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Visiting Centrum FAQ

Frequent questions

Every great student asks questions. Let’s get you some answers. View frequently asked questions about Centrum, filter by type to view information about travel and meals. Need more answers? Contact us

New Discover Pass parking requirements effective March 1, 2025

Beginning March 1, 2025, a Discover Pass is required on all vehicles parked anywhere inside Fort Worden State Park. Passes are available at many Washington retailers and online for $35 (annual) or $11.50 (daily). A $30 (annual) or $10 (daily) pass is available at BLDG 200 and at the electronic kiosk by the Fort Worden beach (credit card only). For more on Discover Pass: discoverpass.wa.gov

Centrum strongly encourages the purchase of a Discover Pass to directly support Washington State Parks, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and Department of Natural Resources.

What are the benefits of the Discover Pass? It’s more than just a parking pass! Not only do you gain access to millions of acres of public lands for an entire year, but you are also contributing to the preservation, and conservation of Washington state public lands, natural habitats and wildlife. Revenues from the Discover Pass help keep state recreation lands open. – discoverpass.wa.gov

Permanent Washington State Disability placards are accepted as an exemption from the Discover Pass requirement (those passes are blue).  Washington State issued Disability License Plates are also accepted as an exemption.

Temporary placards do not qualify for the Discover Pass exemption but are valid for parking in ADA designated stalls (those passes are red).

  • Permanent Disability placards or license plates.  Only valid at State Parks (you’ll still need a Discover Pass to access lands managed by WDFW or DNR).  Make sure to bring your placard ID card or vehicle registration. Temporary (red) parking placards will not be accepted for day-use parking or camping discounts.  

Here’s a link to the Discover Pass website with a bullet about the placards:

Discover Pass Exemptions and Exceptions | Discover Pass, WA – Official Website

Here’s info about qualifying for the Blue Permanent Pass

https://dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/get-or-renew-disabled-parking-permits/disabled-parking-eligibility

New Real ID travel requirements for domestic flight travel beginning May 7, 2025

Beginning May 7, 2025, US domestic flight travel will require a Real ID compliant state-issued license or ID, or a passport. For more information on Real ID: dhs.gov/real-id

For an exhaustive list of acceptable identification for domestic flight travel see: tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification

Driving directions to Port Townsend

The easiest thing to do is enter 223 Battery Way, Port Townsend, WA 98368 into a map phone app for exact directions from your location.

Via Car from SeaTac Airport

Non-Ferry Route:
From SeaTac airport, you can drive south, via I-5 S to Tacoma, and WA-16 W and WA-3 N to WA-104 W. This route takes approximately 2 hours, 10 minutes at best, and can be congested during rush hours.

Ferry Routes via Car:
From SeaTac, drive to the Downtown Seattle Ferry Terminal (Colman Dock) or the Edmonds Ferry Terminal. Ferries to Bainbridge Island, Kingston, or from Victoria B.C. and Whidbey Island will get you to the Olympic Peninsula.

  • From Victoria, British Columbia via Victoria/Port Angeles Ferry:
    Take the Victoria-Port Angeles ferry (90-minute crossing). Ferry exits onto Laurel St .2 miles. Turn left onto E. Railroad St. 0.1 miles, take 1st right onto N. Lincoln St./US 101 E. and continue for 34.2 miles. Turn left onto WA-20, go 7.8 miles and turn left to stay on WA-20 for another three miles and you have reached Port Townsend.
  • From Vancouver, B.C. via Whidbey Island – Port Townsend Ferry
    Follow Provincial Route 99 south to border crossing. Provincial Route 99 S. becomes I-5 S. Go 46.1 miles take exit 230 toward WA-20/Burlington/Anacortes. Go .4 miles turn right onto WA-20 E. make a U-turn onto WA-20 W. Go 11.8 miles turn left onto WA-20 and continue 16.4 miles turn right to stay on WA-20, go 9.5 miles turn right onto S. Main St. go 0.6 miles (S. Main St. becomes Engle Rd.), go 3.3 miles. Take the Port Townsend-Keystone Ferry. You are now in downtown Port Townsend.

Ferry Travel

NOTE: Ferry reservations are encouraged – and in some high-season periods – required for the Port Townsend/Whidbey Island ferry.

FERRY SCHEDULES (link to current schedule)

How to get here – SeaTac Shuttle option

If you’re interested in transportation from SeaTac to Fort Worden, choose the shuttle option when you register. The shuttle costs: $120 round-trip or $60 one-way. When planning flight travel, keep in mind that travel time to Fort Worden can be around 3 hours, depending on traffic.

For specific travel directions to and around Port Townsend, please see our Contact page for driving and ferry directions.

