Old Fort Townsend State Park

Location: Port Townsend.

Length: Over a mile round trip; connects to more than six miles of trails.

Level of difficulty: Level-to-moderate dirt/gravel trail; can be muddy in places.

Setting: This tucked-away, 377-acre park occupies nearly 4,000 feet of shoreline on Port Townsend Bay. Situated on a 150-foot bluff, with views of Port Townsend and the Cascades, the park area experienced a rather erratic history as a military post.

A fort was first established on the site in 1856 to protect early settlers, but the company was moved several years later to Fort Steilacoom. The fort was reconstructed in 1874, and thrived for 20 years, but in 1895 a fire destroyed the two-story barracks and the post was abandoned.

A kiosk near the main parking lot contains an old photo showing the fort and its wharf, and a terraced area holds a few traces of the previous structures.

Highlights: Walk the Rhododendron Loop trail during May to enjoy the pink blooms of the wild Pacific rhododendron. These tall leggy plants can reach 15 feet high and are concentrated in this area of the park within the largely coniferous forest.

This westernmost park trail is located just inside the entrance to the park (a small pullout just outside the park near the trailhead allows parking for a few cars).

The return segment of the loop (Old Fort Townsend Lane) also features a few rhododendrons. Map kiosks at occasional trail junctions allow you to orient yourself (or print out a map from the Web site).

The annual Rhododendron Festival in Port Townsend, May 15-21, features flower shows displaying hybridized rhododendrons. For more info, see www.ptguide.com/rhodyfest.

Restrictions: Leash and scoop laws in effect. Some park trails are closed to bicycles (including the Rhododendron Loop trail).

Directions: Heading north on Highway 20, two miles south of Port Townsend, turn right on Old Fort Townsend Road and drive a half mile to reach the park. For more information: 360-344-4412 or www.parks.wa.gov.

Cathy McDonald, a Renton-based freelance writer, is a regular contributor to Northwest Weekend