The Olympic Discovery Trail's Newsletter

Camp Creek

This is currently the western end of the “developed” portion of the ODT and is quite accessible. There are designated accessible parking spots and restrooms (pit toilets) and the fairly new trail makes for a smooth ride heading east through some beautiful forest, with views of the Sol Duc River. The trailhead is located 0.2 miles south of US Highway 101 along Cooper Ranch Road.

Spruce Railroad Trail

This is a beautiful trailhead located at the east end of the 4 mile long Spruce Railroad Trail. It has designated accessible parking spots and accessible restrooms (pit toilets). It’s a great starting point for heading west to explore the ODT along the shore of Lake Crescent and experience the natural wonder of the Olympic Peninsula. West of the trailhead about a mile the ODT passes through a long tunnel, so you may wish to have a headlight or flashlight along. Cyclists are asked to dismount and walk their bikes through the tunnel, so take care and slow down if you’re in a motorized chair.

Elwha River Bridge

This trailhead is not much more than a large parking area along the east bank of the Elwha River. There aren’t any designated accessible parking spots and there are no accessible restrooms. It’s a great place to head off on the ODT if you don’t need those amenities. It’s also a great place to see the Elwha River and the memorable double-decker bridge, where the dedicated Olympic Discovery Trail hangs suspended below the bridge used by automobile traffic.

Jeff Bohman, President
Joined the Board: 1991

After a career with the National Park Service and other employers in a series of natural resource and watershed management positions, Jeff spent his last nine years before retiring working for Olympic NP on the Elwha River Restoration project (hydro dam removal, etc.). Retirement is spent on various recreation and travel experiences, often with family, as well as a variety of community service activities.

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Siebert Creek Trailhead

This access point is not recommended for disabled users traveling in either direction. The parking area is located on Wild Currant Wy off the Old Olympic Hwy, but descends very steeply down to the creek level, crosses the pedestrian bridge, and then ascends the far side of the valley very steeply again. There is ample paved parking here, but no toilets, and no designated handicapped parking spots.

Sequim Bay State Park

The park’s access is directly off US Hwy 101, about 2 miles west of Blyn and 4 miles east of Sequim. There are restrooms and designated handicapped parking spaces. The paved trail descends and rises in both directions around a gully as it passes through the park. All roads throughout the park’s camping and picnicking areas are also paved. The trail is flat in both directions as it leaves the park, but begins to rise within 700 ft of the approach to Whitefeather Wy toward Sequim. There are slight rises and descents as it comes into Sequim; it then flattens out as it approaches the next access point.

Deer Park Scenic Gateway

This access point is opposite the Deer Park Cinemas on Hwy 101. When westbound on Hwy 101 exit the highway just past the cinemas at Buchanan Dr, on the right, then turn left on Cedar Dr into the Scenic Gateway Center. Heading east, exit the highway to the north (Caution: It will be a left turn across oncoming traffic) at Buchanan Dr, west of the cinemas, at the top of the Morse Ck hill. Turn left onto Cedar Dr and take the second left, signed “Scenic Overlook Ahead”. There is ample parking here, with restrooms and designated handicapped parking. The trail to the west is not recommended for disabled users. It drops steeply down into Morse Ck valley for a distance of 0.5 miles. Heading east, however, the trail is flat and level until the steep hill that approaches the covered bridge at the Bagley Ck ravine. After dropping into the ravine and climbing the east side, the trail is relatively flat for about 4 miles.

Railroad Bridge Park

This is the site of the Dungeness River crossing and one of the first sections of the ODT to be established. It features a beautifully restored, low-level railroad trestle over 700 ft long. At the Dungeness River Nature Center there is ample paved parking with restrooms, a picnic area, and designated handicapped parking. There is an access ramp that allows both disabled users and tandem cyclists to travel directly up onto the trestle deck. The trail is flat as it leaves the park in both directions, passing by the Audubon Center on its way eastward, and over the river on its route west toward Port Angeles. The Dungeness River Nature Center is well worth a visit.

Robin Hill Farm

Accessed by either Dryke and Pinnell Rds via US Hwy 101, or by Vautier and Pinnell Rds off the Old Olympic Highway, this park has nearly 200 acres of forestland, meadows, 3.5 miles of hiking trails, and 2.5 miles of equestrian trails. These compacted gravel and dirt trails within the park are 2 – 5 feet wide, and some portions are crossed with tree roots, are steep, and may not be appropriate for handicapped use. There is ample paved parking, a restroom, designated handicapped parking and easy access to the ODT at the Pinnell Rd entrance. The trail is level and flat leaving the park in both directions.

