Fort Worden Weekend Getaway Review

Do you need to get away from it all and completely immerse yourself in a different world? Fort Worden is unlike any place you have ever stayed and is certainly a world of its own.

Fort Worden was once a fully functioning military base home to nearly 1,000 troops. The fort was headquarters for the “Triangle of Fire” designed to defend the Puget Sound from invaders.

Guests walk in the footsteps of soldiers and step into what military life was like 100 years ago. 73 historic buildings and accommodations have been freshened up but retain all of their original charm.

Although the fort is located right next to the incredible town of Port Townsend you’ll find you don’t really want to leave this enormous property. Incredible views, cafes, a restaurant, four museums, 12 miles of trails and two miles of walkable saltwater beaches ensure that you’ll have plenty to see and do. Each guest is issued a map upon check in and trust us you’ll need it.

Accommodations

We stayed in Corporal’s Housing which is a lovely street of duplexes on the fort’s west side, complete with old fashioned lamp posts. Guests can also stay in a castle (the Fort’s original building), cottages, Officer’s Victorian style homes, studios and group housing. The larger homes are perfect for family get togethers or wedding parties.

Our guest house had original tin ceilings, wavy glass windows and beautifully detailed woodwork. We rocked our cares away on the front porch, waving to neighbors and passers by. Our kitchen was stocked with every type of dish or cooking tool we could need so we spent the evening making dinner and playing board games (which we borrowed from the check in desk). As we looked through the large double hung windows we could see our neighbors doing the same.

Front porch Corporal's housing Fort Worden review

Antique tin ceiling and original woodwork banister Fort Worden

front window double hung wavy glass original window Fort Worden

guest room corporal housing Fort Worden review

Trails

Construction for the fort began in 1898 and required a complex system of roads and trails. 12 miles of hiking and biking trails work their way through the fort.

We spent one day exploring Artillery Hill and the Bluff Trail. The main gun line and highest viewpoints kept us busy most of the day. On our second day we explored the Kinzie building and Point Wilson Lighthouse.

Dining

Reveille Cafe - The Fort boasts its own special blend of coffee (and it is delicious). Thoughtfully made bites and grab & go snacks are also available. Warning if you eat here that song will be in your head all day. You know the one. “He’s in the army now, a blowin’ reveille, he’s the boogie woogie bugle boy of Company B.”
Taps at the Guardhouse - Yes, they definitely have beer on tap here. You can also find tasty meals and live music occasionally.
Cablehouse Beach Canteen - A former storage facility is now a general store and has snacks available.

Museums

Four museums are located at the fort. We visited the Coast Artillery Museum which illustrated that although the fort never saw action it was certainly prepared to. Well worth the admission fee of only $8.00.

The Commanding Officer’s Quarters Museum is a home staged exactly as it might have looked during the fort’s heyday. Guests can also visit the Marine Science Center Marine Exhibit or the Orca Exhibit.

Lighthouse

The Point Wilson Lighthouse is beautiful enough for a visit even if you aren’t staying at the fort. An operating lighthouse has been located on Point Wilson since 1879 and the current lighthouse has been in operation since 1914. The surrounding sandy beaches were the perfect place for a picnic.

Whether you would like to take a step back in time, watch as nature reclaims what was lost or let a saltwater breeze carry your cares away, Fort Worden has something for you. Our only regret is that we didn’t stay longer. We plan to make Fort Worden a place we come back to each year.