Olympic Discovery Trail: Sequim to Port Angeles

The full 26-mile (approximately 42 km) section from Sequim to Port Angeles is estimated to take around 15 hours and 24 minutes to hike. This duration is for continuous movement, so plan for a full day or multiple days if you intend to explore at a leisurely pace or make stops.

This segment of the Olympic Discovery Trail is predominantly paved and relatively flat, making it accessible for various users. While much of it follows a former railbed with gentle grades, there are a few notable inclines. For example, you'll encounter a steep half-mile climb towards the Deer Park Scenic Gateway Center when heading east from Morse Creek, and a three-mile ascent away from the shoreline after Sequim Bay State Park. Some park areas may also feature compacted gravel and dirt paths with tree roots and steeper sections.

The trail offers diverse scenery, including farmland, prairies, and views of the Olympic Mountains. Key highlights include the Dungeness River & Bridge, the Morse Creek Bridge, and various viewpoints offering a View of Tyler Peak, Baldy, and Grey Wolf Wall and Stunning View of Water. You'll also pass through Sequim Bay State Park and the Dungeness River Audubon Center, and cross several historic railroad trestles, including the impressive Johnson Creek Trestle.

The trail offers numerous access points with designated parking. In Sequim, you can find parking near Carrie Blake Park or Sequim Bay State Park. In Port Angeles, various points along the waterfront provide access. For detailed information on specific parking areas, you can check local resources like visitsunnysequim.com or clallamcountywa.gov.

Yes, this section of the Olympic Discovery Trail is generally dog-friendly. Dogs are typically allowed but must be kept on a leash. Always remember to clean up after your pet to help maintain the trail for everyone.

Thanks to Sequim's location in the "Olympic Rain Shadow," it receives significantly less rainfall than other parts of the Pacific Northwest, making it a great destination for outdoor activities. While pleasant year-round, spring through fall generally offers the most favorable conditions for hiking, with milder temperatures and less chance of rain. Summer can be warm but is often dry and sunny.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access and hike this section of the Olympic Discovery Trail. It is a public multi-use trail.

Yes, this section of the Olympic Discovery Trail is designed to be multi-use and highly accessible. Its wide, paved surface is suitable for hikers, cyclists, and individuals with disabilities. Many access points offer designated handicapped parking and restrooms.

Yes, there are amenities available. The trail passes through various parks like Sequim Bay State Park and Carrie Blake Park, which often have restrooms. Additionally, since the trail connects Sequim and Port Angeles, you'll find easy access to a variety of restaurants, shops, and other services in both towns.

This section of the Olympic Discovery Trail from Sequim to Port Angeles is a linear, point-to-point route, connecting the two towns. It is not a loop trail. You can hike it as an out-and-back, or arrange for transportation at one end.

Yes, the Olympic Discovery Trail is part of a larger network. It is recognized as a segment of the Great American Rail Trail, linking the Olympic Peninsula with a broader national trail system. Within this specific section, you will be primarily on the Olympic Discovery Trail itself, which is a dedicated multi-use path.