The idea grew out of discussions among 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 Peninsula Trails Coalition (PTC) was incorporated as a non-profit corporation of the State of Washington in 1988 and granted 501(c)3 status. Its 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.