Fort Worden Historical State Park

State park · Port Townsend ·

Fort Worden Historical State Park

State park · Port Townsend ·

Historic military base with shoreline, trails, camping, and dining

Information

200 Battery Way E, Port Townsend, WA 98368 Get directions

@eater

391,688 Postcards · 10,991 Cities

Where to Eat in Port Townsend, Washington | Eater Seattle

"A former military base, Fort Worden is an ideal spot to spend time outdoors before or after a meal: I recommend it for trail-walking in the woods and along the beach and as a pleasant place to combine outdoor exploration with nearby dining options." - Jay Friedman

https://seattle.eater.com/2024/6/24/24184776/where-to-eat-in-port-townsend-washington-day-trip-olympic-peninsula

Fort Worden Historical State Park

@atlasobscura

4,908 Postcards · 2,019 Cities

The Most Wondrous State Parks to Visit During the Government Shutdown

"If you’re in an “abandoned artillery base” sort of mood and have a yen for secret tunnels and haunted barracks, then Fort Worden is absolutely your jam. Around 1900, Puget Sound had valuable military assets like the naval shipyards at Bremerton and the civilian ports of Seattle and Tacoma that were deemed vulnerable, high-value targets for attack by enemy warships (remember, there were no planes at this point). However, any invading fleet would have to enter the Sound through a narrow bottleneck, so three artillery bases (Forts Worden, Casey, and Flagler) were built to guard the front door. Together, their extensive batteries of humongous cannons formed what was known as the “Triangle of Fire.” These gun batteries were serious business: Fort Worden, the biggest, had six batteries totaling 41 guns. The weapons themselves varied in size and effect, some hurling explosive shells a foot in diameter and five feet long, weighing more than 1,000 pounds. The enemy never showed up (kudos!), so the forts never fired a shot in anger. Flash forward a few wars, when the advent of bomber aircraft made “the triangle” completely moot. Today the three forts are peaceful Washington State Parks. Fort Worden is most well-preserved of the three parks. It’s full of treasures like an extensive, profoundly cool, and totally eerie complex of hardened gun emplacements (minus the guns), including empty bunkers, pill boxes, roads and trails, memorials, and confusing infrastructure. There are strange ladders and stairways to nowhere, as well as dark hallways that lead to even darker rooms hidden behind heavy blast doors. Military barracks, long since abandoned by any troops, now house museums and, according to some, quite a few ghosts." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/state-parks-government-shutdown

Chris Naka/Atlas Obscura

Fort Worden Historical State Park

Nick M.

Google

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!

Kevin Y.

Google

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.

April W.

Google

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

OLY V.

Google

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.

Robb J

Google

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.

David D

Google

Pleasantly surprised on our latest visit to Fort Worden. The Cable House Canteen is OPEN! We had a quick burger and fries for an early supper. The burger was fresh and made there in the kitchen, not a frozen patty from Grocery Outlet. Seasoned perfectly, hot and delicious! Taps is also open, this restaurant was originally the Jail House. Drinks we very well made and the food was also delicious. The service at both places was top notch. I would strongly suggest having a flashlight if you park your car in the Taps parking area after sundown. It is very dark, and uneven. The park is awful. Don't go, ever. Worst experience. Terrible condition, all bad. Summer is a absolutely dreadful, the water is cold, beaches have rocksand driftwood littering the beaches.(I say all this so fewer will go and make it easier for me to get a reservation)

Laine A.

Google

Step back into history to see these very authentic grounds. Some have been multi purposed for various entities, however the period architecture is well worth admiring. Continue on to the lighthouse to complete your visit or just enjoy a nice stroll through the grounds, perfect place to unwind.

Hans Gyswyt G.

Google

This is a favorite off season destination for us. We use our travel trailer all year long and even though it can be stormy, we dress for the weather and enjoy the hiking trails, beach and the many pubs and eating places in town nearby.