Port Townsend Washington Map

About Port Townsend, Washington

Port Townsend is a locality in Jefferson County, Washington, United States. It has a population of 10,438. The population density is 572.3 people per km². Port Townsend is located at 48.1170°N, 122.7604°W. It observes the Pacific Time (America/Los_Angeles) timezone. ZIP code: 98368.

Port Townsend rests at the northeastern tip of the Olympic Peninsula, a place where the Salish Sea's deep blue meets the dense evergreen forests. It lies 10.0 miles west-southwest of Island, WA (from Island, WA: bearing 236°T), and is situated 5.7 miles north of Port Hadlock-Irondale. The air here carries the distinct scent of salt and pine, a constant reminder of its maritime and woodland embrace, and the light often softens into a luminous haze, particularly during the long, gray afternoons of autumn. Beyond the immediate harbor, the land rises, eventually giving way to the majestic, mist-shrouded peaks of the Olympic Mountains, a constant, silent presence on the western horizon. The town itself is a peninsula, jutting out into the water, and its geography is defined by the intricate dance of tides and the sturdy, weathered piers that reach out into the Puget Sound. The history of Port Townsend is deeply intertwined with its role as a pivotal Victorian seaport, a grand ambition that left behind a legacy of magnificent architecture. Founded in the mid-19th century, it was intended to be the Pacific Northwest's premier gateway, a vision that, while not fully realized, endowed the town with a unique and enduring character. For decades, fishing and logging formed the backbone of Port Townsend's economy, their rhythms dictated by the seasons and the bounty of the surrounding waters and forests. Today, the local economy has diversified, with a growing emphasis on tourism, artisan crafts, and a burgeoning creative community, all drawn to the town's undeniable allure and the slower pace of life it offers. Port Townsend cultivates a cultural character that is both spirited and independent, a reflection of its maritime heritage and its enduring artistic inclinations. The Victorian seaport architecture, with its ornate facades and tall towers, stands as a proud testament to its ambitious past, particularly evident in the National Historic Landmark District. The annual Port Townsend Film Festival draws cinephiles from across the region, and the town square often buzzes with the sounds of live music and local gatherings, especially during the summer months. While no globally recognized figures claim Port Townsend as their sole domain, the town has long been a haven for writers, artists, and musicians, contributing to its reputation as a place that nourishes the creative spirit.

About This Port Townsend Map Page

This page provides an embedded street and satellite map of Port Townsend, Washington — switch between views using the small square in the bottom left-hand corner of the map. Coordinates: 48.117039, -122.760447. Live weather conditions are sourced directly from the National Weather Service, with current observations and a 7-day forecast also powered by Open-Meteo. Real-time local news and world news feeds keep the page current, while a Wikipedia summary or an editorially written description provides background on Port Townsend and Jefferson County.

Detailed location data for Port Townsend includes the ZIP code (98368), telephone area code (425), county seat of Jefferson County (Port Townsend), and school district assignment (Port Townsend School District). These are among the most commonly searched location details for any US city or town.

Location data is drawn from the USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and cross-verified against 2020 US Census records by coordinate proximity — ensuring the correct Port Townsend is identified even where the name is shared across multiple counties or states. Population figures are sourced from the 2020 US Census.