Pawsome Travels in Port Townsend, Washington
This travel spot is featured in our eighth blog series, Lassies Loved.
What do Port Townsend and Sequim, Washington, have in common? They're both wonderful places for four-legged travelers, and Sequim has a heartwarming dog story to tell! In 2006, four local dog owners regularly met for early-morning walks with their pups near Carrie Blake Park. After an encounter involving an off-leash dog and the police, they realized the community needed a safe place where dogs could run and play. Instead of giving up, these dog lovers joined forces and worked to make it happen. Their efforts led to the opening of Sequim Dog Park at Carrie Blake Park in April 2007, turning a simple idea into a special gathering place for dogs and their people. It's a wonderful example of how a few passionate dog owners made a lasting difference for their community!
Port Townsend, Washington, is a charming seaside town filled with history and beautiful waterfront scenery, while just a short drive away, Sequim offers scenic trails, lavender farms, and inviting places to eat. Together, these two Olympic Peninsula destinations offer plenty of opportunities to explore, relax, and make special memories with your four-legged travel companion. Whether you're strolling through a historic district, enjoying the fresh ocean air, or relaxing on a restaurant patio, there's something for the whole family to enjoy—including the furry members!
Nestled along Washington's Olympic Peninsula, Port Townsend charms visitors with its Victorian architecture, maritime history, art galleries, and beautiful waterfront views. If your pup needs some off-leash playtime, head to Mountain View Dog Park at Mountain View Commons. This approximately one-acre, fenced park has three separate play areas: two larger enclosures for big, active dogs and a smaller area for little, older, or shy pups. With room to run, benches for their humans, and water access, it's a great spot to stretch those legs, socialize, and burn off some vacation energy. For a relaxing outing, visit Chetzemoka Park, where you'll find beautiful gardens, winding paths, open grassy areas, and lovely waterfront views. You can also stroll along the downtown waterfront, where charming red brick buildings line the streets, adding to the town's historic character. When it's time for a bite or a relaxing stop, visit Bishop Block Bottle Shop & Garden. Dogs are welcome in the lobby, bottle shop, and garden. They even offer an assortment of treats and toys for your furry travel companion to purchase at the front desk!
Just east of Port Townsend, Sequim is a wonderful place to explore with your four-legged travel buddy! Nestled in the beautiful Dungeness Valley, this charming community offers outdoor adventures, scenic walks, dog-friendly parks, and lovely Olympic Mountain views. With its sunny climate, Sequim makes a delightful addition to your Port Townsend getaway! For a peaceful waterfront outing, visit Dungeness Landing County Park. This lovely spot along Dungeness Bay offers beautiful water views, beach access, and a birdwatching platform. It's a great place to enjoy the fresh coastal air and explore the shoreline with your leashed pup. For another outdoor adventure, visit Robin Hill Farm County Park, just outside Sequim. This peaceful park features wooded trails, open meadows, and wetlands. Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a lovely place for a nature walk together. Sequim is also known for its beautiful lavender farms. If you're visiting during lavender season, consider adding a farm visit to your itinerary! When it's time for a coffee break, stop by RedDog Coffee! Be sure to ask for a special doggy treat for Fido!
From waterfront strolls and historic streets to peaceful nature trails and special treats along the way, Port Townsend and Sequim have plenty to make tails wag! Whether your pup is exploring new sights, sniffing out new adventures, or simply enjoying time by your side, these beautiful Olympic Peninsula destinations are full of opportunities to make pawsome memories. Here's to wagging tails, happy trails, and wonderful adventures with your best furry friend!
Paws Rest Here
Luie Boone had paw-selected this perfect vacation rental for your stay in Port Townsend, Washington. Check it out below!
Rental Name: Seaside Cottage Waterfront Escape
This rental has 4 bedrooms with 5 beds and 2 baths.
Photos by Brigadoon Vacation Rental
It features the following amenities:
Dungeness Bay Waterfront
Fully equipped kitchen.
Large patio with fire pit & hot tub
BBQ grill
Because this house is so close to the beach, there is a bulkhead from the patio to the beach
2 dogs max
What would Luie Boone have thought of this rental? He would have woofed:
My humans had planned a wonderful getaway, and I was so excited to join them! We were heading to Seaside Cottage Waterfront Escape on Dungeness Bay in Sequim, Washington, where beautiful waterfront views and fresh salty air awaited us.
