Allison + Chris

Port Townsend and the Olympic Peninsula

Go for a Walk, Hike, or Bike Ride

Allison grew up just minutes from Fort Worden State Park, which has tons of wooded trails to explore. A great place to start is at the parking lot just inside the West Gate. You can access all the trails on Artillery Hill from there by winding your way up. Along the way you’ll see bunkers and have great views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

The Larry Scott Trail is one of Allison and Chris’s favorite places to get a long run in, and it is also perfect for walking and biking. Start in the Boat Haven and go up to seven miles out, or turn around early for a shorter trip. You’ll pass by the Port Townsend Paper Mill, where Allison’s dad Jerry has worked for over 30 years. Don’t worry if you smell a funky odor in that area from the ASB (aerated stabilization basin) pond, a 33-acre treatment pond. You might also get a glimpse of a great blue heron fishing along the water during low tide, or birds and deer farther into the wooded parts of the trail.

One of Allison’s favorite hikes in the Olympic Mountains is Marmot Pass, which is accessed from the Upper Big Quilcene Trail. The route to the pass is 6.25 miles, but you can also shorten it by turning around at Shelter Rock, about 2.5 miles in. The first part of the trail goes through an old growth forest along the river, and then you climb up the mountain through alpine meadows and exposed ridges to the pass. At the pass, you’ll get to enjoy expansive views of the Olympics and beyond.

Shop for a Souvenir

Downtown Port Townsend has tons of cute shops, where you’ll find everything from cooking supplies and jewelry to bike gear and oil paintings. The shops are located in the historic Victorian buildings downtown, so even if you don’t want to buy anything, it is a great place to wander around and snap photos. Some of Allison’s favorites are Abracadabra, The Green Eyshade, Port Townsend Gallery, Imprint Books, and the Candle Store.

Visit the Beach

Chris grew up by the beach in California, and Allison grew up by the beach in Port Townsend, so we both love getting a chance to feel sand between our toes. In Port Townsend, one of the best beaches is at Fort Worden State Park. Park in the ample parking along the beach and put a blanket down on either side of the pier. The water is cold, but you can warm up on the soft gray sand, build sand castles, and test the water with your toes.

Another great beach option is a beach walk from North Beach County Park. You can go either left towards Glass Beach or right towards Fort Worden. The beach is rockier, but you can see tidepools filled with tiny crabs, sea anemones, limpets, and more. Afterwards, learn about the creatures at the Marine Science Center at Fort Worden.

Experience History

Port Townsend was officially established in 1851, and was home to Europeans and Native American tribes long before that, so it has a ton of history to learn about!

  • Wander around Uptown to see Victorian houses painted in bright colors with gingerbread decorative trim
  • Check out the jail and more at the Museum of Art and History, operated by the Jefferson County Historical Society. There are also quite a few other small museums and exhibits in the area.
  • Stop by Haller Fountain and imagine what life was like for Victorian ladies who had to climb the stairs without showing their ankles.
  • Play hide and seek in the bunkers at Fort Worden. Don’t miss the former locations of disappearing guns! A great place to get to the bunkers is from the parking lot near the lower (beach) campground. You can also see the lighthouse and get to the beach for more options.

Eat and Drink

Port Townsend has lots of unique dining options. You won’t find too many chain restaurants, but you can find a huge variety of options.

Allison and Chris love Velocity Coffee in the Northwest Maritime Center for high quality espresso. Its where we did our cake tasting!

For breakfast, one of Allison’s favorite spots is Hudson Point Cafe in at Point Hudson. It is located in a cool old building and has delicious options with local ingredients.

For lunch, you can’t go wrong with a slice of pizza from Waterfront Pizza. Chris loves pizza, and says this one has great toppings. The sourdough crust is unique and substantial enough to load up with lots of veggies, meats, and cheeses. Another fun lunch option is Dogs-A-Foot hot dog stand, near Pope Marine Park. Grab a foot long dog and walk over to City Pier to enjoy.

For dinner, you can stick with an Italian theme at Lanza’s Ristorante, or go for seafood at Doc’s Marina Grill. There is tasty Mexican food at El Sarape, and The Silverwater Cafe. Chris has been on a Thai food kick lately, so you might see him with Allison at Khu Larb Thai.

For dessert, Elevated Ice Cream is the place to go. They have scoops of delicious homemade flavors like Local Raspberry, Cardamom, and Swiss Orange Chocolate Chip, plus non-dairy Italian Ices, coffee, and handmade chocolates. Allison and Chris try to make an Elevated trip every time they visit Port Townsend, and we’ll be serving their ice cream at our reception.

Have an Adventure

And More!

Check back soon for more ideas on what to do in Port Townsend and the Olympic Peninsula!