Top 20 Washington State Trips

North Beach Port Townsend

North Beach Park is a stunning day use park in Port Townsend, overlooking the Strait of Juan De Fuca. It’s situated in a quiet neighborhood, with Fort Worden on its eastern boundary.  

The parking lot is just steps from the beach, but can get crowded on a summer’s day.  There are no restrooms here, and only a few picnic tables.  

5 best things to do at North Beach Port Townsend

1. North Beach

Walk along this beautiful beach, to see driftwood, shells, and rock formations. Look out at Mount Baker to your northeast, and the Point Wilson Lighthouse to your east. Always check tide tables if venturing beyond the headlands of North Beach, as people have been trapped when the tide has come back in.

The bluff at Fort Worden is visible to the right of this picture, and has plenty of old fortresses to explore.

Point Wilson Lighthouse can be seen in the distance, from North Beach Port Townsend.

2. Picnic area

The lawned area behind the beach has plenty of space for picnics.  There's also two picnic tables under a shelter, and a few others without shelter.

3. Boat launch

Launch a paddleboard or kayak from the boat launch at North Beach Port Townsend, into the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

4. Driftwood houses 

Find driftwood houses on the sand at North Beach Park.

5. North Beach Trail

Take the North Beach Trail up the hill, all the way to Fort Worden. The trail starts just east of North Beach Park. Explore over a dozen historic fortresses, that were built to defend Puget Sound from attack in the 19th Century.

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