Port Townsend Boat Haven

Enter the boatyard from Haines St and park along the fence near the water, just south of the large craft outhaul area. There are restrooms and designated handicapped parking next to the trail entrance. Identified as both the ODT and The Larry Scott Trail, it begins on the water side of the fence and heads south along the edge of the harbor. The trail climbs very gently past the mill and for about 3.5 miles to the next trailhead. There are moderate slopes approaching the underpass of Hwy 20.

Port Angeles Waterfront

Known as the “Waterfront Trail” the ODT emerges here from the east at the City Pier, at the foot of Lincoln St. It is a very popular portion of the ODT. There is ample parking, restrooms, designated handicapped parking, and many shops and restaurants in the nearby downtown area. The trail is paved and flat for several miles in both directions.

Morse Creek Trailhead

This trailhead is entered directly from Hwy 101 at the bottom of the Morse Ck valley, at Strait View Dr. There is a small gravel parking lot on the right; the trail entrance heading west is directly opposite the parking lot across the road. There is no designated handicapped parking; there is a port-a-potty visible just east of the parking lot. It is a ramped walkway, gaining access to the long trestle crossing Morse Ck. The trail is paved and flat all the way to the Port Angeles waterfront — about 4 miles along the beach adjacent to the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Heading east from Morse Ck, the trail climbs steeply out of the parking lot for 0.5 miles to the Deer Park Scenic Gateway Center and is not recommended for disabled users.

Carrie Blake Park

This is a large, flat park in the city of Sequim, with good access off of Blake Ave from Washington St. There is ample parking with restrooms and designated handicapped parking spaces. The trail enters and leaves the park on level ground and there are several other trails within the park, some paved. Use caution when exiting the park to the west and within the city of Sequim as the trail uses crosswalks and some sidewalks. The trail is flat throughout the city and to the next access point.

Cape George Trailhead

Located on the south side of Cape George Road about 0.75 miles west of Discovery Road, this large gravel parking lot is identified as a Larry Scott Trail parking lot with standard-sized restrooms, but no designated handicapped parking spaces. The trail from Port Townsend approaches along east edge of the parking area. The trail to the south descends at a moderate grade from the trailhead, and then rises slightly and falls again within 0.75 miles of the parking area. It is then relatively level south for another 1.5 miles. The trail then turns east along Douglas Wy, where it descends toward S. Discovery Rd. The trail continues as it turns south again along S. Discovery Rd and becomes somewhat narrow and winding with a rougher surface. The completed trail currently ends at the planned crossing of S. Discovery Rd. The temporary trail route continues on the road toward the Four Corners intersection with State Hwy 20, but is not recommended for disabled travel. There are no shoulders on the road, and traffic travels in excess of 45 mph.

Blyn Pullout

This access point is along the north side of US Hwy 101, opposite Jamestown S’Klallam Tribal Headquarters in Blyn. There is ample parking with designated handicapped parking, as well as restrooms. Access to the trail is at the west end of the parking area. The trail eastward runs around the tribal parking area and continues for about 1 mile to its current end along Old Blyn Hwy. To the west it slopes gently down to the Old Blyn Hwy. It then uses the road surface for about 0.5 miles before the separated paved trail resumes. Use extreme caution for the first 500 ft due to traffic on the road. Continue straight past the turn to access Hwy 101, then another 1000 ft to the marked trail on the left. The trail is level for about 0.5 miles, then begins climbing gently for 0.75 miles to Dawley Rd. It continues on the lightly traveled road surface for 0.5 miles to Sequim Bay State Park.

Don Willott
Joined: 2024

PTC Focus: Progressive realization of our regional trails providing continuous habitat corridor for wildlife and people of all ages and abilities to be physically active in nature.

Don is a member of the Consortium working to complete the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s cross-country Great American Rail-Trail between Bainbridge Island and La Push, now dubbed the “Puget Sound to Pacific,” aka “PS2P.” This unites the Sound-to-Olympics Trail (STO) across Kitsap County with the Olympic Discovery Trail crossing Jefferson & Clallam Counties.

