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FORT WORDEN
STATE PARK
Fort
Worden, which dates back to 1897, used to be part of the "Iron
Triangle," a series of forts at the entrance to Puget Sound
(thankfully never tested). Much of the 19th-century U.S. Army
fort remains in use, albeit for recreational, artistic, and educational
purposes. If it was a military hub in its glory, these days it
serves as the perfect jumping off point for runs to downtown,
uptown, North Beach, or Cappy's Trails. But there's no reason
to ever leave the fort, which has plenty to see and experience.
The trail along the Chinese Garden Pond to North Beach oozes
serenity, while the trails and tunnels and overgrown roads through
the old bunkers radiate history and an eerie sort of calm. If
you want to amplify the ambience of the fort and its environs,
run early in the morning -- or at twilight.
Address/phone: 200 Battery Way, Port
Townsend, WA 98368; (360) 344-4400.
How to get there: After entering Port Townsend on Sims
Way (SR 20), take a left on Kearney Street. From Kearney, take
a right onto Blaine (T intersection). From Blaine, you'll come
to another T, where you'll want to take a left on Walker, which
eventually curves to the right and becomes Cherry. After crossing
F Street, you'll come to a Y in the road. Stay to the right and
crest the hill. Fort Worden's waiting on the other side.
Mileage/acreage: 433 acres, 11,020 feet of saltwater shoreline,
12 miles of trails.
Terrain: Surfaces vary from soft dirt trails to old cement
roads to sandy/rocky shoreline. If you like hills, you've found
nirvana. The climb to the top of the bluff, where a maze of old
bunkers awaits you, is a heady experience, especially if you
take the steepest route (from the beach campground straight up
via a series of relentless switchbacks). If you prefer flat surfaces,
you'll have to settle for the mostly flat roads around the parade
grounds and the road down to Point Wilson Lighthouse. Low tide
means you can follow the beach southeast to Chetzemoka Park or
west to North Beach.
Scenery: The crown jewel of Port Townsend, not to mention
the state park system, Fort Worden offers spectacular views of
the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Mt. Baker, Admiralty Inlet, Whidbey
Island -- the list goes on.
Amenities: Several bathrooms, water, phone, commons and
cafe, youth hostel, vacation rentals, museums, and camping, to
name a few.
Web site: www.fortworden.org.
LARRY SCOTT
MEMORIAL TRAIL
This
well-groomed trail owes its name to Larry Scott, who, before
passing away from cancer in 1991, helped form the Peninsula Trails
Coalition, served as chairman for the Jefferson County Parks
Board, and was one of the founding members of the Church of the
Rear Derailleur (an esoteric biking club). Built in the late
1990s after the last train left Port Townsend and the tracks
were converted into a path, the trail is a haven for runners,
walkers, and cyclists. Relatively flat and well-marked (with
posts every half mile), it will someday connect with the Olympic
Discovery Trail, if all goes as planned. Just beware a southerly
wind. When the wind blows the wrong way (i.e., from the south),
running along the Larry Scott Trail can become a noxious experience
due to the trail's industrious but stinky neighbor, Port Townsend
Paper Co.
If you find yourself being overcome, turn back the way you came,
cross Sims Way, and jog on over to Kah-Tai Lagoon, an 80-acre
park with a few minutes worth of trails and plenty of waterfowl
(bathrooms, too). On the other hand, if the wind is with you,
continue on even after the trail peters out. Several unofficial
trails lurk nearby for the intrepid explorer looking to patch
together a long run.
Address: The corner of Boat
Street and Washington Street.
How to get there: From Sims Way (SR 20), take a right
on Boat Street (look for Safeway and McDonalds on the left).
Enter Boat Haven and follow Boat Street, which veers right, to
the end, where you'll find parking and a restroom near the trailhead.
Mileage/acreage: 3 miles.
Terrain: Mostly flat, with a slight incline from .5 miles
to 1.5 miles. Gravel surface. Neatly maintained, courtesy of
the Quimper Trails Association. Those hoping for a quick out-and-back
time trial or tempo run will be grateful for the gradual downhill
finish.
Scenery: There's something here for everybody: panoramic
views of downtown Port Townsend and Port Townsend Bay are juxtaposed
against an up-close-and-personal glimpse of the ancient mill,
which churns 24 hours a week, 365 days a year.
Amenities: Bathroom near trailhead. Shipyard also has
a bathroom with showers about a quarter mile toward downtown
(across from boat launch).
Map: here.
CAPPY'S
TRAILS
Enjoy
these trails while you can; a for sale sign recently popped up
plum in the middle of this urban refuge. Cappy's Trails, which
owe their name to Bill Capriatii, a scrap metal connoisseur,
are actually undeveloped (but platted) roads. Urban sprawl can
be detected as it slowly encroaches from several sides (just
listen for the hammers, saws, and heavy machinery), which means
the wild rhododendrons, madrona stands, and second-growth Douglas
Firs that shroud the trails could soon become a fleeting memory.
Watch for deer in the early hours of the day, and listen for
coyotes yapping at sunset.
Address: Entrances can be found
at Hendricks Street and 49th, Cook Ave and Elmira Street, and
at the end of Willamette Street.
How to get there: If you're driving, your best bet is
to turn north on Howard Street from Hastings Ave. Howard Street,
a dusty country road, is a dead end with limited -- and no doubt
unofficial -- parking available near the trailhead.
Mileage/acreage: Approximately 5 miles.
Terrain: Soft dirt and gravel trails, some of which become
mucky from November through April. Aside from the steep hill
leading up to Howard Street and the even steeper climb leading
up to the exit to Cook Avenue, the trails are of the gently undulating
variety: perfect for fast and fun running.
Scenery: Trees, and lots of them.
Amenities: None.
Map: here.
OLD FORT
TOWNSEND STATE PARK
A
state park since 1953, Old Fort Townsend has its roots firmly
planted in the pioneer days of Quimper Peninsula. Built in 1856
by the U.S. Army to safeguard the settlers, it eventually fell
into disrepair and was superseded by nearby Fort Worden and Fort
Flagler. Today, little remains from the park's military origins.
In its place stands a natural cathedral of sorts, with towering
evergreens hiding dark and musty trails. The park plays host
to the annual PTXC 4-miler cross country race, a thrill ride
boasting a nice mix of exposed roots, sharp turns, and blind
corners.
Address/phone: 1370 Old Fort Townsend
Rd, Port Townsend, WA 98368; (360) 385-3595.
How to get there: From SR 20, turn east on Old Fort Townsend
Road, which is roughly two miles south of Port Townsend proper.
The park is another half mile down the road. Park outside the
main gate if you forget to bring parking money ($5 fee).
Mileage/acreage: 367 acres, 3,960 feet of saltwater shoreline,
6.5 miles trails.
Terrain: Soft and extremely forgiving trails, with plenty
of undulation.
Scenery: During the winter, you'll be surprised how dark
-- and kind of spooky -- these trails are. But don't worry: walkers
(and their canines) are more commonly sited than black bears,
bobcats, or bigfoot. If you don't mind the climb back up, follow
the east side of the outer loop down to the shoreline, where
you can view Port Townsend Bay and environs. And be sure to check
out the unofficial trails on the north side of the park entrance,
which lead to mill property.
Amenities: Bathroom, water, camping.
Web site: here.
Stay tuned
for more additions to this section, including Gibbs Lake County
Park, Anderson Lake State Park, Fort Flagler State Park, and
H.J. Carroll Park.
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