Fort Worden Historical State Park - Washington Road Trip
Fort Worden Historical State Park - Washington Road Trip
On our recent fall break, we flew into Seattle, WA and rented a car for a road trip adventure around the southwest part of the state. To add to the fun and adventure of our road trip, and since we were staying in a different place almost every night, we decided to stay in as many unique places as we could. Fort Worden Historic State Park was a perfect option!
Bainbridge Island Ferry
On our way to Olympic National Park and National Forest, we took the ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island to stay in the adorable Port Townsend known for its picturesque Victorian buildings. Located just northwest of Port Townsend on the Olympic Peninsula we found our unique stay at Fort Worden Historical State Park.
Fort Worden
Fort Worden, a military base that was originally built at the turn of the 20th century to protect the entrance to the Puget Sound, is now a state park that offers travelers and locals an opportunity to book overnight accommodations along officers row, in converted barracks, or even in a historical castle.
Point Wilson Lighthouse
After we checked-in to our loft, we drove down to the Point Wilson Lighthouse and the beaches of the Salish Sea to explore. The lighthouse, which was built in 1879, is under ongoing renovation by volunteers and preservation society members. From the boulder-strewn shoreline, you can view Mt. Baker, Vancouver Island, and even the Cascades.
For more on the history of the Fort and for a fun way for your family to see the park, try this scavenger hunt. There are also museums located in the park, 12 miles of hiking trails, and many programs and activities that visitors can enjoy.
During your stay be sure to grab a drink or a bite to eat at the Guardhouse Pub, the site of what was once the holding place for soldiers who were being disciplined. You can also enjoy local eats for breakfast, lunch or dinner at Reveille Café. Or if you are looking for a snack while you are exploring the hiking trails and beaches of the park, the Cablehouse Canteen, a former storage building for electrical cables used for underwater mines, may be your speed.
