500 signed up for ferry spots; program starts Monday

PORT TOWNSEND — Space is going fast for vehicles on the Port Townsend-Keystone ferry.

More than 500 reservations had been made by the end of last week.

Monday is the first day reservations will be in effect.

“We’re really excited about Monday,” said Susan Harris, spokeswoman for Washington State Ferries.

“It will show us if we have it laid out OK.”

Meanwhile, the Port Townsend Chamber of Commerce has released a list of 12 Port Townsend businesses that are taking ferry reservations for vehicles — which includes motorcycles.

Merchants who want to help with reservations can phone the chamber’s Visitor Center at 360-385-2722.

State Ferries on Wednesday will launch online ferry reservations at its Web site, www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries.

Businesses that help travelers make reservations are required to have Internet access or wireless Internet, said chamber General Manager Tim Caldwell.

He said a map showing the locations of participating businesses is being made.

Port Townsend businesses participating so far are:

  • Blue Gull Inn B & B, 1310 Clay St., info@bluegullinn.com.

  • Maestrale, 821 Water St., inquiries@maestraleinc.com.

  • Water Street Brewing & Ale House, 639 Water St., info@waterstreetbrewing.com.

  • Port Townsend Computers, 1200 Sims Way, lehornbeck@gmail.com.

  • Quimper Inn Bed & Breakfast, 1306 Franklin St., thequimps@olympus.net.

  • The Inn at McCurdy House, 405 Taylor St., kathyatpt@gmail.com.

  • T’s Restaurant, 2330 Washington St., info@ts-restaurant.com.

  • Windermere Real Estate, 1220 Water St., pbrowning@windermere.com.

  • Re/Max First Inc., 2500 Sims Way, carthur@ccim.net.

  • Old Consulate Inn bed & breakfast, 313 Walker St., info@oldconsulateinn.com.

  • Holcomb Hideaway, 1823 Holcomb St., opccarol@olympus.net.

    Reservations also can be made at Fort Worden State Park offices, 200 Battery Way, steve.shively@parks.wa.gov; and at Washington State University Extension, Shold Business Park, 201 W. Patison St., Port Hadlock, kbaril@wsu.edu.

    The Port Townsend-Keystone reservation system — modeled on the ferry route after the Anacotes-Sydney, British Columbia route — was launched Monday for phone reservations.

    The system, which will run through Sept. 15, allows riders to reserve space on the 50-car Steilacoom II from 30 days in advance to two hours before sailing.

  • More in News

    Mark Gregson.
    Interim hospital CEO praises partnership, legacy

    Gregson says goal is to solidify pact with UW Medicine in coming months

    Jefferson County Auditor Brenda Huntingford, right, watches as clerk Ronnie Swafford loads a stack of ballots that were delivered from the post office on Tuesday into a machine that checks for signatures. The special election has measures affecting the Port Townsend and Brinnon school districts as well as East Jefferson Fire Rescue. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
    Jefferson County voters supporting school district measures, fire lid lifts

    Port Townsend approving 20-year, $99.25 million construction bond

    Port of Port Townsend Harbormaster Kristian Ferrero, right, watches as a crew from Seattle Global Diving and Salvage work to remove a derelict catamaran that was stuck in the sand for weeks on a beach at the Water Front Inn on Washington Street in Port Townsend. The boat had been sunk off of Indian Point for weeks before a series of storms pushed it to this beach last week. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
    Derelict boat removal

    Port of Port Townsend Harbormaster Kristian Ferrero, right, watches as a crew… Continue reading

    Rob Birman has served as Centrum’s executive director for 14 years. When the arts nonprofit completes its search for its next leader, Birman will transition into a role focused on capital fundraising and overseeing capital projects for buildings Centrum oversees. (Centrum)
    Centrum signs lease to remain at Fort Worden for next 35 years

    Executive director will transition into role focused on fundraising

    Clallam approves contracts with several agencies

    Funding for reimbursement, equipment replacement

    Mark and Linda Secord have been named Marrowstone Island Citizens of the Year for 2025.
    Secords named Marrowstone Island citizens of year

    Mark and Linda Secord have been chosen as Marrowstone… Continue reading

    The members of the 2026 Rhody Festival royalty are, from left, Princess Payton Frank, Queen Lorelei Turner and 2025 Queen Taylor Frank. The 2026 queen was crowned by the outgoing queen during a ceremony at Chimacum High School on Saturday. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
    Rhody coronation

    The members of the 2026 Rhody Festival royalty are, from left, Princess… Continue reading

    Jefferson considering new site for solid waste

    Commissioners direct further exploration

    Public feedback still shaping Clallam ordinance on RV usage

    Community Development department set to move sections of its proposal

    Jen Colmore, Sequim Food Bank’s community engagement coordinator, has been hired as the executive director. She will start in her new role after outgoing director Andra Smith starts as executive director of the Washington Food Coalition later this month. (Sequim Food Bank)
    Sequim Food Bank hires new executive director

    Sequim organization tabs engagement coordinator

    Sara Nicholls, executive director of the Dungeness Valley Health and Wellness Clinic, also known as the Sequim Free Clinic, inspects food items that are free to any patient who needs them. Soroptimist International of Sequim sponsors the food pantry, she said. (Austin James)
    Sequim Free Clinic to celebrate 25th year

    Volunteer-driven nonprofit will reach quarter-century mark in October

    Weekly flight operations scheduled

    Field carrier landing practice operations will take place for aircraft… Continue reading