Jefferson County Between Coast and History

Port Townsend’s history is a distinctive introduction to Jefferson County: the city is one of only three Victorian seaports on the National Register of Historic Places. Other historic sites and a range of trails offer additional ways to explore the region. As you plan your trip, you can weigh cultural history, nature, and time outdoors as different priorities.

Historic Sites and Museums

The Jefferson County Historical Society offers immersive walking tours through the picturesque streets of Port Townsend. The Fort Flagler Museum offers a different way to experience history: located in the historic Quartermaster Storehouse, it explores the strategic role of the Coast Artillery Corps and soldiers’ daily lives in the early 20th century. Fort Flagler also includes many original military buildings from around the turn of the 20th century, including gun batteries, noncommissioned officers’ quarters, and a hospital.

Fort Townsend also combines a historic connection with outdoor experiences. Fort Townsend was established on October 26, 1856, by order of Lieutenant Colonel Silas Casey. Fort Townsend Historical State Park provides access to the beach on Port Townsend Bay and encompasses a wooded former military site. The former military site was established in 1856. Fort Townsend Historical State Park has 6.5 miles of hiking trails, making it a distinct option for visitors who want to combine history with outdoor activity.

Fort Worden Historical State Park is located on Admiralty Inlet at the entrance to Puget Sound. The park has 12 miles of hiking trails. The Commanding Officer’s Quarters Museum offers a glimpse into the life of an officer and his family in the 20th century. At Fort Flagler, trails along the beach and through wooded areas also lead to views of the Olympic Mountains, Cascade Mountains, and Puget Sound.

Trails by Length and Character

The stated trail lengths help distinguish the different options: Fort Townsend has 6.5 miles of hiking trails, and Fort Worden has 12 miles. The Larry Scott Memorial Trail is a 7.3-mile, nonmotorized multi-use trail. It runs from Port Townsend Boat Haven to Milo Curry Road in the Four Corners area on Discovery Bay. It is also the first section of the Olympic Discovery Trail, which is intended to connect Jefferson County with the Pacific Ocean via Sequim, Port Angeles, and Forks.

Another trail project is the first phase of construction of the Rick Tollefson Trail, which connects HJ Carroll Park with Old Hadlock Road. If you want to include other ways of getting around in addition to hiking, Anderson Lake State Park has trails for hiking, horseback riding, and biking. The options differ not only in length, but also in their designated trail types and possible activities.

Forest, Lake, and Water

Anderson Lake State Park encompasses cedar, fir, and alder forests, a freshwater marsh, and a lake. Many birds and other wildlife can be found there. Check current water advisories before recreational activities. This makes the natural area an option in its own right, whether you’re especially interested in its forests, marsh, or lake wildlife.

Mystery Bay State Park is on the west side of Marrowstone Island, with views of the Olympic Mountains. The park is accessible by land or by boat and offers water activities; its facilities include a single-lane boat ramp. Check the park’s current advisories before you arrive. This distinguishes it from parks whose described features focus primarily on trails and wooded areas.

More Sides of the Region

Port Ludlow also offers its own landscape appeal: the golf course has rolling fairways, abundant wildlife, and historic logging stumps. It offers views of Hood Canal, Ludlow Bay, and the Olympic and Cascade Mountains. If you’re interested in local products, you can join tasting tours at Finnriver featuring samples of cider and fruit wines. Optional additions include tours of the organic orchard or cider barn.

The Chimacum Farmers Market takes place on Sundays from June through October. Check the dates for the relevant season before planning a visit. To reach Jefferson County, you can travel by car, boat, or chartered seaplane.

Discover more destinations: Port Townsend, Marrowstone, Port Hadlock-Irondale, Chimacum, Port Ludlow, Asotin, Klickitat County, Pierce

Return to the main travel overview: Washington.