42 miles. Take the Keystone Ferry to Port Townsend. Depart from the ferry terminal and turn left onto Water Street. At the first stop light, turn right onto Kearney Street. At the first stop sign take a right on Blaine Street. At the next stop sign, take a left on Cherry Street, and follow signs into the park.

From Edmonds-Kingston Ferry to Fort Worden State Park

Depart from the ferry terminal and drive straight on State Route (SR) 104. Follow signs to stay on SR 104 through Port Gamble to the Hood Canal Bridge, approximately nine miles. At the lighted intersection for SR 104, turn right and remain on SR 104 for about 6.5 miles. At the intersection of SR 19, turn right. Stay on SR 19 for 14 miles; it will merge with SR 20. Continue straight (north) on SR 20 into Port Townsend. Turn left onto Kearney Street, and at the first stop sign turn right on Blaine Street. At the next stop sign, turn left on Cherry Street, and follow signs into the park.

From Tacoma to Fort Worden State Park

Follow Highway 16 across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, and follow the signs to Bremerton, approximately 27 miles, where the highway changes names to SR 3. Follow SR 3 about 25 miles to the Hood Canal Bridge. At the lighted intersection for SR 104, turn left and remain on SR 104 for about 6.5 miles. At the intersection of SR 19, turn right. Stay on SR 19 for 14 miles; it will merge with SR 20. Continue straight (north) on SR 20 into Port Townsend. Turn left onto Kearney Street, and at the first stop sign turn right on Blaine Street. At the next stop sign, turn left on Cherry Street, and follow signs into the park.

From Olympia to Fort Worden State Park

Take US 101 northbound towards Quilcene. About 12 miles past Quilcene, bear right onto SR 20. Follow SR 20 approximately eight miles then turn left at the lighted intersection, which keeps you on SR 20. Continue straight (north) on SR 20 into Port Townsend. Turn left onto Kearney Street, and at the first stop sign turn right on Blaine Street. At the next stop sign, turn on Cherry Street, and follow signs into the park.

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Washington
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Washington State Parks

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