I had heard that whales sometimes traveled through the nearby Strait of Juan de Fuca, which could be seen across Dungeness Bay from the cottage! I hoped to spot one, and my stuffed whale, Moby, who was coming along, could meet his real-life whale cousins. It was going to be one whale of a vacation! The charming, one-level cottage offered panoramic water views, a large patio with outdoor furniture for dining and lounging, a BBQ grill, a fire pit, and a hot tub. My humans could have enjoyed watching the stars, listening to the waves, and relaxing after a day of exploring. Inside, there was a fully equipped kitchen and high-speed internet. Best of all, it was pet friendly!
One little caution for my fellow pups: Getting down to the beach required going over a bulkhead from the patio, so some agility was needed. It might not be easy for every dog or human to access the shoreline.The local water utility occasionally shut off the water briefly for maintenance. I thought that sounded pretty pawsome—maybe no baths for me! Sadly, before our trip could happen, I crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. My humans were heartbroken and decided they couldn't enjoy the getaway without me. Although Moby and I never got to see the whales, the love and memories we shared remained forever in their hearts!
Paws Venture Here
Luie Boone had sniffed out and dug up these local gems for you to check out while vacationing in Port Townsend, Washington
Dungeness Railroad Bridge
Take a pawsome stroll across the historic Dungeness Railroad Bridge!
Built in 1915, this wooden railroad trestle once carried trains transporting passengers and timber across the Dungeness River.
After its railroad days ended, the bridge was restored for pedestrians and bicyclists and became part of the Olympic Discovery Trail.
Today, visitors and their leashed pups can enjoy a walk across the bridge while taking in the beautiful river and wooded views.
Along the way, look for the fun Animal Olympics signs featuring a crab, bear, cougar, frog, hummingbird, squirrel, grasshopper, and dipper. These wildlife-inspired activities encourage visitors to imitate the movements of different animals. It's a playful way to add a little extra fun to your bridge adventure!
With its interesting history, scenic views, and wildlife-inspired activities, the Dungeness Railroad Bridge is a wonderful dog-friendly stop to add to your Sequim travels!
Sequim Bay
Sequim Bay is a beautiful spot to enjoy the peaceful side of Washington's coastline.
Located along the northern Olympic Peninsula, this sheltered bay offers lovely blue-water views, scenic shorelines, and a backdrop of surrounding hills and mountains.
The bay has a rich connection to the S'Klallam people, whose homeland has included these shores for thousands of years. Its sheltered waters, protected by natural sandspits, make it a lovely place to watch seabirds and enjoy the coastal scenery.
It's also a wonderful place to slow down, enjoy the fresh salty air, and take in the views with your four-legged travel companion. A lovely coastal stop for the whole family
Memory's Vault
Looking for a unique little stop to explore with your four-legged travel companion?
Memory's Vault at Fort Worden in Port Townsend is certainly worth a visit!
This unusual outdoor memorial features seven towering metal pillars inscribed with poetry by Sam Hamill.
Created by sculptor Richard Turner, it was designed as a place for reflection and remembrance.
For our furry explorers, the surrounding wooded setting offers plenty of interesting sights and smells along the way.
Take a leisurely stroll, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, and let your pup investigate this unusual landmark (on leash, of course!).
Don't forget your camera—it's a fun spot for a memorable travel photo!
It's a lovely reminder that some of our most treasured memories are the adventures we share with our four-legged best friends.
Kah Tai Lagoon Nature Park
Kah Tai Lagoon Nature Park is a peaceful little nature escape right in Port Townsend and a lovely place to enjoy a leisurely stroll with your four-legged travel companion.
The park features a scenic lagoon, wetlands, grassy areas, and walking trails.
It's especially popular with birdwatchers, so keep an eye out for ducks, herons, and other feathered visitors along the way.
Kah Tai Lagoon has a story worth knowing!
Originally a tidal estuary, the area was important to the S’Klallam people, who used it as a canoe portage between waterways.
Over the years, roads and development changed much of the natural lagoon.
Thanks to local residents who worked to protect the remaining wetlands, Kah Tai became the nature park visitors enjoy today.
The trails offer a nice opportunity to stretch your legs, enjoy the fresh air, and take in a little nature without heading far from town.
Keep your pup close and on leash to help protect the birds and wildlife that call this special place home.
A quiet little nature break with a bit of local history for you and your furry travel buddy!
