General Trail Information (Revised 5/2006)
The Olympic Discovery Trail is planned to run from Port Townsend to Forks, a distance of about 150 miles. Currently there is only a four-mile stretch completed in Jefferson County and a 23-mile stretch in Clallam County.
Jefferson County
In Jefferson County the trail runs about 4 miles from the Port of Port Townsend’s marina just west of downtown Port Townsend west to State Route 20 where a cloverleaf underpass connects with the highway. This is where the trail currently ends. The shoulders on SR 20 heading south to Highway 101 range from adequate to inadequate, especially when traffic is heavy. Riding SR 20 and Hwy 101 is really only suitable for a seasoned cyclist. Drinking water and restroom facilities are available at the marina.
Clallam County
In Clallam County the trail currently extends 23 miles from Whitefeather Way two miles east of Sequim (Mile Post 23) to downtown Port Angeles (MP 0). Access at the east-end of the trail is a hundred yards north of the intersection of Whitefeather Way and Highway 101. Access at the west-end of the trail in Port Angeles is in front of the Red Lion Hotel on the waterfront in downtown Port Angeles.
The trail does not officially exist yet in two places in and near Sequim. If you are heading east to west the trail officially ends on the west side of Carrie Blake Park (M P 20). When you reach the west side of Carrie Blake Park continue west on Fir Street for about ¾ mile until you reach Sequim Avenue (someplaces referred to as Sequim-Dungeness Way). Turn north for about ¼ mile and the trail will intersect Sequim Avenue at Hendrickson Road. You will see signs on the corner of the trail pointing to Railroad Bridge Park . From Sequim-Dungeness Way to Kendall Road, a distance of about a mile there is a separate trail but after Kendall Road you will have to travel on Hendrickson Road until you reach Railroad Bridge Park a distance of about a mile (currently the trail is under construction here). After Railroad Bridge Park the trail is complete and separated from the road all the way to downtown Port Angeles.
Topography
The trail is relatively flat but drops into and climbs out of several creek drainages. McDonnell Creek (MP12.5), Siebert Creek(MP9.5) and Bagley Creek (MP6) have elevation changes of 75-125 feet.
Water
Drinking water is available along the trail at the PA city pier (MM0), Carrie Blake Park (MP20) and Railroad Bridge Park (MP17).
Restrooms
Restrooms are also available at PA city pier (MM0), Carrie Blake Park and Railroad Bridge Park. Sanicans are available (approximately) at Mileposts 15,13 ( Robin Hill Park), 7, 5 and Rayonier Mill parking trail access point (MM2).
Hotels
Hotels are available in Sequim and Port Angeles
Camping
Camping is available at Sequim Bay State Park (360-683-4235) two miles east of Whitefeather Way (MP 25) and at Dungeness County Park (360-683-5847) 2 ½ miles north of where the trail intersects Kitchen-Dick Road (MP14). Camping is also available at; Conestoga Quarters RV Park (ConestogaQuarters.com , (360) 452-4637) on Highway 101, Port Angeles/Sequim KOA (PortAngelesKOA.com (360) 457-5916) on Highway 101. To reach either of these private campgrounds you will need to leave the trail around MP10 and take Old Olympic Highway to Highway 101. There is also a tent camping in Port Angeles at Al’s RV Park at 521 N Lee’s Creek Road (457-9844). This place is located near the east Safeway in Port Angeles and to reach it you need to exit the trail at Morse Creek (MP40 or the Rayonier Mill Site (MP2).
The land adjacent to the trail is all private and as yet, no camping is available next to the trail.
Trail surface
The trail surface is asphalt or chip-seal and suitable for skinny tire bikes for 95% of the distance. Hard-packed gravel covers the remaining 5% of the trail.
Bike Shops (See our webpage for more information)
Sequim- Mike’s Bikes 681-3868 (mikes-bikes.net) has some area maps on line. His shop is moving in May 2005.
Port Angeles- Beckett’s Bike Shop 452-0842
Sound Bikes and Kayaks 457-1240
Port Townsend-Port Townsend Cyclery 385-6470
Williwaw 379-8809
