Fort Flagler State Park
Park Historic coastal fort turned state park
On Marrowstone Island at Admiralty Inlet, Fort Flagler offers campsites, waterfront trails and preserved coastal batteries with wide views over the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Fort Flagler State Park is a Washington State park on Marrowstone Island at the entrance to Admiralty Inlet, near Port Townsend. The site occupies the grounds of a former coastal artillery fort with preserved batteries and military structures.
The park’s main attractions are the preserved concrete gun batteries and magazines, historic barracks and parade ground, plus shoreline camping and miles of saltwater frontage for beach access and tidepooling. Interpretive signage explains the fort’s role within Puget Sound’s defenses.
Constructed as a coastal defense installation in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the fort later passed to state control and was converted to park use while retaining many original structures. Military facilities remain prominent landscape features.
Situated on Marrowstone Island on the northeast side of Puget Sound, the park is adjacent to Admiralty Inlet and is near the town of Port Townsend on the Olympic Peninsula side of the inlet.
- Triangle of coastal forts: Part of a coastal defense network that included Fort Worden and Fort Casey; the three forts guarded Admiralty Inlet into Puget Sound.
- Recreation and history: Park offers shoreline access on saltwater, with public campsites, trails and interpretive signs about the fort's military history.
What to See #
- Concrete gun batteries: Several preserved concrete coastal-artillery gun batteries and associated magazines that remain visible on the park grounds.
- Historic buildings and parade ground: Historic barracks, officers' quarters and a parade ground retained from the fort's period of military use; many buildings are repurposed for park visitor services.
How to Get to Fort Flagler State Park #
Fort Flagler is on Marrowstone Island, just across from Port Townsend. From Port Townsend take WA-116 north across the Marrowstone Point causeway; follow local signs to Fort Flagler State Park. The park is about a 15-20 minute drive from downtown Port Townsend and roughly 1.5-2 hours from Seattle (including the ferry). Parking is available at the main lot near Battery Kinzie; trailheads and campsites are a short walk from the lot.
Tips for Visiting Fort Flagler State Park #
- Arrive at low tide to explore the tidal flats and find old concrete foundations revealed by the receding water.
- Park at the main lot near Battery Kinzie for the easiest access to the central fortifications and the short walking circuit.
- Bring binoculars in spring and fall for migrating raptors that ride the Strait of Juan de Fuca winds.
- If camping, reserve sites in advance through Washington State Parks; primitive sites fill on summer weekends.
Best Time to Visit Fort Flagler State Park #
Best visited late spring through early fall for mild weather and clearer skies; winter offers storm-watching but trails can be muddy.
Weather & Climate near Fort Flagler State Park #
Temperate climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (576 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall.
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August
August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. The driest month with just 23 mm.
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September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).
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December
December is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with 81 mm of rain.