Seattle-Tacoma Airport (Seatac) to Fort Worden State Park Public Transportation

Travel between Seattle-Tacoma Airport and Fort Worden State Park Options

(estimated travel times, check bus and ferry schedules, Saturday bus schedules are very limited)

  

  •  Greyhound Bus to Jefferson Transit Bus (over 4 hours) – more information: greyhound.com
    • Take Greyhound Bus to Four Corners Park & Ride ($32.98)
    • Take Jefferson Transit #8 to Haines Place Park & Ride (free) – more information: jeffersontransit.com
    • Take Jefferson Transit #2 to Fort Worden State Park (free) – more information: jeffersontransit.com

 

 

  • Private shuttle service
    • Rocket Transportation – ($98 one way, shared shuttle) more information: gorocketman.com/

Inquiring about shuttle van service?

Please email the details of your inquiry and include your contact information, and a member of the Centrum team will follow up.

Where to stay in Port Townsend?

Here is a list of local lodging options available in Port Townsend, WA:

  1. Swan Hotel
  2. The Palace Hotel
  3. Fort Worden

Other Accommodations

Campsites and RV spaces are available at Fort Worden, but they fill quickly. Reservations are made through Washington State Parks. Reserve a campsite.

More camping is available one half mile from Fort Worden: Mule Barn Camp.

For accommodations in Port Townsend, visit enjoypt.com

Accessibility

Centrum strives to provide an environment that is welcoming to individuals of all backgrounds, races, genders, and abilities. Due to the historic nature of the campus, many of the cabins and apartments are not yet wheelchair accessible, but we are committed to finding solutions for the needs of all individuals and ask that residents are forthcoming about their needs. Please inform us how we can best accommodate your visit.

Have accessibility and mobility needs?

For accessibility and mobility needs please contact the Centrum office Monday through Thursday between noon and 4pm at 360 385-3102 ext110. Our box office staff will be pleased to accommodate your needs to the best of our ability. Our lines are very busy, so please leave a message if prompted.

Where can guests access assistive listening devices?

Assistive listening devices are available at all McCurdy Pavilion and Wheeler Theater events.

Is there a fee for purchasing tickets online or over the phone?

No hidden ticket fees, no matter how you purchase! The only fee you will pay is for postage and handling if you choose to have your ticket(s) mailed to you.

18 years and younger free at most events

Guests 18 years of age and younger are free at most events, but reservations are necessary to guarantee space. If you are between 15 and 18 years old please present a picture ID at the door.

What to Bring

All rooms come with linens, blankets, and towels, but you should plan on bringing soap and personal toiletry items. Along with your laptop and/or instrument, please bring anything else that makes you feel at home.

We suggest:

  • a hat
  • sunscreen
  • picks
  • extra strings
  • alarm clock
  • music recording device
  • plenty of extra batteries
  • a flashlight
  • coffee cup
  • tea bags
  • camera
  • snack food
  • reusable water bottle.

If you get cold at night, bring along a light down or fleece blanket too. Layered clothing is strongly recommended; the climate in Port Townsend is variable and can be hot, cold, and windy, all in the same day! Sturdy shoes for hiking the trails at Fort Worden are encouraged.

What can I buy in Port Townsend?

Within two miles of Fort Worden you will find Port Townsend’s charming downtown, where you can get to the post office, a music store, health food store, pharmacy, TWENTY restaurants, gas stations, banks, and several coffee shops.

How to redeem gift certificate or special passes?

Gift certificates or other special passes must be redeemed at the Centrum office at least 48 hours in advance of the event.

Where can I park my bike?

Bikes may be walked in and left along the fence line, riding is not allowed once inside the gates.

Can I bring my pet?

Pets are not permitted inside the venue gates. Service Animals are always welcome. Disruptive animals will not be permitted.

Where may alcohol be consumed?

Beer and Wine Garden patrons should have ID ready to show.

Fort Worden Commons

Meals at Fort Worden State Park are prepared to the highest standards at the Fort Worden Commons. Vegetarian and vegan meals can be arranged.

Other Fort Worden food service

More food options (NOT INCLUDED in meal plans)

Fort Worden public bus route

Jefferson Transit #2: Fort Worden Route departs Haines Place Park & Ride at the top of every hour, from 7am to 6pm, Monday through Friday, and from 9am to 6pm Saturdays.

There is no public bus service on Sundays. Route map and current schedule is available here: jeffersontransit.com/158/2-Fort-Worden-Route. The fare is free.

 

What is the history of Fort Worden State Park?

Traditional territories of Coast Salish people for over 10,000 years, Fort Worden State Park has a long history including use in both World Wars.

The Puget Sound Coast Artillery Museum in Fort Worden State Park details the fort’s history: coastartillery.org

Useful links exploring the history of this area:

burkemuseum.org/collections-and-research/culture/contemporary-culture/coast-salish-art/coast-salish-people

parks.wa.gov/about/news-center/field-guide-blog/fort-worden-historical-state-park-history

About Centrum

centrum-foundation.square.site/product/centrum-s-50th-anniversary-commemorative-book/376

parks.wa.gov/find-parks/state-parks/fort-worden-historical-state-park

 

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