Within the city limits of Port Townsend, Jefferson County.

Acreage

433.56 acres with 11,020 feet of saltwater shoreline on Admiralty Inlet and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Acquired

Fort Worden State Park was acquired in four parcels; the first in 1965 and the last being the 96 acre Chebuhar property with 1,500 feet of saltwater shoreline in 1989, for a total cost of $775,000.

Historical Background

Fort Worden, Fort Casey and Fort Flagler were built between 1897 and 1911 and formed the first line of defense to guard the Puget Sound cities and the important naval shipyard at Bremerton. At the time they were built, these forts had the most modern weapons and fortifications ever designed. The giant cannons of Fort Worden became obsolete with the advent of more sophisticated weapons. After the army left in 1953, the Fort became a state juvenile treatment center.

Since 1973, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission has made the Fort Worden buildings available as conference facilities and vacation housing. The park is listed in both the State and National Register of Historic Places and has been designated a National Historic Landmark.

Facilities

60 picnic sites, 1 kitchen, parking for 511 vehicles, comfort station/bathhouse, dock, 2 mooring floats, 9 mooring buoys, launch float, 2 boat launch ramps, underwater park, 2 tennis courts, ballfield, 7 vault toilets, 5 comfort stations, 80 trailer sites, 3 primitive sites, 15 multi-purpose buildings, snack bar/grocery, laundromat, 3 dormitories, 8 storage buildings, Centrum building, administration building, 5 garages, 2 shops, Youth Hostel building, 2,000,000-gallon reservoir, 12 gun emplacements, marine interpretive building, 25 units of vacation housing, 1,400-seat McCurdy Pavilion. Cascadia Marine Trail campsite.

Conference Center and Vacation Housing:

Since 1973, the Commission has renovated the officers' quarters, theater, chapel, gymnasium, barracks and other facilities necessary to support a vacation housing program and the conference center. In addition, the Commission has added a large dining hall with a seating capacity of 400.

The 25 units of vacation housing were originally built for officers and non-commissioned officers at the turn of the century, providing an ideal atmosphere for family vacations and reunions.

Most of the houses were completely refurbished in 1975 with carpeting and reproductions of Victorian furniture. Those that have not been refurbished are comfortable, with good beds, and most have fireplaces. All kitchens are fully equipped and large enough to prepare a family holiday dinner. The spacious bedrooms are complete with bed linens and towels.

Also available are barracks and dormitories providing housing for up to 365 visitors.

Activities

Picnicking, conferences, fishing, boating, scuba diving, arts and crafts, camping, hosteling, hiking, biking, and cultural arts. The park is the base for a number of youth activities.

Of Special Interest

Numerous performing-arts presentations are made in the restored Balloon Hanger, a 1,400-seat pavilion. Activities include the Seattle Youth Symphony, Port Townsend Blues Festival, Festival of American Fiddle Tunes, Jazz Port Townsend, and many other programs. Chehubar Property designated "Natural Area" in 1992.