Many of the homes and buildings built during the late 1800's were of the ornate Victorian architectural style.  Called the "City of Dreams" because of the early speculation that the city would be the largest harbor on the west coast, those early dreams failed to materialize.  Other Puget Sound ports grew rapidly, but Port Townsend saw a decline when the Northern Pacific Railroad failed to connect the city to the eastern Puget Sound city of Tacoma. By the late 1890's the boom was over.  

What makes Port Townsend makes so attractive today?   The Victorian architecture, the beautiful setting, stunning mountain and water views, unique shops and gallaries, excellent restaraunts, music and arts programs, and the excellent weather all combine to make this a very special place. Since Port Townsend also sits in the Olympic Mountains "rain shadow" as does Sequim, its neighbor to the west, it has a very active outdoor community as well.  

Port Townsend is the eastern terminus of the Olympic Discovery Trail, a non-motorized recreational rail trail which will eventually extend to Port Angeles, and points farther west. It is unpaved, but nearly level, perfect for many activities. The portion of the trail from town to the Four Corners intersection on Highway 20 is designated  The Larry Scott Memorial Trail. (See “General Trail Information” under the “Planning a Visit” tab from the home page.)   For a very comprehensive guide to Port Townsend and its many attractions and activities, see www.PTguide.com and www.EnjoyPT.com