He and his wife, Judy, have been walking, cycling and bird watching along the Olympic Discovery Trail for many years, and now have homes both close to the STO near the Bainbridge ferry, and on the ODT near Port Townsend.

In Kitsap, Don wrote the concept for the STO in 2006, and co-wrote major grants that constructed its first sections. Don continues as the STO VP for the North Kitsap Trails Association.

The Willotts were deeply engaged in the Kitsap Forest & Bay Coalition, which conserved 3,500 acres of forest open space land in Port Gamble, now the Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park. In 2022, they worked with Forterra on the campaign which successfully purchased timber rights on 756 acres to preclude further clear cut tree harvest.

In Don’s own words: “Judy and I love collaborating with so many people to create an extraordinary linear park for people and habitat across the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas!”

Jan Whitlow, Vice President, Central Clallam County
Joined: 2016

PTC Focus: Representing the equestrian community to cultivate shared-use standards and practices on the Olympic Discovery Trail.

Background & Hobbies: Jan has enjoyed a varied career as an archaeologist, historian, and technical writer for computer and medical device manufacturers. Horses are her passion. She takes care of a small herd at her home in Port Angeles. Jan is also a member of Backcountry Horsemen of Washington—Peninsula Chapter and helps to maintain the trails in western Clallam County.

Gordon Taylor, Vice President, East Clallam County
Joined: 2013

PTC Focus: Trail projects. Liaison to the City of Port Angeles.

Background & Hobbies: Gordon worked in heavy industrial maintenance and military testing for 40 years before retiring from Nippon Paper in Port Angeles. He began bicycling after being advised to pick up lower-impact exercise. This led to riding the West Port Angeles trail before it had a bridge and paving, and then joining that trail’s improvement project and the Peninsula Trails Coalition. Gordon is also into metalworking, motorcycles, and auto racing.

One of Gordon’s favorite quotes: “Those that say a job cannot be done should not interrupt those that are doing it.” ―George Bernard Shaw

Andy Stevenson, Clallam County
Joined: 2008

PTC Focus: Trail construction and maintenance west of the Elwha River.

Background & Hobbies: In addition to his PTC board responsibilities, Andy currently serves as the chairman of the Clallam County Trails Advisory Committee and is a member of the Recreation and Conservation Office WWRP Trails Advisory Committee.

He is a former president and vice president of the PTC. Andy lives on the West End, where he can usually be found cycling the local trails, tracks, and back roads. He also enjoys kayaking and hiking with his dogs. Andy is a Marine Geologist, retired from a 32 year career with the USGS.

Jeff Selby, Jefferson County
Joined: 2008

PTC Focus: Jeff’s current interests are the completion of the ODT in Jefferson County and the annual PTC fundraiser. The connection of the current end of the Larry Scott Trail, the first 7 & 1/2 miles of the ODT from Port Townsend, to the southern end of Discovery Bay is a priority on which there has been great progress made in recent years. His efforts there will hopefully result in a safe route for trail users in the next few years in order to bypass a very dangerous section of State Route 20 between Discovery Bay and Port Townsend. “I’m thrilled to be involved in the effort to complete the ODT over this difficult terrain to connect to Clallam County.”

Background & Hobbies: Born and raised in the Pacific NW, Jeff enjoys both road and mountain biking, skiing, and hiking.

In Jeff’s own words: “Having grown up in Port Angeles, I’ve hiked most of the trails on the Olympic Peninsula, skied on its mountains and lakes, and cycled many miles on the northern Olympic Peninsula. I’ve traveled to all seven continents, but can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather live and play than the beautiful Pacific Northwest.”

Judy Sarles
Joined: 2024PTC Focus: As a member of the PTC BOD, Judy combines her passions of the trails, whether hiking or on horseback, with her professional experience in Finance and Data Management for the benefit of the PTC to ensure its sustainability.Judy is honored to act as one of the representatives for Back Country Horsemen of Washington (multiple chapters) to further collaboration, and partnership across the diverse users of the Olympic Discovery Trail.In Judy’s own words: “The Olympic Peninsula is breathtakingly beautiful and can be intimidating to many. The Olympic Discovery Trail makes the outdoors accessible to all: walking, hiking, biking, and horseback to reconnect with oneself and nature, exercise, or connect and socialize with others. It’s such an asset to the community both for residents and those who visit.”

