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Washington
12

Washington State Parks

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USA Parks
Washington
Olympic & Kitsap Peninsulas Region
Old Fort Townsend State Park
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OLD FORT TOWNSEND STATE PARK
This 367-acre marine camping park features 3,960 feet of saltwater shoreline on Port Townsend Bay. The heavily wooded park has a rich military history dating from pioneer days.
History of the Area
The park consists of slighty more than a third of the orginal Fort Townsend built in 1856 by the U.S. Army for the protection of settlers. Timbers were hewn and laths cut from the forests of the vicinity. The fort was closed between 1859 and 1874 for being "unfit," after an inspection by the commander of the army headquarters in Columbia. Brought back to life in 1874, the fort thrived until 1895 when fire destroyed the barracks. The property was used as an enemy-munitions defusing station during World War II. State Parks took custody of the premises in 1953.
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.
Camping
Camping Fees : Please note that the following general fee information is not customized for each individual park, so not all fees will apply to all parks (for example, primitive campsite and dump station fees listed apply only to parks that have primitive campsites and dump stations).

Standard campsite, $15.

Utility campsite, $21.

Primitive campsite (accessible by motorized/non-motorized vehicles) and for water trail camping, $10

An additional $3 fee (standard) or $5 fee (utility) may be charged for select premium campsites at some parks.

Maximum eight people per campsite.

Second vehicle: $10 per night is charged for a second vehicle unless it is towed by a recreational vehicle. Extra vehicles must be parked in designated campsite or extra vehicle parking spaces.

Dump stations (if available): Year-round dump station fees are $5 per use. If you are camping, this fee is included in your campsite fee.

More about park hours : Check-in time is 2:30 p.m., and check-out time is 1 p.m.Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Length of stay: you may stay up to ten consecutive days in any one park during the summer; the stay limit is extended to 20 days between Oct. 1 and March 31.

Campsite Information : The park has 40 campsites, one dump station, two restrooms and one shower. Maximum site length is 40 feet (may have limited availability).

Group Accommodations : The park provides a group camp that accommodates up to 80 people. Fees vary with size of the group. For information, contact the park at 1-888-CAMPOUT.
Boating
Buoys lie one mile south of Glenn Cove on the west side of Port Townsend Bay. The nearest launch ramps are at Port Townsend, Fort Flagler, and Hadlock.

Moorage fees are charged year-round for mooring at docks, floats and buoys from 1 p.m. to 8 a.m.:

-Daily moorage fee is 50 cents per foot, with a minimum of $10.

-Moorage buoys, $10 a night.

-Annual moorage permit fee is $3.50 per foot, with a minimum of $50.

Moorage permits are available at parks offering moorage. For information, call (360) 902-8844. Telephone Device for the Deaf, (360) 664-3133.



Picnicking
Three picnic shelters and 43 picnic tables are available first-come, first-served.
Trails
1. Upper Loop Trail: This 2-mile trail offers a moderate hike through the forested areas of the park, with occasional views over Port Townsend Bay.

2. Lower Loop Trail: A relatively easy and flat 3-mile loop that takes hikers along the shoreline and into dense woods filled with ferns and moss-covered trees.

3. Harbor Defense Way: An approximately one mile long historical path featuring remnants from Fort Townsend's military past including gun batteries, bunkers, barracks foundations etc., offering an educational experience alongside hiking adventure.

4. Beach to Lagoon Nature Walkway: Short but scenic half-a-half mile walk leading directly to a beautiful lagoon area where birdwatching opportunities abound; also provides access to beachfront picnic spots.

5. Chimacum Creek Trail: Approximately two miles in length this trail follows along Chimacum creek providing serene water views amidst lush greenery; ideal for those seeking tranquility during their hikes.

6. Hilltop Viewpoint Path: Steep quarter-of-a-mile climb up towards hill top viewpoint which rewards hikers with panoramic vistas of surrounding landscapes as well as glimpses of Mount Baker on clear days.

7. Old Military Road Hiking Route: Once used by soldiers stationed at fort, now serves as three:quarter- mile-long nature-filled pathway perfect for leisurely strolls or jogging sessions.

8. Rhododendron Discovery Trial: Half Mile interpretive trial showcasing variety species rhododendrons native region ; best visited spring when flowers are full bloom.

9. Cascade Falls Track: Roughly four:miles round trip challenging track leads waterfall hidden deep within forests ; recommended experienced adventurers due steep inclines uneven terrain parts route.

10 Partridge Footpath: Easy:to-navigate short footpath named after local plant found abundantly here, suitable all ages fitness levels looking quick refreshing outdoor activity without much physical exertion required.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
June 3 best park to go to the drive in by Angel
park review stars; one to five Just wanted to say that I have stayed here many times and I love it. I love the drive in near by but do not want to drive home at midnight or 1am. I was so sad when I read the posting saying that it was day use only now due to budget cuts. I called and sure enough... they are still open for camping THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. I am staying there tonight!
December 25 Day Use Only by dancingdeer
park review stars; one to five Due to recent cuts across the state, Fort Townsend has gone to a Day Use only format. No camping, etc.
September 12 A park that makes you feel at home
park review stars; one to five This park is wonderful, you experience nature like never before. The variety of colors you see with the nature and the scenory. It is my favorite park
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Directions
Located on the Olympic Peninsula, four miles south of Port Townsend, Wash.

From SR 20 : Approximately two miles south of Port Townsend, turn east on Old Fort Townsend Rd. drive one-half mile to reach the park.

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Washington
12

Washington State Parks

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