Exploring Port Gamble, WA


After taking the ferry boat from Seattle to Bainbridge Island, WA we made our way towards Port Angeles and drove through a town called Port Gamble. This town looked so pristine and clean that it reminded me of a Hallmark movie set or the backlot at Universal Studios Hollywood in California. Keep reading to learn about Port Gamble in Washington. 

General Store, Theater, and Olympic Outdoor Center


Watch my Port Gamble, WA video below: 



Port Gamble General Store: The historic Port Gamble General Store, established in 1916, still operates today and offers a Sea and Shore Museum upstairs and a cafe that sells sandwiches, burritos, coffee/tea lattes, and ice cream towards the back of the store. Upon entering, you'll see a ton of cute souvenirs ranging from hoodies, shirts, candles, soap, bags, mugs, and more. This store was bustling with people and seemed like the central hub of activity.

Address: 32400 Rainier Avenue, NE Port Gamble, WA

Port Gamble General Store since 1916

Food & Drinks

I ordered a $14 meal consisting of half of a smoked salmon & cucumber sandwich, a cup of butternut squash curry soup, and an oat milk chai latte. It was delicious and the curry flavor was subtle. The sandwich had a smoked salmon cream cheese schmear and thinly cut cucumbers. My brother ordered the tiniest $7 breakfast burrito, which was good since he finished it fast.

Souvenirs 

In my video above, you can see me debating whether I should buy a cute Blue Q zipper pouch labeled, "Evidence." As a true crime fan, I was thinking about how I would use the pouch as it seemed like a practical souvenir.

While in the General Store, I spotted a funny shirt that read, "People in sleeping bags are like soft tacos."

Funny T-shirt

There’s a ton of quirky merch inside the store and I cover it in my walkthrough video above.

Olympic Outdoor Center: What I thought was a fire station was actually the Olympic Outdoor Center, a shop that sells activity equipment like kayaks, life vests, and more. This shop offers bioluminescent kayak tours.  I love how the building was in its original form.

Address: 32379 N Rainier Ave, Port Gamble, WA 98364 


Port Gamble's History


Port Gamble, also known as "Teekalet," is a designated National Historic Landmark, with much of the town preserved to reflect its 19th-century origins. The town was established in 1853 by Andrew Pope's Puget Mill Company, Captain William C. Talbot, and Josiah Keller. This town is one of the oldest company towns on the West Coast.

The founders’ New England roots influence the town's architecture, with many buildings reflecting that style.

Where is Port Gamble?


It's located 1.5 hours away from Seattle, WA and the water towers are a key landmark. This is a great stop if you're on your way back from Olympic National Park and heading towards Seattle. Alternatively, you can visit if you're heading in the opposite direction to Port Angeles from Seattle. 

Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe: The town is located near the reservation of the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, which has a rich cultural history in the region.


Established in 1853

Port Gamble, WA on the map:



Port Gamble’s Charm 

We noticed lots of wedding venue advertisements and it makes sense given how scenic and beautiful the town is.

St. Paul's Church: Built in 1879, St. Paul’s Church is one of the oldest wooden churches in Washington state and remains an iconic structure in the town.

Annual Events: Port Gamble hosts several annual events, including the Port Gamble Ghost Conference, Port Gamble Maritime Music Festival, and the Old Mill Days.


Waterfront views and white picket fences make for a serene environment


Movies and TV: The town’s scenic setting has made it a popular filming location for movies and TV shows, adding to its unique charm. I mentioned how it looked like a Hallmark movie set or backlot at Universal Studios Hollywood. 

Outdoor Activities: The area around Port Gamble is popular for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and kayaking, especially in the nearby Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park.


Where to Stay

There are a number of places to stay if you're interested in spending time in Port Gamble, WA. Waterfront vacation homes are available as well as cottages. 


Port Gamble’s Ghosts 

Port Gamble is known for its ghost tours. Many believe the town is haunted, and tours are offered to explore its scary side. I'm interested in attending the Ghost Conference in November. 


The most haunted house in Port Gamble, WA


Paranormal Investigator Peter Orbea describes how haunted the town is in this video:




Overall, make sure to stop by Port Gamble, WA if you're on your way back to Seattle from Olympic National Park. For us, it was a great stop to stretch our legs, pick up some souvenirs and explore the Sea and Shore Museum. My brother said their restrooms were immaculate, so that's a perk. 

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Have you been to Port Gamble? Let me know in the comments! 


Trip Resources


If you’re planning a road trip, here are some helpful sites that I use. Note, below are affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission for every booking, with no extra cost to you. Thanks so much, in advance!

Booking.com - Anytime we need a rental car, we use this site to find deals. 

Expedia.com - I like to use this site to explore upcoming cruises that I'd like to take. I also refer to it to compare hotel prices, flights, and car rentals. 

GetYourGuide.com - Book things to do, attractions, tours and discover new food. 

VRBO.com - When we’re not staying in an AIRBNB, we’re in a VRBO rental. We use this option when we want to enjoy a full house with individual bedrooms, a kitchen, backyard and other amenities. 

TripAdvisor.com - Anytime I want reputable reviews, tips, and overall advice about a vacation area, I leverage this site. 

Viator.com - Looking for cool tours in your vacation area? This site has a number of options. 


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