Erik Rohrer, Forks
Joined: 2021

PTC Focus: Trail Completion & Maintenance. Erik, an active hiker, biker and sailor, has been an attorney and elected judge in Clallam County for the past thirty years.

Current: Trail Adopter (along with Cari) of a five mile West-end section of the ODT and a member of the Clallam County Trails Advisory Committee.

Past: Chair/President of several boards, including Peninsula College, Pacific Northwest Trail Association and Forks Chamber of Commerce.

Bob Petersen, Jefferson County
Joined: 2015

PTC Focus: A jack-of-all-trades, Bob is up for taking on any trail project that needs to be done.

Background & Hobbies: Bob’s work life focused on building teams for complex technical project, first as an environmental engineer, and later in automotive software development. Today, Bob teaches people how to move using the Feldenkrais Method and is on the board of wind energy startup Regenedyne.

In Bob’s own words: “Coming from a long line of fisherman, being semiretired and living on Discovery Bay is like coming home in a very deep, satisfying way. I’m looking for a way to build community in my community. Building a trail across the Olympic Peninsula offers a unique opportunity to do that using the skills and interests I have developed over the years.”

Merrily Mount, Vice President, Jefferson County
Joined: 2019

PTC Focus: It gives me great pride, pleasure, and purpose to represent my community on the Board of Directors of the Peninsula Trails Coalition.

Background & Hobbies: My career spans a forty-five year period of time where I practiced primary care as a family nurse practitioner in settings around the world and transitioning to retirement in Quilcene, Washington. I enjoyed my career and had many new adventures hiking, walking, and bicycling. I find a great sense of well being sharing with nature. We have the best of the best here on the Olympic Peninsula.

The Larry Scott Memorial Trail / Olympic DiscoveryTrail will link our trail towns together so we can connect our energy and resources. This trail is an alternate transportation route. This trail will benefit all of us in many ways and will have a positive effect on our health and well being.

Hippocrates stated “Walking is man’s best medicine.“ Take time and enjoy life in motion.

Whether you are with a horse, a bicycle, a walking stick, solo or with friends… running, walking, or meandering in Nature… send a Smile and Hello as you pass.

See you on the Trail.

Goal: To have the Olympic Discovery Trail – “Pathway to the Pacific” – completed for all to use.

Jim Mantell, Jefferson County
Joined: 2020

PTC Focus: Work on trail projects and marketing.

Background & Hobbies: Jim is currently on the board of the Jefferson County ReCyclery. In 2018/2019, he was the President of the Cyclists of Greater Seattle, a recreational cycling club. From 2008 to 2018 he was the co-owner of NetReflector, a Seattle based market research company focused on customer experience.

For over 50 years Jim has been an active cyclist, biking on less traveled roads throughout North America, Europe and Asia.

In Jim’s own words: “Cycling improves the quality of life for both individuals and the community at large.”

Jeni Little, Jefferson County
Board member 2014-2019; 2023

PTC Focus: Recruitment/retention committee member.

Background & Hobbies: As an avid runner/cyclist I’m interested in supporting events that happen on the Olympic Discovery Trail such as the North Olympic Discovery Marathon/Run the Peninsula races & Ian’s Ride which highlight accessibility to the ODT.

Longtime board chair/race director of the Port Townsend Marathon Association’s/ Jefferson Healthcare ‘Rhody Run’

Former Head Coach for PT Highschool Cross Country team.

Former board member and staff person for the Olympic Peninsula YMCA.

Longtime marathon & ultramarathon runner including Boston, New York & – Marine Corps Marathon, Mt. Si 50 miler & 50k.

Member of Threshold Choir in Port Townsend.

In Jeni’s own words: “In late August of 2019 Jeff Selby, Bob Peterson and I cycled the entire Olympic Discovery Trail (133 miles) from sunup at Boat Haven in Port Townsend to sundown in La Push… that experience sustained me in subsequent years and serves as the vision for completion of the Olympic Discovery Trail.”

Rich James, Clallam County
Joined: 2019

Rich worked for Clallam County for 28 years with 25 of those years being in the Public Works Department.

As the County Transportation Program Manager, Rich worked on planning, property acquisition, funding, engineering and contract supervision for the Clallam County effort to construct the Olympic Discovery Trail.

Rich also supervised the County Trail Volunteer effort in support of the trail and the County Chain Gang work in building the Olympic Discovery Trail Adventure Route segment.

