Ask your average eastern Washingtonian where Port Townsend is located and you’re likely to be met with a blank stare or a vague reference to “the west side.” The small town is a well-kept secret. It’s a hidden gem tucked away in the Puget Sound just west of Whidbey Island. Today we’ll be taking a close look at the dreamy little town on the Olympic Peninsula. We’ll shine a light on the area and give some love to the little coastal haven.

Port Townsend is located on the northern reaches of the Quimper Peninsula of Washington State. Though a relatively small city, it is the only incorporated community in Jefferson County. This means that the surrounding areas are largely uninhabited and begging for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and camping.

Rainfall

The Olympic Peninsula of Washington State receives among the most rainfall in the world, let alone the United States. Home to Olympic National Park, the surrounding rain forests accumulate between 150 and 200 inches of rain annually. Compare that to our annual average of approximately 44 inches in the Tri-Cities. Now you can clearly see the disparity in climate. That being said, Port Townsend is located on the east side of the Olympic Mountains. This places it securely in a rainshadow. Therefore, the city receives far less rainfall than its surrounding areas. Only about 19 inches annually, which is less than us!). If you’re interested in the rainshadow effect, check out our other article detailing the Climate of the Tri-Cities.

Within the city of Port Townsend, you’ll notice numerous Victorian houses and buildings still present from the late 1800s. This architectural style defines the city and, more broadly speaking, Western Washington as a whole. The Port Townsend Historic District is on the registry of National Historic Landmarks, so it’s worth a bit of exploration. You never know what you might discover!

Noteworthy Businesses

Port Townsend offers a variety of dining and entertainment options suitable for people of all ages and interests. There are too many to shine a spotlight on in a single article. However, we’ll try to cover more when we revisit the subject in the future.

Port Townsend Vineyards | 2640 W Sims Way

A modern winery with an unforgettable atmosphere featuring a dazzling array of quality wines and with cheeses. If you’re over 21 years old and need a place to relax, search no farther!

Thuja | 911 Water St

Thuja is so much more than a home goods store. A family-owned business in the middle of Port Townsend, it is one of those shops that just feel right to step inside.

Fountain Café | 920 Washington St

A quaint American restaurant near the corner of Washington Street and Taylor Street, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu here. It has remained the highest rated eatery in town for a reason.

All in all, there are a thousand reasons that you should visit Port Townsend at your soonest opportunity. It’s a beautiful town on the Puget Sound where the air is crisp and salty. The locals pull their food straight out of the water and treat visitors like family.

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *