North Beach Park (Port Townsend)
- Freeride, Wave
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Chop
- Spot Type
- Busy
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
North Beach Park (Port Townsend) is a small, clean-water kitesurfing spot best aligned with west to northwest wind days. Conditions are described as choppy with small waves, and the riding area can be constrained because the lagoon has been filled in with sand. The beach is tidal, and at higher tides launching and landing can become more difficult due to driftwood that accumulates along the shore. Strong tidal currents are a key factor in how the session feels on the water; riders should pay close attention to their position relative to the launch. Access is via a city park setting with limited parking, and the spot includes strict, clearly enforced rules about where you may rig and ride. There is a marked swim zone with floating buoys about 50 ft offshore; no riding or rigging is allowed in that area, and riders are expected to operate only on the north side of an imaginary line from the parking area. Because the water is cold year-round and the beach can have sharp, pokey shells, cold-water protection and booties are important. Local enforcement and safety restrictions (including no dogs and no alcohol) are highlighted in available guidance, so arriving prepared and planning around tide and currents is strongly advised.
- Good west wind performance for wind sports
- Marked swim zone with strict rig/ride area enforcement
- Tidal, log-strewn shoreline at times—plan around launch/landing
- Good west to northwest wind options during spring
- Clear, clean water conditions reported for the spot
- Strong-performance wind location during west-wind events
- Solid intermediate kitesurfing base when rules and positioning are respected
- Small, tidal beach with frequent driftwood clutter at higher tides
- Strong tidal currents that can push riders off position
- Cold water year-round
- Limited/controlled riding area due to a marked swim zone and strict rigging/launch rules
- Sharp shells on the beach (booties typically needed)
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W, NW
- Wind Range
- 15–30 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — West to northwest winds associated with frontal systems; strong west wind events are common in this area.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- April, May, June
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–10 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop
- Beach
- Sand — Sand described as the primary beach composition; lagoon fill can reduce riding area.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Small waves; choppy conditions reported.
- Chop Level
- Heavy chop — Chop is specifically mentioned as the main water state.
- Launch
- Medium — Grass field launch; sometimes tricky if winds blow more west than northwest. Launch conditions depend heavily on tide due to driftwood and beach space.
Through the year
November through March is the peak season for winter storms.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Works well with west to northwest winds. The riding area can be limited because the lagoon has been filled with sand, and strong currents and a log-strewn shoreline can make launching and landing tricky, especially around high tide.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–10 m²
Excellent destination during strong west wind cycles, with conditions described as cross-onshore.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.2–5.3 m²
Suitable for experienced foilers, but heavy currents and kelp beds require vigilance.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited
- Wing Sizes
- 3–5 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for North Beach Park (Port Townsend) in the full forecast view.
North Beach Park (Port Townsend) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 1–16 ktsGusts 23 kts
- Direction
- SE143°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2516 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.1–0.7 m5s period
- Temperature
- 7–12 °C
Over the next 7 days, North Beach Park (Port Townsend) is forecast for daytime winds of 1–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 23 kts. The prevailing direction is SE. Waves run 0.1–0.7 m with a period of about 5s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Strong tidal currents
- Sharp and pokey shells on the beach (booties recommended)
- Driftwood logs on the beach (especially at higher tides)
- Kelp beds in the water
- Proximity to shipping lanes in Admiralty Inlet
- Swim-zone restriction (buoys about 50 ft offshore)
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — Spot-level sources indicate no rescue availability at the beach.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest facilities are located in Port Townsend.
Rules of the spot
Rig and ride only on the north side of an imaginary line from the parking point across the grass to the shore. A marked swim zone with floating buoys is about 50 ft offshore; no riding or rigging is allowed there. Rangers are very strict about approved rigging areas. No dogs and no alcohol.
- No riding or rigging in the swim zone (south of the imaginary line)
- No dogs
- No alcohol
- Must rig and kite in approved areas only
- Do not obstruct large commercial vessels (shipping-lane awareness)
- Check tide tables before launching—high tide can leave very little beach and increase driftwood on the landing area.
- Keep an eye on your position relative to the launch because currents can be very strong.
- Rig and ride only in the approved area to avoid the marked swim zone; rangers enforce this strictly.
- Booties are generally recommended due to sharp shells.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Port Townsend
- Nearest Town
- Port Townsend
- Nearest Airport
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) - approx. 100 miles
- Parking
- Limited parking at the northern end of the North Beach parking lot. Park fee is $6 per vehicle per day (as noted in available materials).
- Public Transport
- Jefferson Transit provides bus services; Washington State Ferries connect the region to Whidbey Island.
- Access
- Take San Juan Ave to Kuhn St (dead ends at North Beach) or from Fort Worden, take every right turn. Parking at the northern end of the lot. Limited parking in a residential area.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Camping and vacation rentals are available at the adjacent Fort Worden State Park.
- Food & Drink
- Numerous dining options are available a short drive away in downtown Port Townsend.
- Equipment Rental:
- Limited on-site rentals for wind sports; paddling rentals available at a local maritime center (not kite-specific).
- Gear Storage
- Not widely available; riders typically use personal vehicles.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The area is a mix of maritime culture and rugged outdoor recreation, combining history, nature, and challenging wind conditions.
A former military base with expansive beaches, trails, and historic barracks.
One of only three Victorian Seaports on the National Register of Historic Places.
A hub for sailing and rowing education and the starting point of the Race to Alaska.
Historic waterfront pub with local brews and views of the Admiralty Inlet.
Educational exhibits and touch tanks focused on local marine life.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at North Beach Park (Port Townsend)?
The best overall months at North Beach Park (Port Townsend) are April, May, June.
Which wind directions work at North Beach Park (Port Townsend)?
North Beach Park (Port Townsend) works with W, NW winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at North Beach Park (Port Townsend)?
Recommended equipment sizes at North Beach Park (Port Townsend): Kitesurfing: 7–10 m² · Windsurfing: 4.2–5.3 m² · Wingfoiling: 3–5 m². The typical wind range is 15–30 kts.
What skill level is North Beach Park (Port Townsend) suitable for?
North Beach Park (Port Townsend) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Advanced.