Molly Erickson, Vice President, West Clallam County
Joined: 2018

PTC Focus: Trail projects. Liaison to the Forks and LaPush communities.

Background & Hobbies: After 44 years, Molly retired from the US Forest Service with 30 years in development and operation of recreation facilities and trails. As the former project lead for the Olympic Discovery Trail on Olympic National Forest, she continues to help link the West End communities with the rest of the trail system. She also is a member of the Red Cross, is a long term care resident advocate, and enjoys her three granddaughters and exploring our created world.

From Molly: “Help us make a Difference.”

John Dolansky, Treasurer
Joined: 2010

PTC Focus: Provides the PTC with responsible financial management and reporting to enable it to succeed in achieving its mission and vision.

Background & Hobbies: Sixteen years as a controller, assistant controller, and data processing manager in various firms. Owner of John F. Dolansky CPA since 1988. Former Big Brother in Big Brothers Big Sisters; former Jaycee. John enjoys cycling, traveling, and cooking spicy food.

In John’s own words: “Ever since I retired to Sequim and the Olympic Peninsula, my hope has been to help finish the length of the ODT and showcase it to all cyclists around the world.”

Brian Anderson, Clallam County
Joined: 2016

PTC Focus: Corresponding Secretary, Constituent Database and ODT website.

Background & Hobbies: Brian spent his career in sales and marketing. Prior to retiring, he was president of Vision Bankcard, a merchant bank card provider with more than 8,500 clients. He enjoys traveling, hiking, and cycling.

In Brian’s own words: “I want to give others who love the outdoors a means to discover the wonders of the Olympic Peninsula.”

1993 Critical County Plan Adopted

Clallam County’s Countywide Policy Plan, required by Washington State’s Growth Management Act, was adopted. This document contained transportation policies to support non-motorized transportation projects linking various parks and communities on the north Olympic Peninsula. Without this vital piece of legislation the likelihood of the ODT becoming a reality was doubtful.

The interest in non-motorized transportation coincided with renewed emphasis by the federal government in alternative forms of transportation. The Intermodal Surface Transportation Enhancement Act of 1990 (ISTEA) provided strong support for alternate forms of transportation. Additionally, Washington State required 0.42% of Motor Vehicle Excise Tax receipts be set aside for the development of non-motorized transportation. This began the funding stream that has allowed continued land procurement and trail development—a marriage of federal and state tax monies to support non-motorized transportation options.

1995 First Trail Construction Grant Awarded

Clallam County received its first grant funding in 1995—ISTEA monies to purchase 1.3 miles of former railroad grade between Carlsborg Road and Kitchen Dick Road in the Sequim-Dungeness Valley. The ODT, at that time only a gravel surface, was on its way.

1998 The ODT, Eastward

In 1998 the first section (2 miles) of railway corridor running west from Port Townsend was opened to trail users. Named The Larry Scott Memorial Trail to honor one of the early cyclist visionaries (and founding PTC member), this initial effort has today grown to 6 miles. It will eventually be 26 miles of trail as it rounds Discovery Bay and meets the terminus of Clallam County’s east end at the Jefferson-Clallam county line.

2008 Volunteers Save Barker Road Railroad Bridge

In the late winter and early spring of 2008, PTC volunteers rehabilitated a severely neglected railroad bridge off Barker Road, west of Sequim Bay State Park. This bridge, 144 ft in length, required hand removal and replacement of 72 railroad ties, spreading of a concrete deck, and construction of handrail. There is now a scenic overlook with a viewing platform which was made using some of the salvaged railroad ties.

2023 Major Grant Funds Completion of Missing Sections

The Olympic Discovery Trail is part of $16.1 million RAISE Grant awarded to the Puget Sound to Pacific (PS2P) project. Funds are provided to plan and design the missing sections of the ODT from Forks/LaPush to the Hood Canal Bridge.

The Puget Sound to Pacific Collaborative is an initiative of the Bainbridge Island Parks & Trails Foundation, the North Kitsap Trails Association, and the Peninsula Trails Coalition.

The City of Port Angeles was the Lead Applicant for the 2023 RAISE Grant.

2023 Another Trail Segment Completed

The Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe completed the trail section from Pierce Road to Old Blyn Highway.

2022 PTC Starts Managing Tour de Lavender

Starting in 2022, The Peninsula Trails Coalition took over management of the Tour de Lavender, a premier bicycling event with over 800 participants.

