The Olympic Discovery Trail

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The Olympic Discovery Trail (ODT) is a route for non-motorized users - hikers, bicycles and horses - across the northern Olympic Peninsula in Clallam and Jefferson counties. When completed the ODT will run from Port Townsend west to La Push on the Pacific coast. Some portions are paved, such as the route between Port Angeles and Sequim Bay. Others, particularly the Adventure Route running between the Elwha River and Lake Crescent, are and will remain unpaved. The ODT was inspired by the Peninsula Trails Coalition, which continues to support its development and maintenance.

From west to east, the ODT will follow forest roads (primarily unpaved) from La Push to north of Forks, and then to Lake Crescent. West of Lake Crescent, the trail will use the original grade from the Spruce Railroad (constructed during WWI) along the north shore of Lake Crescent. This is expected to be paved in 2007. The route meets the western end of the current Spruce Railroad Trail in Olympic National Park, which is unpaved and rugged where it skirts two closed tunnels. This portion is eventually to be paved as well and the tunnels reopened. At the northeastern end of Lake Crescent, the ODT turns north on the Lyre River (Waterline) Road until intersecting the western end of the Adventure Route. (The intention is that the Lyre River Road will also be paved and provide a continuous paved route for through-riding road bicycles north to Highway 112 and then east past Joyce, so that the hazardous section of Highway 101 along southern Lake Crescent can be entirely bypassed.)

The Adventure Route, finished in 2007, is dirt and gravel trail and forest road and suited to hikers, mountain bicycles, and horses. This portion of the ODT gives the most pristine experience, usually in forest far from roads and habitations.

The Adventure Trail ends at Highway 112 just west of the Elwha River. Eventually the ODT will continue north to cross the Elwha on the Lower Elwha bridge when it is rebuilt. Then it will follow old railroad grades and water line routes to city streets in Port Angeles and connect with the waterfront portion of the ODT.

East of Port Angeles, the ODT is paved (with the exception of a temporary detour across the Rayonier Mill site and along lower Morse Creek) all the way to Sequim. This is a very popular alternative to Highway 101 for through-riding road bicylists.

The route east of Sequim Bay and into Jefferson County has yet to be finalized. A portion of the trail near Port Townsend has been completed.