State Parks and National Parks

Fort Flagler State Park preserves the north end of Marrowstone Island across the bay from Port Townsend. Its 783 acres are surrounded on three sides by 19,100 feet of saltwater shoreline.

Along with Fort Worden and Fort Casey, Fort Flagler guarded the entrance to Puget Sound.

These military posts, established in the late 1890s, were designed to be the first line of defense for the Bremerton Naval Yard and cities of Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia and Everett.

During and after World War II, engineers and amphibious military units were trained here. In 1955, the area became a park.

In addition to 101 standard campsites, two group campsites, and 15 sites with electricity and water, there are two primitive bicycle campsites. Camping is restricted to March through October.

An International Youth Hostel and a Cascadia Marine Trail campsite are located here. Four Victorian vacation houses are also available for rent.

The park features nature displays, three retreat centers (360-385-3701) that accommodate up to 278 people and a seasonal historical museum.

Its strategic location on Puget Sound benefits boaters and beachcombers alike. Boating, scuba diving, windsurfing, bottom and salmon fishing, clamming and crabbing are all permitted.

Two boat launches, 256 feet of moorage space at moorage floats, seven mooring buoys, and a concession make boating and fishing convenient.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service operates a marine lab here.

Landlubbers enjoy four miles of hiking trails and walking or riding bikes on more than 13 miles of roads.

Photo credits in order: Courtesy of Washington