The Olympic Discovery Trail runs nearly 140 miles to La Push.

This is a nationally significant trail which has received funding from federal, state, and local governments. 

The trail originates in Port Townsend! Yet we have no developed trailhead. The public restroom in Boat Haven has been closed for years and replaced by one (and recently two) portable toilets.

There is essentially no sign marking the start of the trail, no kiosk with explanatory information about the Olympic Discovery Trail, and no designated parking. This is a regrettable situation for a trail touted as a major  attraction of the northern Olympic Peninsula. It is also not in keeping with other trail access points where restrooms, parking and signage are in place.

This letter is not to point a finger at any particular organization or agency, but rather a call to begin a serious collaboration leading to installation of a full service trailhead in Port Townsend.

The Port of Port Townsend, city of Port Townsend, Olympic Discovery Trails coalition and other interested parties should be putting their heads together to come up with a plan and apply for funds for an Olympic Discovery Trail trailhead facility. This would include a proper restroom with running water and a kiosk with information about the trail. 

Certainly such a project would qualify for grant funding from some source. Examples include the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, the Federal Cares Act, or the state Wildlife and Recreation Fund; or perhaps instead of spending  thousands of dollars to cut down the Lombardy poplars, some funds could be diverted to a trailhead project which the larger community would likely support. 

Is anybody making any attempt to develop a plan or secure?

Fred Weinmann
PORT TOWNSEND