Want to get outside and inhale deep lungfuls of fresh sea air or cast your eyes upon magnificent vistas? Port Townsend does not disappoint. This is where land meets sea and the fun begins. Jump aboard to sail, kayak, row, fish, go crabbing or whale watching. Hit the trails on foot or on wheels and explore the area’s natural wonder under a forested canopy of evergreens or along a pristine path hugging the sound. Venture west to Olympic National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve, less than an hour-and-a-half away, for a day of hiking in the wilderness. Whatever your choice, adventures start here!
Get ready—get outdoors! Hiking, biking, kayaking, boating, fishing and camping fun awaits you. Watch wildlife, visit Fort Worden, a 435-acre state park and get in touch with the natural world in Port Townsend.
Bike and Hike Port Townsend!
Port Townsend has many biking trails and roads for you to explore. Didn’t bring your bike? No problem, you can rent one from the Broken Spoke on Water Street right in the Downtown Historic District. Click here for the City of Port Townsend Walking & Bicycling Guide Map.
Larry Scott Trail: A popular 14-mile mixed use, out and back trail for walkers, bikes, and horses. This trail offers good surfaces and restrooms making it a good choice for most levels of cyclists and walkers.
Fort Worden: You’ll find low-traffic roads and great trails for bikes and walkers at Fort Worden State Park. You can park at North Beach and take a scenic trail to historic defense batteries, or there’s parking inside the park close to historic buildings and within walking or cycling distance to batteries. Click here to view and download Fort Worden Trail Maps.
Trek from North Beach to Glass Beach: You will enjoy walking to and seeking glass pebbles at Glass Beach. The walk is 5.4 miles out and back, and you’ll want to plan your outing during low tide. It’s a good idea to wear shoes that protect your feet from rocks and shells.
Get out on the Water!
Bring your kayak or paddleboard and enjoy a great water perspective of Port Townsend. You’ll find convenient locations for launching downtown near the Northwest Maritime Center, at Point Hudson Marina, or out at Fort Worden. It’s great fun to paddle around Point Hudson and along the shoreline toward Fort Worden, or in the opposite direction for snapshots of our historic downtown buildings.
Whale Watching Adventures! Puget Sound Express offers Full Day and Half Day whale watching excursions. They also offer 3 hour “Puffin cruises” for birdwatchers. Visit their website for rates and availability.
Camping! Camp right in town at Point Hudson Marina and RV Park or out at Fort Worden State Park for scenic views and outdoor adventures. Other great camping areas nearby are Fort Townsend and Fort Flagler.