The Tour de Lavender is a major fundraiser for the Olympic Discovery Trail.

2020 Spruce Railroad Trail Completed

The final phase of work for the Spruce Railroad Trail project at Lake Crescent was completed. This project established a 10 mile length of the Olympic Discovery Trail along the north shore of Lake Crescent, making it universally accessible for hikers, bicyclists, equestrians, and users traveling with wheelchairs.

The project, a partnership between Clallam County and Olympic National Park, also improved trailheads and restored the Daley Rankin Tunnel.

2020 Hall Baetz Viewpoint

Hall Baetz, a strong advocate for the Olympic Discovery Trail, will be commemorated by naming a viewpoint in his honor. Hall passed away in 2019. Before his death Hall worked tirelessly to help plan and orchestrate a safe trail link along the east side of Discovery Bay.

The new viewpoint’s location is on Fairmount Road near where Highway 20 meets US 101 by Discovery Bay.

2019 ODT Voted Best Bicycling Adventure

The Olympic Discovery Trail was voted Best Bicycling Adventure in the 2019 Best Northwest Escapes. This is an annual viewer’s choice poll sponsored by Seattle’s King 5 television station.

We were honored to garner the top spot in 2019 in the Best Bicycle Adventure category!

2018 Spruce Railroad Trail Phase One Completed

In June 2018 the full length of the Spruce Railroad Trail along Lake Crescent opened. This marked completion of Phase One of a multi-year collaborative project to establish the entire 10-mile length of the trail as a universally accessible, multipurpose trail to be shared by hikers, bicyclists, equestrians and people traveling in wheelchairs.

During Phase One the McFee Tunnel was cleared, reinforced, and opened to pedestrian and bicycle traffic.

2017 Four Additional Miles

The 130 mile route of the ODT offers many options for scenic, off- road trips. There are in 3 major sections of non-motorized trail along the route.

7.5 miles from Port Townsend to 4 Corners Road.

35 miles from Blyn, through Sequim and Port Angeles, to the Elwha River crossing.

20 miles from Lake Crescent to Cooper Ranch Road.

2016 Expansion Continues both East and West

West side work completed the connection between the crossing of US 101 and the Sol Duc River section.

Spruce Railroad Trail work continued, including the opening of the McFee tunnel on the trail’s east end.

Work began on extending the ODT eastward from Blyn to Diamond Point Road.

2015 Spruce Railroad Trail

To the west, the Spruce Railroad Trail upgrade began with the first ½ mile at the Lyre River (east) end.

2015 Major Bridge Failure

A late winter storm and resulting runoff severed the trail at the Dungeness Railroad Bridge trestle. During 2015 and into early 2106 the trestle was replaced and the bridge deck updated with steel and concrete.

2014 Major West End Sections Opened

Clallam County completed a spectacular 6 mile asphalt trail segment crossing the Sol Duc River, through mature forest to the Camp Creek Trailhead. They also extended the previously paved 6.5 miles from Lake Crescent by 1.5 miles past the Sol Duc Road, and put in a trail crossing of Hwy 101.

2014 Ennis Creek Upgrades and 1.5 Miles Added in Port Townsend

The city of Port Angeles completed a new bridge over Ennis Creek and eliminated the much disliked 0.5 mile gravel detour known as the “septic detour” (so named because it ran past the sewage treatment plant).

Jefferson County added 1.5 miles to extend the Larry Scott Memorial Trail portion of the ODT from Port Townsend almost to Four Corners.

2012 Trail Completed to Elwha River

A three year volunteer project constructed 2 miles of trail on the former railroad grade to the west Port Angeles city limits. The city built a 220 foot trail bridge over Dry Creek to complete the connection through the city. The County and the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe collaborated to construct 1.5 miles of paved trail west to the river.

2010 Railroad Bridge Park Trestle Redesigned

The Dungeness River trestle’s east approach was reconfigured to improve access for tandem bikes, recumbent bikes, trikes, and those cyclists pulling trailers. The initial constraints in 1992 of a 3000 ft by 100 ft right-of-way had necessitated two tight turns on the ramp. These were removed, and users now enjoy smooth, easy access to and from both ends of the bridge.

2009 ODT Extension Eastward

In the spring and summer of 2009 a nearly one mile long extension of the ODT was completed eastward from the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribal Campus, thus completing extension of the trail from Whitefeather Way to Blyn Road.

