The Straits of Juan de Fuca enter the State of Washington from the Pacific Ocean, and travel east between Canada and the Olympic Peninsula. At Point Wilson, the channel makes a right turn and heads toward Seattle, through Admiralty Inlet and down Puget Sound. Here at the corner is Point Wilson and Fort Worden.
Hiding behind the sand dunes, and virtually invisible from the straits, Fort Worden was one of three forts constructed between 1897 and 1911 to protect the Puget Sound cities and the naval shipyard at Bremerton from foreign invasion. No shots were ever fired from any of the forts, and they have all become state parks. The ruins of these old buildings are perfect for exploring and reflecting on times past.
Fort Worden has two camping areas, one on the beach and one in the trees. We are camped in the beach area. This is a sand dune area with saw grass and other beach plants. There are level grassy sites with full hookups, cement pads and fire rings. Since we are so close to the water, firewood is readily accessible -- just go beach combing! Just down the beach is a Marine Science Center, which features touchable marine creatures -- sea cucumbers, starfish (which the marine biologists call "sea stars"), and shellfish. Perfect for children; I enjoyed it too! Beach walks are wonderful here.
Currently, this is the only state park which will take reservations by specific site. Sites 1 through 50 are the beach sites, and we both agree there is little to choose among them-- they're all great. The 800 reservation number cannot be used however; you must call the Fort itself for resos.
The Fort is located just outside of the small town of Port Townsend, and today was the last day of both a crafts fair and the wooden boat festival. Tom's interests do not trend toward either -- especially local crafts fairs -- and he opted for long beach hikes while I explored the town. The fair showcased the area, with Northwest clothing, Northwest motif ceramics, beachwood furniture, and one immensely popular stall where you could drape yourself over a peculiar looking chair/podium and get a massage.
The wooden boat festival attracted hundreds of spectators and dozens of all-wood craft. You could buy boat building plans, or get a kit to help you get started building. In the harbor, "open boats" invited passersby aboard. The usual food concessions and a dance band completed the scene.
Port Townsend reflects its Victorian heritage with many beautiful period homes, some open to the public. There are many antique stores, restaurants, two large marinas and theaters. One such, Centrum, features summer workshops for musicians and writers, as well as festivals and concerts. There are two golf courses, a nine hole town course, and an 18 hole course at Chevy Chase, a scant 6 miles east.
This area, and this campground are easily among my personal favorites, and I am always easily lured back here.
Stephanie
BACK