Manzanita Loop
Manzanita Loop at Miller Peninsula State Park is a lovely trail to explore with your four-legged travel companion!
Enjoy a peaceful walk beneath the trees, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature.
The trail offers a wonderful opportunity for your pup to sniff, explore, and enjoy the great outdoors right alongside you.
Here's a fun local fact: Sequim sits in the Olympic rain shadow!
The Olympic Mountains block much of the moisture coming in from the Pacific Ocean, giving this area a drier climate than many other parts of the peninsula. That means more opportunities to enjoy the beautiful outdoors with your furry travel buddy!
With its woodland scenery, fresh coastal air, and peaceful surroundings, Manzanita Loop makes a delightful addition to your Sequim adventures!
Glass Beach
A visit to Glass Beach is a fun little coastal adventure for you and your four-legged travel companion!
Located near North Beach in Port Townsend, this shoreline is known for the colorful pieces of sea glass that can be found among the rocks and pebbles.
As you wander along the beach, keep an eye out for little treasures polished smooth by years of tumbling in the ocean.
Your pup will have plenty to investigate, from the salty sea air to the interesting scents carried along the shoreline.
It's a lovely spot to slow down, enjoy the coastal scenery, and share a little beachcombing adventure together.
Just remember to watch those curious paws around sharp glass and rocky areas, and keep your furry explorer close by.
A little tip: Glass Beach is best explored at low tide, so check the tide schedule before heading out. The shoreline can become difficult or unsafe to walk as the tide rises.
And remember, leave the sea glass behind for others to discover and enjoy.
Purple Haze Lavender Farm & Gift Shop
Purple Haze Lavender Farm is a beautiful place to experience a little of Sequim's famous lavender country, and it's even better when you can bring your furry friend along!
This charming seven-acre farm features beautiful rows of colorful lavender, lovely garden areas, and peaceful spots to wander and relax.
Leashed dogs are welcome to join you as you explore the grounds, taking in all the interesting sights and wonderful scents along the way.
During the summer season, you can enjoy a refreshing lavender lemonade or treat yourself to some delicious lavender ice cream at the farm's seasonal refreshment stand.
There's also a charming gift shop filled with lavender products and unique goodies to browse.
The lavender usually begins blooming in late June and continues through July, making summer a particularly beautiful time to visit.
It's a lovely place to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and share a little lavender-country adventure with your best furry friend!
Dogs-A-Foot
What's a vacation without a tasty treat for your four-legged travel companion?
Dogs-A-Foot in Port Townsend is a fun little stop where both you and your pup can enjoy a hot dog!
This seasonal outdoor hot-dog stand features a walk-up ordering window and picnic tables overlooking Pope Marine Park.
There's no need to leave your furry friend behind while you grab a bite.
Your pup is welcome to join you as you relax outdoors and enjoy the waterfront surroundings.
And here's the best part for your canine companion: Dogs-A-Foot offers a special menu item called the "Bowzer" hot dog, made just for dogs! It's a fun little treat that lets your best friend enjoy something special, too.
Whether you're stopping for a quick lunch or taking a break during your Port Townsend adventures, Dogs-A-Foot is a delightful place to share a casual meal with your favorite travel buddy.
Because vacations are always better when everyone gets a treat!
Luie Boone's Pet Peeve about
Port Townsend, Washington
There's just so much to love about this vacation destination, but there's one thing that would have put Luie Boone's leash in a twist and he would have woofed:
My humans had planned a vacation for us to Port Townsend, Washington, a charming coastal town with beautiful waterfront views and a chance to spot whales. I thought it would be fun to bring my favorite stuffed whale, Moby, along so he could see a real whale, too! Back in March 2020, two orcas were spotted near Fort Worden State Park, just north of downtown, and Point Hudson, a marina along the waterfront. One was even carrying a seal, and the pair swam beneath the Port Townsend Marine Science Center dock at Fort Worden! What a commotion over a couple of whales! No wonder my humans were always watching the water, hoping to spot one. Meanwhile, I had to wonder, what about Moby? Why all the fuss over those giant whales? Moby was soft, cuddly, easy to carry, and never made a big splash. He didn't need a whole crowd of admirers or a dock full of spectators. In my opinion, he was whale-come company!
Sadly, I crossed the Rainbow Bridge before we ever had the chance to take our planned vacation. I never got to see those real whales, and our trip never happened. But Moby remained a special part of our family, holding many wonderful memories of the adventures we had shared!
Comments