Although small, Port Townsend has a lot to offer outdoor fans. Heritage walks with historical forts, many beaches and bluffs, charming lakes, and moss-covered forests – the diversity of hikes is fantastic in the area.
However, most of the trails around Port Townsend are easy, with only a few moderate options. This is great for beginner hikers, families, and runners.
Yet, if you’re searching for a serious hiking challenge, there are plenty of options at the Olympic National Park, but that’s over an hour’s drive away.
Trails near Port Townsend:
- Ebey’s Landing State Park Loop
- Dungeness Spit Trail
- North Beach Park to Glass Beach
- Gray Wolf Trail
- Ludlow Falls
- Fort Flagler State Park Loop
- Gibbs Lake Loop
- Anderson Lake Loop
- Fort Townsend State Park
- Larry Scott Trail
1. Ebey’s Landing State Park Loop
- Highlight: The highest-rated trail on Whidbey Island; relatively flat and easy; stunning coastal views and historic cemetery.
- Type: Loop
- Trail Length: 5.4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 389 ft
- Time to Complete: 2h 30min
- Difficulty: Easy
- Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
- Distance from Port Townsend: 10 miles (50 min with ferry crossing)
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Ebey’s Landing State Park Loop is a 5.4-mile trail near Coupeville, primarily used for hiking and nature trips.
The trail is easy for all skill levels, with just a 389ft of elevation gain.
Starting in Ebey’s Landing State Park, this loop trail features the historic Sunnyside Cemetery and stunning coastal views. And Bluff Overlook offers some of the best photo opportunities in the area, too.
Because of the sand, walking along the beach can be difficult, but it’s a lot of fun, offering a fresh challenge to the typical hiking terrain.
Overall, this hike is full of history with sweeping views along its well-maintained trail. If looking for top-rated hiking trails near Port Townsend, this is a great place to start!
2. Dungeness Spit Trail
- Highlight: Unique hike up and down a spit with mountain views, a charming lighthouse, and wildlife; don’t go on windy days.
- Type: Out and Back
- Trail Length: 10.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 138 ft
- Time to Complete: 5h
- Difficulty: Easy
- Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
- Distance from Port Townsend: 40 miles (50 min)
- Dog Friendly: No
Dungeness Split Trail is a 10.5 mile out and back route near Sequim, best used for hiking when looking for coastal and mountain views.
The trail is easy for all levels, rising just 138ft. The distance might be a challenge for some, but it’s mostly flat.
Dungeness Split Trail takes place in the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, dedicated to protecting waterfowl and seabirds common in the area. There are lots of cairns to see, a lighthouse, and incredible views of Dungeness Bay.
Some people complain that the sand and cobbles along the beach trail are hard to navigate, but bring sturdy boots, and this ought to be okay.
The best thing about this hike is that it’s well-maintained. But besides that, you can turn back at any point without missing any views, so it can be as long or as short as you like.
3. North Beach Park to Glass Beach
- Highlight: A hike on the beach with lots of wildlife, including crabs, birds, and seals; perfect for kids to explore; go at low tide.
- Type: Out and Back
- Trail Length: 5.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 245 ft
- Time to Complete: 3h
- Difficulty: Easy
- Parking: North Beach Park Lot: Google Maps
- Distance from Port Townsend: 3 miles (10 min)
- Dog Friendly: Yes
North Beach Park to Glass Beach is a 5.5 mile out and back route and one of the most relaxing hiking trails near Port Townsend.
It is easy for all skill levels and is the perfect family trip, rising just 245ft in total across the route.
Starting at North Beach Park, this trail reaches Glass Beach at around the halfway point. It’s one of the most famous beaches in Port Townsend because of the beautiful, varied sea glass that washes up here.
Because Glass Beach is so well known, it can get hectic, so come early if you want to find the best glass or avoid crowds.
Overall, the hike is a fun adventure for the whole family and offers a unique hiking experience in the Port Townsend area.
4. Gray Wolf Trail
- Highlight: Charming hike with hilly terrain, rich wildlife, and beautiful creek; popular backpacking destination.
- Type: Out and Back
- Trail Length: 7.2 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,412 ft
- Time to Complete: 3h 30min
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
- Distance from Port Townsend: 36 miles (55 min)
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Gray Wolf Trail is a 7.2 mile out and back trail near Sequim, primarily used for hiking, camping, and nature trips.
It is moderately difficult, with 1,412ft of elevation. The path is rocky, which can be challenging when wet.
The trail crosses Cat Creek before eventually following along the Gray Wolf River, which is charming and has a few campsites for backpackers. Also, depending on the time of year, you might see salmon spawning in the river.
The main complaint about this trail is that the first two miles before reaching the main stretch is a little flat, with little to see. But once you hit Gray Wolf River, the trail really comes alive!
The path is well-maintained, but there are reports of a washed-out section. Still, the routes in this area are easy to follow, with clear signage at every crossroads. It’s a great hike if a little challenging in places.
5. Ludlow Falls
- Highlight: Short and easy but fun path to the gorgeous falls with stairs, bridges, and information stands; perfect for families.
- Type: Loop
- Trail Length: 0.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 100 ft
- Time to Complete: 45min
- Difficulty: Easy
- Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
- Distance from Port Townsend: 19 miles (30 min)
- Dog Friendly: No
Ludlow Falls is a 0.6-mile trail near Ludlow, chiefly used to access the gorgeous waterfall or for short hikes.
The trail is easy for all skill levels, with just 100ft of elevation. It’s a well-developed area with tables and benches, so bring lunch along too!
The main appeal of this trail has to be the stunning Ludlow Falls, which is an excellent spot for photos. The information stands along the route provide facts about the area, and the trail is a nice mix of developed and natural.
