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FULL DAY EXCURSIONS - West
PORT TOWNSEND AND KITSAP PENINSULA
Travel aboard a Washington State Ferry from downtown Seattle to Bainbridge Island, 35 minutes across Puget Sound with spectacular views of the Cascade and Olympic Mountain ranges. On Bainbridge Island you'll find unique shops, a winery, and the Bloedel Reserve, 150-acre (60 hectares) estate of second growth forest, gardens, ponds, meadows and wildlife habitat. Poulsbo is a picturesque Norwegian community on the shores of Liberty Bay noted for its antique shops, the Marine Science Center and Sluys famous bakery.
On the way be sure to visit the Suquamish Museum and Old Man House in Suquamish, gravesite of Chief Sealth, namesake of Seattle. From Poulsbo, head north and east to Port Gamble. This small town is steeped in 1850s New England, with its characteristic architecture. This national historic site includes North America's oldest-continually-operating sawmill site and a company town; hiking options include the Dungeness and Gray Wolf Trails in the Olympic National Forest.
Cross the Hood Canal Floating Bridge and continue to Port Townsend. This entire town is a national historic landmark and is considered the best example of a Victorian seaport north of San Francisco. There are more than 70 old Victorian residences, buildings, forts, parks and monuments in this charming town. The Jefferson County Historic Museum in Old City Hall exhibits artifacts and hundreds of photos from Port Townsend's early days. Port Townsend also hosts the Rhododendron Festival in May, a summer jazz festival and Centrum Music Series. Restaurant settings range from sidewalk cafes to formal Victorian dining rooms. Be sure to allow plenty of time to explore the town's shopping areas, where perfectly detailed and restored buildings house potters, painters, sculptors, weavers and writers. At nearby historic Fort Warden State Park, visitors are treated to stunning views of Whidbey Island, the San Juan Islands, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Look closely — you may recognize locations from the hit movie, "An Officer and a Gentleman."
Westward from Port Townsend, your route will take you to Sequim (lavender fields and a July Lavender Festival) and the Dungeness Spit (five-plus miles of bird and marine activity — and a lighthouse). South of Port Angeles, be sure to include a visit to Hurricane Ridge (5,200 ft/1,585 meters), the crown of Olympic National Park. Marvel at spectacular scenery, stroll the short alpine trails with an interpretive ranger, view a 12-minute film at the Visitor Center. In Port Angeles, stop at the Clallam County Museum or Port Angeles Fine Art Center. If time allows, you may want to extend your day tour to Lake Crescent, a glacier-carved lake only 15 miles (25 km) west of Port Angeles. |
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