Burn Ban - Level 1

Fires allowed in all designated fire pits and grills. Propane and gas grills allowed.

General

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Due to possible freezing temperatures, the water will be turned off at both campgrounds starting Nov. 15 until around mid March. Exact dates are dependent upon the weather. A winter water supply with potable water is located next to Restroom 601 in the Lower Campground. The dump station will also close seasonally. Campground shower hours are from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily.

General

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ADA Notice: The vertical lift for the Park Office/Ranger Station is out of commission. Call (360) 344-4412 or ring the bell at the bottom of the stairs for assistance.

Commanding Officers Quarters
Standing on grass, looking over green bushes at the water with the large dock and boat launch. A sandy beach curves along the water in the distance.
Point Wilson Lighthouse with Storm Clouds and Rainbow
Parade Ground View Historic Buildings
Alexanders Castle by a Madrona Tree

Fort Worden Historical State Park

200 Battery Way, Port Townsend, WA 98368

Fort Worden Historical State Park is a sprawling multi-use park overlooking Admiralty Inlet at the entrance to Puget Sound. Camp, explore beaches, forests, historic gun batteries, and museums, or attend a workshop, art exhibit, or concert in a variety of historic facilities on site.

Rules

  • Dogs Allowed on Leash
  • Fires Allowed in Designated Areas
  • Horses not Allowed

Pets must be on a leash in all areas of the park; there is no off-leash dog park at Fort Worden.

No harvest of firewood.

Cell service varies depending on your carrier and location within the park.

Activities

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Beach Exploration

Biking

Bird Watching

Camping

Crabbing

First Day Hike Events

Fishing

Hiking, Walking, Rolling and Running

Interpretive and Visitor Centers

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Kayaking

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Paddleboarding

Ranger Talk

Scuba Diving

Swimming

Winter Camping

Amenities

Accessible Campsites

Automated Pay Station

Accessible Restrooms

ADA Buildings

Drinking Water

Fire Pit

Park Ranger Station

Recycling

Restrooms

Showers

Trash Service

Moorage

Grill

Kitchen Shelter

Picnic Shelters

Picnic Tables

Accessible Parking

Parking

Trailer Dump

Tennis Court

Concessions

Interpretive Opportunities

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Lighthouse

Accessible Trails

Bike Trails

Hiking Trails

Park features

Field

Forest

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Lake

Meadow

Mountain View

Rocky Beach

Saltwater

Sandy Beach

Seasonal Wildflowers

Viewpoint

Wetland

Wildlife Viewing

Rules

  • Dogs Allowed on Leash
  • Fires Allowed in Designated Areas
  • Horses not Allowed

Pets must be on a leash in all areas of the park; there is no off-leash dog park at Fort Worden.

No harvest of firewood.

Cell service varies depending on your carrier and location within the park.

Map & visitor guide

48.1392, -122.7694

Picnic and day use facilities

Take in beautiful views of Artillery Hill’s high cliffs, Admiralty Inlet, or majestic Mount Baker while enjoying your lunch at one of the many picnic and day use areas. You can also purchase meals, snacks, and supplies from the concession at Cable House Canteen.

The Fort Worden Boat Launch is closed indefinitely for safety reasons. Other state park boat launches are available at nearby Fort Flagler and Mystery Bay State Parks. Additional boat launches are operated by the Port of Port Townsend.

Park office

Stop by the Park Office to learn more about Fort Worden, grab a park map, purchase a Discover Pass, check-in to a campsite, or buy a souvenir! Hours of operation are typically 9 a.m. - Noon, and 1- 4 p.m., but may vary depending on the time of year. When entering the park, take a right at the 4-way stop and look for the Park Office sign on the left side of the road (parking is across the street.)

The Commons

Looking for public restrooms or a cup of coffee? Head over to The Commons, located behind the Park Office! When entering the park, continue straight through the 4-way stop and take the next right. Parking for The Commons is on the left.

