Francis Street Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Francis Street Park is a public park located in Port Angeles, Washington.


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Summary

There are several good reasons to visit the park, including the beautiful natural scenery, the peaceful atmosphere, and the many recreational opportunities available. The park is located on the shore of Port Angeles Harbor, offering stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, hiking, fishing, and beachcombing at the park.

One of the main points of interest at Francis Street Park is the beach, which offers opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the tidepools. The park also has a boat launch and a fishing pier, making it a popular destination for boaters and anglers. In addition, there are several hiking trails in the park, including a short trail that leads to a lookout point with panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Interesting facts about Francis Street Park include its history as a former military installation. The park was originally used as a naval base during World War II, and some remnants of the base can still be seen today. Another interesting fact is that the park is home to several species of birds, including bald eagles, ospreys, and great blue herons.

The best time of year to visit Francis Street Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, the park is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy the beauty of the area in any season.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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