Mystery Bay State Park
A hidden gem on Marrowstone Island, offering calm bay waters, a long dock, and a peaceful escape for boaters, kayakers, and families.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm waters for kayaking
Mystery Bay State Park
Best Time
Calm waters for kayaking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hidden gem on Marrowstone Island, offering calm bay waters, a long dock, and a peaceful escape for boaters, kayakers, and families. 
"Nice quiet peaceful dock to have a picnic and do some fishing and crabbing, and watch sea lions. "
🚗 Parking & Discover Pass
A Discover Pass is required for parking. Get a yearly pass or pay $10/day. Available at Fort Flagler or local shops.
👟 Beach Footwear
The beach is rocky with barnacles and shells. Wear sturdy shoes; barefoot is risky!
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.2 · 140 reviews
Type
State Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Long Dock
Waterfront
A perfect spot for boaters to dock, walk to their vessels, or enjoy fishing and crabbing with a view of sea lions.
Calm Bay Waters
Mystery Bay
Ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding, especially for beginners, offering a serene experience on the water.
Picnic and Play Area
Grassy Shoreline
Enjoy a meal at a picnic table with a barbecue area, or let kids jump off the dock into the water.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Discover Pass Required
Tides and Beach Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking & Discover Pass
A Discover Pass is required for parking. Get a yearly pass or pay $10/day. Available at Fort Flagler or local shops.
👟 Beach Footwear
The beach is rocky with barnacles and shells. Wear sturdy shoes; barefoot is risky!
🎣 Crabbing & Fishing
Mystery Bay is known for its crab catches and offers a peaceful spot for fishing.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Park
Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a great spot for furry friends to enjoy the outdoors.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking & Discover Pass
A Discover Pass is required for parking. Get a yearly pass or pay $10/day. Available at Fort Flagler or local shops.
👟 Beach Footwear
The beach is rocky with barnacles and shells. Wear sturdy shoes; barefoot is risky!
🎣 Crabbing & Fishing
Mystery Bay is known for its crab catches and offers a peaceful spot for fishing.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Park
Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a great spot for furry friends to enjoy the outdoors.
🚤 Boat Launch Access
A boat launch is available for a $7 daily fee, with mooring options for various boat sizes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors love Mystery Bay State Park for its clean facilities, convenient boat launch, and peaceful atmosphere. It's a great spot for crabbing, fishing, and enjoying calm waters for kayaking or swimming. Some find the beach rocky and limited at high tide, but the overall experience is highly positive for a quiet coastal escape.
"Nice park: bathrooms, picnic table w/barbecue area, long dock and boat launch"
Shappa Baker
"We launch our boat here every year over the Fourth of July! Nice dock to be able to walk to your vessel instead of having to wade through the water. Plenty of parking for trucks and boat trailer and have never had an issue with anyone messing with vehicle or equipment.
The bathroom are always open and very clean. They also keep the toilet paper stocked and sanitizer available right by the door to use on your way out.
Mystery has plenty of beach area to get your feet wet as long as it’s not high.
My kiddos love jumping off the dock into the water every year and mystery is my daughters favorite spot to swim!
We have even taken our kayaks out in the bay which is very calm water and perfect if you are just learning to paddle.
Best part of course are the crab that are caught!
Amenities Include
-Boat launch $7 per day to launch
-Mooring available $ depend on boat size
-Picnic tables
-Bathroom (2)
-Parking -discovery pass required, $35 for one year
-dock
-swimming area
-pet friendly"
Jen McNaught
"Small little park. The parking lot and picnic area is larger than the beach area. Nothing special to see out here but it does have a restroom and is dog friendly. Decent amount of parking."
Jordan Simons
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mystery Bay State Park is located on the west side of Marrowstone Island. It's a short drive from Port Townsend and near Fort Flagler State Park. Access is via land, and boaters can also reach the park.
Yes, there is parking available, including space for trucks and boat trailers. However, a Discover Pass is required for vehicle access.
Absolutely! Boaters can dock or anchor and enjoy the shoreline and waters of Mystery Bay. Mooring is available for a fee depending on boat size.
Marrowstone Island is accessible by car. The drive offers scenic views and leads directly to the park.
Yes, Mystery Bay State Park is close to Fort Flagler State Park and the charming town of Port Townsend, offering additional exploration opportunities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a Discover Pass is required for vehicle entry into Washington State Parks, including Mystery Bay. You can purchase a yearly pass or a $10 daily pass.
A yearly Discover Pass costs $35, while a daily pass is $10. These passes are essential for parking your vehicle at the park.
Discover Passes can be purchased at Fort Flagler State Park offices or from various shops in Port Townsend.
Yes, there is a $7 per day fee to launch your boat at Mystery Bay State Park.
Washington State Parks are generally open from dawn to dusk. It's always a good idea to check the official Washington State Parks website for any specific seasonal hours or closures.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy beach access, marine exploration, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, crabbing, and picnicking. Boaters can utilize the dock and boat launch.
Yes, the bay waters are calm and perfect for swimming, especially for children who enjoy jumping off the dock.
Yes, leashed dogs are welcome at Mystery Bay State Park, making it a great destination for pet owners.
Amenities include clean vault toilets, picnic tables with barbecue areas, a long dock with public moorage, and a boat launch.
Crowd levels can vary. It's generally less crowded during weekdays and off-peak seasons. Weekends and holidays, especially around the Fourth of July, can be busier.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants within Mystery Bay State Park itself. However, the park offers picnic tables with barbecue areas for visitors to enjoy their own meals.
The nearby town of Port Townsend offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to more formal restaurants.
Yes, picnic tables are available, making it an ideal spot for a picnic lunch or dinner. Remember to pack out all your trash.
You can find shops and markets in Port Townsend to purchase snacks and drinks before heading to the park.
The Port Townsend area offers fresh seafood, local produce, and a range of international cuisines.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the long dock, the calm bay waters, the shoreline with its unique rocky features, and the surrounding natural beauty. Sunrises and sunsets can be particularly picturesque.
Yes, the park offers diverse landscapes, from the water and shoreline to the grassy areas, providing excellent opportunities for landscape photographers.
You might spot sea lions from the dock, and the marine environment can be rich with life. Always maintain a respectful distance from wildlife.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
Drone usage in Washington State Parks is subject to specific regulations. It's advisable to check the Washington State Parks website for current drone policies before flying.
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