History

Like any 130 mile trail and/or converted rail grade, there is a long history behind what we see and enjoy today.  This page celebrates the ODT’s past as well as how far it has come.

Peninsula Trails Coalition

1988 Founding the Peninsula Trails Coalition (PTC)
The idea grew out of discussions between 3 young peninsula bicyclists who were interested in creating a public access trail for non-motorized travel between Port Townsend, Port Angeles, and the Pacific Coast.

The (PTC) was incorporated as a non-profit corporation of the State of Washington in 1988 and granted 501(c)3 status. It’s mission: “To represent the hiking, biking and equestrian communities of the North Olympic Peninsula.”

The idea took root and the Olympic Discovery Trail (ODT) was created. The trail was to connect the population centers of the area, from Port Townsend on Puget Sound west toward Forks, about 100 miles, utilizing as much as possible the abandoned Milwaukee Railroad corridor. This mission was later expanded to extend the trail another 30 miles to LaPush on the Pacific Ocean.

Olympic Discovery Trail

** Your help and support are making this happen! **

Olympic Adventure Route

ODT: The ADVENTURE ROUTE SEGMENT

2005 Let the Adventure Begin

Whether on horseback, cycle, or a foot, the Adventure Route is an exhilarating, no-services, out-in-the-woods experience from the State Hwy 112 parking lot to Lake Crescent. Sustainable 8% grades are frequent, and tight downhill switchbacks are thrilling and breathtaking.

This 26-mile route (22 miles single-track & 4 miles of logging road) is an off-road alternative for horsemen, mountain bicyclists and hikers. Hand-built by the Clallam County Chain Gang and the volunteer Thursday Trail Crew using hand tools, chain saws, and mechanical wheelbarrows, they

  • removed brush, stumps and roots
  • hauled rock and gravel
  • packed and leveled trail
  • felled, cut and stacked logs for trail boundary, bridges and stringers
  • built turnpikes and crib walls
  • dug and trenched wet areas
  • buried culverts

The OAR is maintained by Adopt-a-Trail members, Backcountry Horsemen Association members and interested nearby residents. These groups have tackled all of these tasks plus contributed toward maintenance of the trail system as winter storms pass, often ravaging trees and freshly made trail. If you are interested in volunteering, please email AaTmanager@olympicdiscoverytrail.org.

The Kitsap Connection

A trail connecting Kitsap County with Jefferson County is in the concept stage. This connector trail would continue the 100-mile Mountain to Sound Greenway east of the sound, to Bainbridge Island, across the Kitsap Peninsula and connect with the Olympic Discovery Trail at Discovery Bay.

A suggested route in Jefferson County might be from the Hood Canal Bridge to Port Ludlow, moving close to Anderson Lake State Park and connecting with the ODT somewhere near Eaglemount Rd—a spectacular viewpoint overlooking Discovery Bay.

The Bainbridge-Hood Canal Bridge route would run from downtown Winslow, along State Hwy 305 to the Agate Pass Bridge. From there it would go north to Poulsbo, along the waterfront at Liberty Bay, cross State Hwy 305, move to Big Valley Rd, and then meet State Hwy 3 just east of the Hood Canal Bridge.

The Kitsap-Jefferson county connection could become part of the developing North Kitsap String of Pearls—a cycling route that links the region’s historic waterfront villages with a system of interconnecting trails and open space corridors.

May you be young enough and fortunate enough to ride the dream!

 

Upcoming Events

May
5
Sun
8:30 am Sequim Irrigation Festival Half ... @ Gardiner Community Center
Sequim Irrigation Festival Half ... @ Gardiner Community Center
May 5 @ 8:30 am – 1:30 pm
Sequim Irrigation Festival Half Marathon @ Gardiner Community Center
Sunday, May 5 is the Sequim Irrigation Festival’s Half Marathon! This race takes place on the Olympic Discovery Trail. It begins in Gardiner at the community center and finishes at Carrie Blake park at 8:30am. …
May
8
Wed
5:30 pm PTC Board Meeting & Open House –... @ Clallam Transit- meeting room
PTC Board Meeting & Open House –... @ Clallam Transit- meeting room
May 8 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
PTC Board Meeting & Open House - May 8th - Port Angeles @ Clallam Transit- meeting room
The Peninsula Trails Coalition Board is inviting you to a scheduled In-Person & Zoom meeting. Clallam Transit-meeting room 830 W. Lauridsen Blvd. Port Angeles, WA To see  Agenda &meeting information:  May 8th  Board Meeting  Time:  …
Jun
1
Sat
5:30 am North Olympic Discovery Marathon... @ 7 Cedars Casino
North Olympic Discovery Marathon... @ 7 Cedars Casino
Jun 1 @ 5:30 am – Jun 2 @ 8:00 am
North Olympic Discovery Marathon NODM @ 7 Cedars Casino
The North Olympic Discovery Marathon (NODM) takes place on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula along the Olympic Discovery Trail. The event hub is downtown Port Angeles and all event activities are within walking distance. Downtown offers …
Jun
12
Wed
6:30 pm PTC Board Meeting – June 12th @ ZOOM
PTC Board Meeting – June 12th @ ZOOM
Jun 12 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
The Peninsula Trails Coalition Board is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. To see  Agenda &meeting information:  June 12th  Board Meeting  Time:          June 12th, 2024, 6:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada) …