Fort Worden Historical State Park
Port Townsend, Washington
About Fort Worden Historical State Park
This meticulously preserved coastal fortress transports visitors back to the early 1900s with its intact gun batteries, barracks, and parade grounds overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca. History buffs and architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the dramatic bluff-top setting combined with fascinating military heritage.
Reviews
Great experience! If you enjoy the outdoors and history I definitely recommend this. They have plenty of parking and a ton of trails to walk. The park is well taken care of and can tell that this is a hotspot for great people. Gotta put on those hiking shoes!
— Nick McCombs
From camping to geocaching to each walking to hiking. Fort Worden historical State Park has a little bit of everything. Lots of birds and other wildlife to see and observe. So many wonderful trails. Old abandoned bunkers and cannon batteries. Lots of old history to be found in new memories to be made. One of my favorite destinations in the state. Close enough to Port Townsend for a little urban getaway. Or just stick to the beaches forest and parks.
— Kevin Young
We always walk the beach to the red-roofed Point Wilson lighthouse whenever we’re in Port Townsend. On 12/31/2025, the blue-sky views were stunning — Mt. Baker, Vancouver Island, the San Juans, and the Cascades all in sight. Note: the lighthouse grounds aren’t open for wandering, but tours (including climbing to the top) run 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, May–September. Parking Pass/Entry Fee: Discover Pass
— April Way
What a fun place to hit up at dark. We went out hoping to do some ghost hunting on the grounds since everything was closed down for the day. We went to the mansion and one of the artillery bays. Obviously the deer thought we were nuts lol. The beach was close by but boy was the water cold! There was plenty of sand space for all visitors that day and plenty of parking.
— OLY VIK
Fort Worden State Park is a fantastic place that truly has it all. It’s a perfect spot for anyone whether you're a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or just looking for a great family outing with amazing wildlife. What really stands out is the history. You don't just read about the past here; you get to walk right through it. The old forts and battle stations are incredible to explore, giving you a real, hands-on feel for what life was like back then. It's a powerful and unforgettable experience to stand in those massive concrete structures and imagine the soldiers who once manned them. But the park isn't just about history. There's so much to do outside. You can rent a kayak to paddle the shoreline, go for a hike, or overnight camping. It’s also great place to ride a bike and explore the grounds. And at the end of the day, the sunsets are absolutely stunning the perfect way to wind down. Plus, the park is super clean, with well-kept bathrooms, and it's just a short distance from Port Townsend. It’s the kind of place you can visit again and again and always find something new to explore.
— Robb J
Photo by Azathoth Materia via Google Maps