2009 New Elwha River Bridge Dedicated

Located between State Hwy 112 and the Lower Elwha Tribal Center, the Elwha River Bridge opened in the fall of 2009, replacing one that had been in service since 1913. It features a unique double deck 85 ft above the river. The upper deck is for motorized vehicles (bicycles allowed); the lower 14 ft wide segment, suspended by 2.5 inch thick cables, is for pedestrians and cyclists. This dynamic structure affords spectacular views of the Elwha river valley, and in the fall, migrating coho salmon.

2008 Priest Road and Eagle Habitat

In 2008 the Sequim Sunrise Rotary Club completed 0.5 miles of horse, barbed, and smooth wire fencing along the new section of the ODT west of Priest Road. The Thursday Volunteer Trail Crew did additional trail work there, and the Clallam County Chain Gang planted vegetation and installed a drip irrigation system as mitigation for designated bald eagle habitat. As you pass by, take a moment to look for the eagles. Although they built a new nest at the Dungeness River, they still land in the Douglas firs along the trail near Priest Road.

2004 McDonald Creek Bridging and a Connector Trail Completed

Using the undercarriage of a surplus railroad flatcar, the county constructed an 89 foot bridge across McDonald (also known as McDonnell) Creek. A federal grant was awarded to Clallam County to connect the ODT from Kendall Road to Priest Road. The trail was now continuous from Sequim’s eastside at Whitefeather Way to downtown Port Angeles.

2003 Third Railroad Bridge and Trestle Rehabilitated

In 2003 the PTC brought together volunteer workers and refurbished the elegantly curved Johnson Creek Trestle, making the ODT at Whitefeather Way the eastern terminus in Clallam County at that time.

2000 Two Additional Links and a Pedestrian Bridge

Trail segments totaling 4 miles were completed. The segments run between Siebert Creek and Sequim, and between Morse Creek and Gasman Road. The Siebert Creek pedestrian bridge, purchased salvage, was installed.

1999 Volunteers Rebuild Morse Creek Trestle and Bridge

With financial assistance from the City of Port Angeles and grant monies from the Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation, trail was constructed through the Deer Park Overlook and west to Morse Creek. The PTC organized another massive volunteer effort to refurbished the railroad bridge and trestle. This 400 ft structure is a critical link. It joins upland to spectacular sea level views as the ODT skirts the Strait of Juan de Fuca and gently meanders into Port Angeles, meeting the Waterfront Trail. An additional 5 miles of connecting trail was also opened in 1999.

1991 First Trestle and Bridge Saved

Through a variety of state and federal grants and the enthusiasm of local residents and entities, the 3000 ft section of rail corridor that spans the Dungeness River west of Sequim became the first acquired, creating a section of the Olympic Discovery Trail. In 1992 the PTC coordinated the efforts of several state agencies and local citizens in a massive (1000 hours) volunteer effort that turned the 95 year old, 600 ft railroad bridge and trestle into a pedestrian walkway. This section of the ODT is now part of Railroad Bridge Park and the Dungeness River Audubon Center. The park is owned by the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe and managed through a partnership with the Tribe, the Dungeness River Audubon Center, the Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society, and the National Audubon Society.

1988 Founding the Peninsula Trails Coalition

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.

1985 Railroad Demise

In 1980 the Seattle and North Coast Railroad acquired the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad lines and tried to revive passenger train service between Port Angeles and Port Townsend. This effort failed. By 1985 the train was out of service and track removal had begun.

1931 Passenger Service Discontinued

As progress dictated, by 1931 rail passenger service had been eclipsed by the automobile and was discontinued. The rail lines were operated then by the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad, and were used solely for freight and timber hauling.

1915 Railroad Development and Passenger Service

The history of the ODT project truly begins with the construction of the first railroad grades in Clallam County. The Port Townsend and Southern lines were built in 1887. The Seattle, Port Angeles and Western Railway lines were laid between Port Angeles and Discovery Bay in 1914 and 1915—the year passenger rail service between Port Angeles and Port Townsend was begun, ultimately expanding westward as far as Twin Rivers.

2024 $3.75 Million for Clallam County ODT Planning

Clallam County will receive $3.75 million to support the planning and design of seven trail projects aimed at completing the Olympic Discovery Trail. This is part of the RAISE grant awarded in 2023.

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