If you’re searching for the ultimate summer ride, the Olympic Discovery Trail should be at the top of your list. Stretching from the Victorian seaport of Port Townsend to the coastal rainforest near La Push, this incredible trail offers some of the most scenic and varied biking terrain in Washington. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist looking to cover long miles or a casual rider hoping to explore a few peaceful sections, the Discovery Trail has something for everyone, and it’s one of the most popular things to do in Sequim and beyond.
Paved paths, gravel stretches, and wooded backroads create a diverse landscape that winds through coastal bluffs, farmland, forest, rivers, and historic towns. It’s easily one of the most unique bike trails in Washington and a fun way to experience the beauty of the Olympic Peninsula on two wheels. Of course, riding the Olympic Discovery Trail is just the beginning of your adventures up here. You’ll also want to make time for a few other favorite things to do in Sequim and beyond.
From lavender farms and farm-to-table dining to kayaking on Dungeness Bay and hiking in the high alpine meadows of Hurricane Ridge, there’s no shortage of things to do on the Olympic Peninsula. Spend a day exploring tidepools at Salt Creek, watch for whales near Port Angeles, head out to the famed Pacific Ocean Beaches or the Hoh Rainforest, or browse local shops and art galleries in downtown Sequim, Port Townsend, or Port Angeles. Whether you’re here for outdoor adventure or to unwind with a gorgeous view of the sound, the Olympic Peninsula is packed with memorable experiences.
When you’re ready to relax after a day on the Olympic Discovery Trail, there’s no better place to stay than the Juan de Fuca Cottages. This waterfront lodging in Sequim sits right on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, offering incredible sunset views and front-row seats to the Olympic Mountains. Guests love the peaceful setting, comfortable accommodations, friendly hospitality, and easy access to the best Olympic trails and adventures. It’s the perfect home base for exploring the Discovery Trail and all the one-of-a-kind adventures waiting nearby. Book your stay today!
The Best of the Olympic Discovery Trail
The Olympic Discovery Trail is a multi-use path that spans over 135 miles, running from Port Townsend on the eastern end of the Olympic Peninsula to the rugged Pacific Coast near La Push. This ambitious trail project follows old railroad grades, country roads, and purpose-built pathways through a mix of landscapes, offering stunning views and plenty of local character along the way. The Olympic Discovery Trail is easily one of the most rewarding bike trails in Washington, whether you’re taking on the entire route or just exploring a scenic segment or two.
The route is well-marked, mostly paved from Blyn to Port Angeles, and gets more rustic as you head west into the Sol Duc Valley and beyond. Cyclists can expect a little bit of everything on the Olympic Discovery Trail: Wide open farmland and sweeping water views in Sequim, dense forest and glacial rivers near Lake Crescent, and rolling hills with mountain backdrops closer to Forks. It’s one of the best ways to get an authentic taste of the Olympic Peninsula!
Beyond being a beautiful place to walk, run, or ride, the Olympic Discovery Trail also connects our trail towns, quiet beaches, and some of the most beautiful parts of the Olympic National Park. Whether you’re planning a short afternoon ride or a multi-day trip, the Discovery Trail gives you a rare opportunity to experience the diversity of the peninsula at your own pace, and you can pick the trail segments that fit your style.
Whether you’re looking for something smooth and family-friendly or something more rugged and remote, we’ve highlighted the most popular sections of the Olympic Discovery Trail below to help you plan.
The East-Central Trail Segment
The East Central segment of the Olympic Discovery Trail is the portion that travels through Sequim. It starts just east of us in Blyn and offers 26 miles of mostly paved trail to enjoy. The first part of this segment winds through woodlands before opening onto wide farmland and prairies, with views of the Olympic Mountains. You’ll cross nine bridges, four of which are large, restored railroad trestles dating to 1914-15. This portion of the Olympic Discovery Trail follows the abandoned Chicago, Milwaukee, St Paul and Pacific railroad, providing relatively flat and leisurely rides.
As you leave Sequim, you’ll pass over Railroad Bridge Park, which is one of our favorite places to visit in Sequim. One of those historic railroad trestle bridges is here, spanning the Dungeness River. This is a great spot to enjoy a picnic and perhaps even do some birdwatching. As you head west out of town, you’ll find yourself riding through the region’s scenic and historic farmlands before heading back into the forest toward Port Angeles.
Finally, at the end of this segment, you’ll enjoy views of the Olympic Range before dropping to cross Morse Creek on a 400-foot restored railroad trestle.
The West-Central Trail Segment
This 34.5-mile segment of the Olympic Discovery Trail picks up just outside of Port Angeles and finishes the ride into town on the scenic Waterfront Trail. This short section of the trail hugs the harbor, offering great views of ships, the Port Angeles waterfront, and Mount Baker on a clear day. As you enter town, you’ll find easy access to restaurants, breweries, and the ferry terminal to Victoria.
As you once again leave a trail town in your rear view, you’ll find yourself on some of the most scenic stretches of the Olympic Discovery Trail. This stretch is more challenging with packed gravel and hilly sections, but the views are more than worth it. This section takes you past the Elwha River restoration area and across the river on a suspended bridge, before heading into old-growth forest. Watch for wildlife and take a break at the crystal-clear waters of Lake Crescent.
It’s at Lake Crescent that you’ll find one of the top portions of the Olympic Discovery Trail: The Spruce Railroad Trail. Skirting the north shore of Lake Crescent, this is one of the most scenic segments of the Olympic trails. It’s newly resurfaced and features tunnels and viewpoints worth enjoying. This is also how you access the popular bridge jump at Devil’s Punchbowl, where the icy waters of Lake Crescent await the brave on a hot summer day.
If you’re looking for even more adventure, consider the Olympic Adventure Trail. It’s a 25-mile alternative to the paved, rail-grade Olympic Discovery Trail route between the Elwha River and Lake Crescent. It’s ideal for mountain bikers and hikers, with breathtaking terrain that’s also very hilly and forested. No matter which section you choose, biking the Olympic Discovery Trail is a perfect way to experience the wild beauty of the Olympic Peninsula.
The Best Lodging Near the Discovery Trail
Our waterfront cottages in Sequim are the ideal basecamp for exploring the Olympic Discovery Trail and the greater Olympic Peninsula. Located minutes from downtown Sequim on the scenic Dungeness Bay, these waterfront cottages offer quick access to some of the most scenic segments of the Discovery Trail, including the Blyn to Sequim and Sequim to Port Angeles sections. Whether you’re planning a leisurely ride through farmland or an all-day cycling adventure along the coast, adventure is at your fingertips this summer.
But our location isn’t the only reason to stay with us. Instead, it’s a rare combination of scenery and friendly hospitality. Our cottages look out over the Strait of Juan de Fuca, with panoramic views of the water, passing ships, and the mountains beyond. You can watch bald eagles soar while sipping your morning coffee or catch the glow of the sunset after a long day on the trail. Inside, the cottages are thoughtfully designed with touches that make your stay easy, including kitchenettes, fireplaces, and cozy details that make them feel like a home away from home.
We offer a range of accommodations for everything from families traveling together and individuals traveling with pets to couples seeking romance and solo travelers embarking on adventures. With a healthy range of amenities, including private beach access, kayak rentals, and an onsite market with easy food options, we’ve thought of everything so you don’t have to. There’s something here for everyone, and after a day of riding the Olympic Discovery Trail, you’ll appreciate the quiet and comfort.
Don’t miss the chance to stay at these unbeatable waterfront cottages. Summer is a busy season on the Olympic Peninsula, and our charming cottages tend to be the first accommodations to book up. Book your stay with us today!
