Port Townsend Travel Information
Port Townsend runs down to the waters edge on the northeast corner of
the Olympic Peninsula. With spectacular views of the Olympics to the
south and a stretch of the Juan de Fuca straights to the north, Port
Townsend seems like the edge of wilderness, despite the close
proximity of the San Juan Islands, Whidbey Island and Victoria B.C.
Port Townsend has plenty of attractions to keep visitors occupied,
though most pass through on their way see Olympic splendors. If you
only have a day to see the area, spend an hour wandering past historic
buildings downtown, then rent a kayak and head out to sea for a fresh
perspective. Take a guided wildlife tour in sea kayaks if you're not
entirely confident in your paddling abilities. The area is chock
with orca's and whales. Sign up with a charter trip to head out on
the open water for a chance at spotting a spout. Sailing is popular
all through the area and a good way to appreciate the west coast
waters in solitude. Take lessons locally if you don't know a jib from
a jab. Start out in a small vessel, then work your way up to some
schooner sailing. If you'd rather let someone else do the driving,
take the ferry, 'Washington's #1 tourist attraction', somewhere over
the sea. There are plans to build the Olympic Discovery Trail,
slated to wind along the north end of the Olympic Peninsula for 150
miles. Only two short sections have been completed at present, one of
which is in Port Townsend. Cruise the four-mile path on bike or foot
for more views. Port Townsend is 80 miles from Tacoma when the Hood
Canal Bridge is open; 113 miles when it is not. Olympia is 98 miles
south down the Olympic Peninsula.
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