There are two ways to ride to Port Townsend from Seattle. This route begins with a ferry trip to Bainbridge island. The other option to get to Port Townsend involves taking the ferry at Mukilteo to Whidbey Island.

Bainbridge has a great little downtown that is just minutes from the ferry landing. There are many shops and restaurants so you can get all the sustenance you need for the day’s ride. Though you are traveling the main highway to Hood Canal, there’s usually not too much traffic, especially if you’ve just gotten off the Seattle ferry and all the cars have gone on ahead of you.

I highly recommend a stop in the adorable town of Port Gamble. There are great views as you enjoy coffee or a meal here. After Port Gamble, it’s all work to Port Townsend. Once you cross the Hood Canal bridge, ignore the signs for Port Townsend and take an immediate right onto Suquamish Way. this will take you on a much more scenic and less heavily traveled journey to Port Townsend.

Things get a little less attractive when you join highway 116 near Port Hadlock-Irondale, but it’s not long before you’re on a dedicated bike trail into Port Townsend. You can follow the main road into Port Townsend if you’re done with riding for the day, but the bike path is much more attractive. That said, it’s also a lot steeper!

There are many hotels and B&Bs in Port Townsend. There is also camping, so depending on your budget, anything is available. There are some great restaurants on the water, and the town is one of the cutest in the Pacific Northwest as far as I’m concerned.

Get some rest for your ride to Port Angeles.