Keen hikers might complain that this isn’t a ‘real hike,’ but it has everything hikers expect – wildlife, natural scenery, waterfalls – just in a smaller package.
The area is perfect for families. The stairs, bridges, and trail are all well-maintained, and it’s guaranteed to be a fun day out!
Related:
- Best Rail-Trails in Washington
- Top-rated Hiking and Running Trails near Olympia
- Best hikes near Tacoma
6. Fort Flagler State Park Loop
- Highlight: Easy and fun loop around the state park with ocean views, forests, wildlife, museum, and the historic fort with gun placements.
- Type: Loop
- Trail Length: 4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 253 ft
- Time to Complete: 2h
- Difficulty: Easy
- Parking: State Park Lot: Google Maps
- Distance from Port Townsend: 19 miles (30 min)
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Fort Flagler State Park Loop is a 4-mile trail near Nordland, used primarily for hiking, birdwatching, and nature trips.
It is easy for all skill levels and rises just 253ft in total. Taking place in Fort Flagler State Park, it’s a well-maintained and popular trail.
Fort Flagler is a historical site of great significance. First established in 1897, it acted as part of the ‘Triangle of Fire’ defensive plan alongside Fort Worden and Fort Casey.
Besides the fort, hikers can also enjoy the sweeping ocean views, hiking through the forest filled with wildlife, and even a museum to learn more about the site’s significance.
The trail is well-developed, easy to follow, and an excellent trip for all, especially those interested in history.
7. Gibbs Lake Loop
- Highlight: Short and easy trail through the majestic, peaceful forest; limited lake views; perfect for running.
- Type: Loop
- Trail Length: 2.8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 164 ft
- Time to Complete: 1h 30min
- Difficulty: Easy
- Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
- Distance from Port Townsend: 15 miles (25 min)
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Gibbs Lake Loop is a 2.8-mile trail near Chimacum, used for hiking, running, and dog walking.
It is easy for all skill levels with an elevation gain of 164ft. The trail system in the area is well-developed, so finding this route won’t be a problem.
The main focus of this hike is, of course, Gibbs Lake, but the access to it is overgrown, and you only get a few glimpses. Besides that, it’s a peaceful hike through the classic PNW forest with fern, moss, and alien mushrooms.
The trail itself can be a little muddy, especially after a day of rain, but bring good hiking boots, and it will be easy to pass.
Overall, it’s a great example of relaxing hiking trails near Port Townsend and a perfect wilderness for anyone wanting to get back to nature.
8. Anderson Lake Loop
- Highlight: Charming trail around the lake and through the forest; lots of wildlife; popular with MTBs and trail runners.
- Type: Loop
- Trail Length: 3.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 267 ft
- Time to Complete: 2h
- Difficulty: Easy
- Parking: State Park Lot: Google Maps
- Distance from Port Townsend: 10 miles (20 min)
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Anderson Lake Loop is a 3.5-mile trail near Chimacum, used primarily for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking.
It is easy and only has an elevation gain of 267ft.
Anderson Lake is a really picturesque body of water with a peaceful, hilly loop around it. The inclines aren’t too challenging, but they add some welcome variety to this forest hike.
Some hikers have complained about the section running along Anderson Lake Road, which can detract from the natural serenity of the hike because of traffic noises.
Despite this, the trail provides a wilderness feel. And it’s mostly a well-marked and well-maintained route.
9. Fort Townsend State Park
- Highlight: Historical park with 6.5 miles of trails, campgrounds, shoreline, and charming forests; fantastic day out.
- Type: Varies
- Trail Length: Varies
- Elevation Gain: Varies
- Time to Complete: Varies
- Difficulty: Easy Terrain
- Parking: State Park Lot: Google Maps
- Distance from Port Townsend: 6 miles (15 min)
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Fort Townsend State Park is a historic park with 6.5 miles of hiking trails near Port Townsend.
The trails are all easy, with varying degrees of elevation. The famous Fort Townsend Historical State Park Loop is 3.9 miles long and has only 466ft of elevation, for example.
The area has lots to see, from charming views of the shoreline, relaxing strolls through forests, and, of course, beautiful views of Port Townsend Bay.
Some hikers complain that the outer trail runs alongside a residential area, but it’s just one trail out of many in the park. You can easily avoid it if that’s an issue.
Overall, Fort Townsend State Park has a lot to offer everyone. It’s fun for kids, hikers, runners, and history buffs.
10. Larry Scott Trail
- Highlight: Partly paved section of the Olympic Discovery rail-trail; has lots of shade and hilly terrain; perfect biking and running destination.
- Type: Out and Back
- Trail Length: 15 miles
- Elevation Gain: 682 ft
- Time to Complete: 7h
- Difficulty: Easy
- Parking: On the Street: Google Maps
- Distance from Port Townsend: 1.5 miles (6 min)
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Larry Scott Trail is a 15-mile route near Port Townsend, primarily used for biking, hiking, and running.
It is easy for everyone because of its smooth surface and just 682ft of elevation gain. And, you can easily control the distance as it is an out and back route.
The Larry Scott Trail is just one part of the famous Olympic Discovery Trail. It runs from Port Townsend’s Boat Haven to Four Corners. Along the way, expect a delightful walk through woods with ocean views at the start.
The biggest problem with this trail is that some hikers say the Port Townsend Paper Mill is the worst section because it ruins the landscape.
But still, this trail has a lot going for it, and it’s a great, long hike for keen hikers looking for a well-marked trail that has lots to offer.
Final Thoughts
The historic, coastal town, Port Townsend, has a lot to offer, especially to families and beginners. The selection of hikes here is diverse, with lakes, forests, and shorelines waiting to be discovered.
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