"Fort Worden Beaches" Top 5 Page for this destination Port Townsend Off The Beaten Path Tip by glabah

While the beaches at Fort Worden State Park are not large or very sandy affairs, they do at least offer some exposure to the salt water and ocean-liike climate offered by the Straight of Juan de Fuca.

However, the wind comes right out of the Pacific Ocean and right down the Straight with little to block it, so that the north side of Fort Worden State Park does get pretty harsh winds sometimes. Chetzemoka Park and its beach are closer to downtown Port Townsend and are more sheltered from the wind.

However, the views from the beaches at Fort Worden run in all different directions, especially close to Point Wilson, where obstructions from the land are less. Also, near the "lower" campground near the Marine Science Center you will find one or two picnic tables near the beach with grilling stands (see main photo). As best as I can tell these are available for day use rather than being reserved for those camped at the campground (they have their own grilling stands and picnic tables!).

The beaches tend to be fairly narrow, so be careful not to get yourself stuck out near the water with water rushing in - though the tidal fluctuation here isn't anywhere near as large as it is in the Tacoma or Nisqually area.

There are trails leading to the beaches in several places, and please use those rather than making your own trail. The beach grass is very sensitive, and provides vital nesting habitat for some bird species that have become rare due to degradig beach habitat for them. If you are staying in the gues houses by the Commanding Officer's Museum, there is a staircase down to the beach (see photo 3) from the area from the bluff just east of the Commanding Officer's Museum.

Website: http://www.parks.wa.gov/fortworden/