Camping

The Beach Campground offers full-hookup sites with level, spacious sites, most with views of the Admiralty Inlet. The Upper Forest Campground has partial-hookup sites in a forested, more private setting. Both campgrounds have easy access to trails and restrooms with showers. Maximum site length is 75 feet with limited availability. Reservations are necessary year-round as campsites are popular and fill quickly. Camper check-in can be done at the park office or through self-registration at the campground bulletin board.

Please note that there is a prickly native ground covering plant in grassy areas around the Beach Campground. For more information, please read the Sandmat Flyer in English or the Spanish version of the Sandmat Flyer.

Service Projects

Are you interested in giving back to the park while camping? Great! Groups interested in volunteering with parks must complete a group volunteer application and contact the park two months prior to your visit. If you are also interested in a group program, please see the Interpretive Opportunities section below.

Winter Schedule

Learn about seasonal closers and operational changes during the off-season on the Winter Schedule page.

Hiking and biking

Take a stroll along 12 miles of hiking trails. Need help deciding what trails to explore? See our suggested hikes at Fort Worden

Upon entering the park, continue straight to the 4-way stop. The Peace Mile trailhead is to the left, Artillery Hill, where the majority of historic structures are found, is straight through the 4-way stop, and beach trails are to the right.

Contact the park office to learn more about ADA accessible trails and access to Artillery Hill.

Cyclists can ride along 8.3 miles of biking trails. Look for trailhead signs to see which trails are appropriate for bikes. 

Interpretive Opportunities

Ranger-led programs

Ranger led programs are now being offered at Fort Worden State Park. Stop by the Park Office to learn about our Junior Ranger Program. Also be sure to keep an eye on the Upcoming Events Calendar for more information about walks, talks, and more!

Group tours

Are you planning a visit to Fort Worden State Park with your family, scout group, club, or co-workers? Add a fun, interactive, and educational experience to your trip by filling out the Group Program Request Form. View the program descriptions to learn more about the types of programs offered.

Historical buildings and museums
Commanding Officer's Quarters Museum

Get a glimpse into the life of an officer and their family during the 1900s at the Commanding Officer's Quarters (COQ) Museum. This three-story, Fort Worden State Park Museum is free to visit, though donations are greatly appreciated! Families, be sure to ask the volunteer host about a scavenger hunt. When entering the park, take a right just before the tennis courts onto Pershing Ave. The COQ Museum is the last house on the right.

There are no public restrooms in the COQ Museum. Public restrooms can be found at The Commons or along the beach day-use area.

Hours
    Nov. - March: Sat. - Sun., 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.     April - Oct.: Fri. - Tues., 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Visit Point Wilson Lighthouse's website for more information about tours and rentals.

Rothschild House

The Rothschild House in Port Townsend is co-managed by the Jefferson County Historical Society and Washington State Parks and is open from April to September for tours. Visit our blog to see a video tour of the house. The gardens around the house can be enjoyed all year, so stop by and take in the view with a picnic. Visit the Jefferson County Historical Society's website for more information on museum tour hours.

Coast Artillery Museum

Learn about the weapons and fortifications that defended the Puget Sound from the late 1800s through World War II at the Coast Artillery Museum. Call (360) 385-0373 for more information.

Point Wilson Lighthouse

Visit Point Wilson Lighthouse's website for more information about tours and rentals.

Port Townsend Marine Science Center

Fort Worden houses a natural history museum and aquarium that are part of the Port Townsend Marine Science Center.

Fort Worden partners

Fort Worden Hospitality

Fort Worden Hospitality operates vacation rentals, venues, restaurants, and catering services on Fort Worden's campus. Visit Fort Worden Hospitality for more information or call at (360) 344-4400.

Fort Worden Public Development Authority

This park is co-managed by the Fort Worden Public Development Authority who has partnered with local organizations to provide a variety of unique experiences on Fort Worden's Campus. For more information call 360-344-4403.

Friends of Fort Worden

Founded in 1993, this non-profit organization provides financial and volunteer support for programs and improvements at Fort Worden. Visit their website to learn more and get involved with activities such as trail maintenance, habitat restoration and interpretive trails.