Fort Worden State Park, WA in Fast Forward

You must have places you wish to return to for another visit.  Everyone, even the busiest of travelers has to have at least a few spots.  Maybe the site was so spectacular that it’s more than worth a second (or third…) look.  Maybe you want to show it off to friend or family member.  Or maybe, in our case recently, you just didn’t get enough time there in the first place.

By the time we reached Fort Worden State Park in Port Townsend, Washington, we’d already had quite an eventful morning.  We enjoyed a big breakfast at Sweet Laurette, checked out of our hotel, cruised the shops and galleries along Water Street, and even had a peek into the Maritime Center.  The Fort was unfortunately our last stop before we headed home to Seattle, and we were working around Bergen’s nap schedule.

After checking in at the Visitors Center for a map and a lay of the land, we raced over to the closest battery.  With Bergen in the stroller and not yet walking, there wasn’t much for him to discover safely, so I took Norman through some agility exercises via the stairs and various elements of the battery.  In the meantime, Slaed and Bergen located a trail that would take us down toward the beach and lighthouse.  I can’t wait to take Bergen back here when he’s a little older.  What a perfect place for little guys and girls to run around and explore with their family!

We would hook up with the trail, but not without taking a look inside this spooky bunker.

This is where we really picked up the pace, and kicked it into high gear.  We wanted to actually get to the shore, see the Point Wilson Lighthouse, and make our way back to the car.  There was little time to linger, and take in the views as Norman and I literally chased after Slaed and Bergen.

Can you see Mount Baker in the distance?

Once off the trail, we caught a glimpse of the many camp sites available, and the Battery Kinzie.  Fort Worden was one of three forts that protected the Puget Sound area, specifically the Bremerton Naval Yard, and the cities of Everett, Seattle and Tacoma  from 1900 to the early 1950s.  Interestingly enough, not one of the three forts (Fort Casey on Whidbey Island & Fort Flagler in Nordland are the other two) ever had to fire a hostile shot.

Battery Kinzie

Needless to say, there was no time for close-up exploration of the lighthouse, which as it turns out is okay as this lighthouse is not open to the public.  We breezed past it, and caught up with the main road taking us back towards the car.

Point Wilson Lighthouse

Fort Worden has so much more to offer than what we were able to see during our quick visit.  Miles of hiking trails are available, some ADA, making them a good choice for kids in strollers.  The beaches are known for being kid-friendly, there are kayaks available to rent, and several museums to learn about the history of Fort Worden.

Info to Know:

• Fort Worden State Parkis located in Port Townsend, Washington on the Northeast side of the Olympic Peninsula.
  • 200 Battery Way
    Port Townsend, Washington 98368

    (360) 344-4400

• Several lodging choices are available within the park ,which include campgrounds, officer’s housing, dormitories, and even a castle!
•  Check ahead of time to find out the hours of the park’s various establishments.
• Cost: $10 for a day pass OR annual Discover Pass ($30)

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