Follow trails to spectacular vistas

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Whether you're a beginning hiker or an avid backcountry explorer, Jefferson County has plenty of trails to satisfy your rambling soul.

River-valley trails meander through deep, green forest above tumbling waterfalls. High-country routes take you above the clouds to the edges of glistening white glaciers. And miles of quiet beaches are a great place to stretch your legs while you look for sand dollars and watch clouds of shorebirds swoop and swirl in flight.

If you venture out into the backcountry, be sure to bring a map, warm clothes, rain gear, food, water and emergency supplies.


Easy


In Port Townsend's Fort Worden State Park, hikers can discover turn-of-the-century bunkers and do a little beachcombing beneath the bluffs. At Fort Flagler State Park on Marrowstone Island, quiet forests and wide, sandy beaches beckon.

The Larry Scott Memorial Trail in Port Townsend, a converted rail bed, offers scenic views of Port Townsend Bay. Port Ludlow's five-mile Timberton Loop offers views of the Olympic Mountains, Mount Rainier and Mount Baker and the North Cascades.


Moderate


Rough winter weather caused road washout and stopped vehicle access about five miles before the trailhead for the Dosewallips River Trail, but locals know to park at the washout and follow a temporary trail over the slide. Hikers can then hike along the road, enjoying the quiet forest with no cars to disturb the peace. To get to the trail, continue 4.5 miles along the road.

Access: From Brinnon, follow the Dosewallips River Road west about 10 miles to the road washout, where you can park your car and start hiking.

Season: All year.

Elevation gain: Up to 1,768

Map: Green Trails (No. 135 and No. 136)

Hood Canal Ranger Station, 360-765-2200

 

The Tubal Cain Trail is both a hike and an adventure in history. The original Tubal Cain was a legendary blacksmith mentioned in the Bible who stopped forging swords after witnessing the ravages of war. After a bit of thought, he invented plowshares, thus turning men towards peaceable lives. His name was given to an historic Olympic Peninsula copper and manganese mine that later lent its name to this trail. The Tubal Cain Trail starts three miles from the Upper Dungeness Trailhead, and it's another three and a half miles to the mine, elevation 4,350 feet. The trail climbs above the Dungeness River, first meandering through thick forest and winding along steep slopes, then reaching broad alpine meadows with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

At the rocky mountain face where the mine tunnels remain, take a break and imagine when the place was teeming with the miners of 100 years ago whose dreams of riches led them to this remote place. Don't venture into the old mine shaft, which is damp and dark and may be unsafe. The mine was once surrounded by its own village, complete with cookhouse, bunkhouses, covered walkways and even mail service. But the heavy rains that return each winter have long since rotted the remaining timbers, returning them to the soil. The Tubal Cain hike can be an out-and-back trip of 13 miles, or the beginning leg of a longer trip to Buckhorn Lake and on up to Marmot Pass (elevation 6,000 feet). It's also a great overnight trip.Northwest Forest Pass required.

Access: 25 miles south of Sequim on Forest Service Road 2870.

Season: July through October.

Elevation gain: 1,000 feet.

Map: Green Trails Tyler Peak (No. 136)

Hood Canal Ranger Station, 360-765-2200


Challenging


One of the first mountain trails to open up after winter snows recede, the Mount Townsend Trail takes hikers to a rambling ridge with views north across the broad reach of the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Washington's North Cascades and Canada's Vancouver Island, and south all the way to Mount Rainier.

A popular hike, this trail can be busy with entire families out for a day in the mountains, and Rover trailing along behind. In early spring, the lower portion of the trail is lined with the pink blooms of wild rhododendrons, and the alpine meadows come alive with wildflowers in a rainbow of colors.

After climbing through dense green forest, the trail switchbacks up and up, offering ever-broader views of the scenery below. The route is an out-and-back hike of about 8.5 miles. Bring plenty of water because once the snow melts the ridge top is dry.

Access: Follow U.S. Highway 101 south of Quilcene to Penny Creek Road. When the road splits, take the left fork, Forest Road 27. Unless you want to add 400 feet of elevation gain and an extra mile to your trip, drive past the "Mount Townsend Trail" sign and continue on FS 27 for about one mile ahead to another fork, and take the gravel road on the left to the trailhead. Northwest Forest Pass required.

Season: Early June through late September

Elevation gain: 2,880 feet

Map: USGS Mount Townsend

Hood Canal Ranger Station, 360-765-2200