Join us for the Harbor, Ports, and Fort Tour.  The tour begins in Gig Harbor at McDonalds in the Olympic Village Center.  The tour roads are awesome and the views even more so through Mason, Kitsap, and Jefferson counties on the Olympic Peninsula.

The drive is based on the 2019 PNWR Womens Tour route, with some additional roads to cover once we cross the Hood Canal Bridge.  We start the tour and drive some scenic roads through Wauna, Victor, and stop for a break at Belfair State Park.

Next up the tour proceeds through Holly and Crosby with some incredible views and a second break at the Chevron Station and Market on Newberry Hill Road.

Next up is a drive to Port Gamble where we will have our lunch break. Our lunch break will be 60 minutes in the quaint town of Port Gamble, a US National Historic Landmark. Port Gamble is one of the nation's best-preserved western lumber towns and the community has a wide range of shops from antiques to a tea shop to an old-fashioned general store.

There is a nice restaurant in town next to the General Store called Whiskey and Waffles.  This spot has a nice menu and both indoor and outdoor seating available (so yes to anyone with a dog if you eat outside :) ).  There are a few other options for lunch in town as well.  As a reminder most if not all of these options serve alcohol.  Since the tour is still continuing after lunch, please remember that no drivers in the tour may consume alcohol while participating in the tour.  Here is a list of the lunch options.  Please indicate if you will be eating at Whiskey and Waffles during registration.

• Whiskey and Waffles - This spot can accomodate most of us especially with our staggered arrival. It will be pay as you go. (http://whiskeyandwaffles.com/)
• Butcher and Baker Provisions - No indoor seating for this one (https://www.butcherandbakerprovisions.com/)
• House 11 Taproom - Limited menu not open until noon (https://www.house11taproom.com/food)
• General Store - Next to Whiskey and Waffles (pre-made sandwiches and other items)
• Bring your own lunch and eat at a picnic table with a view of the sound!

Quaint and Historic Port Gamble

After the break, we will cross the Hood Canal Bridge and drive along some engaging roads to our next stop in Port Ludlow.  There will be a short break in Port Ludlow before the final leg to Fort Worden State Park where the tour will officially end.

Port Townsend

Fort Worden and a Special Tour of the Port Townsend Marine Science Center

As a special offer, the Port Townsend Marine Science Center has agreed to offer us a tour of their center and teach us about their mission and work for those that pick this option.  They will be staying open one extra hour and ensuring that docents are available.  And due to the size of our group they will also set some special exhibits outside for us as well.  There is a $10 cost per person for the tour, but the fee goes to support the work at the center.  They are excited to host us and they are looking forward to seeing all the Porsche's in the lot by the center.

Fort Worden was a major location for the movie "An Officer and a Gentlemen" from the 1980's and has many interesting things to see and some great views.  There is also a free tour of the Commanders Quarters available if you should be interested.  There should be plenty of parking, but since this is a State Park please remember to bring your Discover Pass.  You can purchase a pass at the park office but it is much better if you have yours in advance.

If you are interested in using the Port Townsend Ferry to Whidbey after the tour please remember that you will need a reservation for that route.

 Note: You will need a Discover Pass for this Tour.

We will probably end up using two cells of cars, so indicate whether you prefer early or later cell (note that there is only a 30-40 min difference in the show times)

More Information on the Port Townsend Marine Science Center

At the north-east tip of the Olympic Peninsula, the Port Townsend Marine Science Center fulfills its mission of empowering conservation for a thriving Salish Sea by welcoming people to discover and delight in the incredible biodiversity of this body of water. Since 1982 they have introduced hundreds of thousands of people to the wonders of the Salish Sea through their exhibits and programs at Fort Worden State Park and, since 2022, at the Flagship Landing building in downtown Port Townsend. Why? Because these waters are amazing—beautiful, dynamic, and brimming with life—and because humans and oceans are interconnected. Our survival depends on healthy seas and oceans worldwide.

We believe humans have a responsibility to be better stewards of our marine environment. And we know this is possible.

“Map of the Salish Sea & Surrounding Basin, Stefan Freelan, WWU, 2009”

The Port Townsend Marine Science Center fulfills its mission of “empowering conservation for a thriving Salish Sea” through engaging exhibits, hands-on educational programs, and vital citizen science projects.

Over 20,000 people every year are inspired by live marine animals and an orca skeleton in our exhibits at Fort Worden State Park, and rotating exhibits in the Gallery downtown.

Thousands more participate in school programs, summer camps, low-tide walks, a lecture series, wildlife cruises, and sustainability workshops.

Over 100 volunteers participate in a variety of roles, including important citizen science projects.