Olympic Discovery Trail (ODT)
On Sunday afternoon, my brother and his girlfriend dropped Dana and I off at the KOA campground 10 miles east of Port Angeles. On Monday morning, we rode into P.A and caught the free Clallam County bus to Forks. From Forks we rode nine miles to the 3- Rivers Campground to tee ourselves up to officially start the ride from the Pacific Ocean at LaPush on Tuesday morning. After dipping our tires in the salty surf, we started the seemingly never ending upward climb east along the Olympic Discovery Trail.
Turns out, the ODT doesn’t really go to LaPush. That’s the vision for the trail, but at present moment that vision is far from complete. In reality, the trail starts about 15 miles east of Forks and then continues to our first stop at Lake Crescent.
This stretch of trail is sublime. We rode the 45 miles from Forks completely blissed out. The trail is paved and meanders through Evergreen forest, next to waterfalls, and along creeks bathed in streams of sunshine and shimmering light.
Peek-a-boo glimpses of the clean clear turquoise water of Lake Crescent come into view through openings in the woods. The contrasting blues of the water and sky set as a backdrop to the myriad greens from the surrounding trees feel like they have been digitally enhanced to blow your mind.
After two nights at Lake Crescent, we rode another 45 miles to Sequim on half rode and half trail and the following day to Port Townsend was more of the same. Where the trail exists, it is lovely and worth the inconvenience of having to ride a stretch or two on the road. That’s the story of the ODT during the summer of 2024. Next year could be different.
Olympic Discovery Trail 
Over the Elwha River Just saying Leaving Sequim Meeting up with a friend in Sequim for the Lavender Fest. Barn dance at the Lavender Fest Biker camp site at Fort Worden State Park Hiker/Biker site at Anacortes. My friend Deborah as the “Super Domestic” taking the lead out of Sequim
Surrender
This trip is all about flexibility, letting go and surrendering to what is in the present moment. It’s a practice in life skills that I’m currently working on. Way back in February when I decided to do a “chill” ride this summer, I imagined a ride that would unfold without much planning or manipulation to make all the pieces fit together. I loved the idea of having a vague outline and then letting the route fill in according to what felt right in the moment. After a school year that is scheduled, busy and planned out, it feels good to have the flexibility to follow your bliss wherever that may lead. Right now, it’s leading to the San Juan Islands and over Highway 20 east towards the mountains and that’s just fine with me.
Thanks for checking in on today’s dispatch down the long and “hilly” road. Adventure is just around the corner and at every turn in the road.
Hugs,
Denise
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I always enjoy reading about your bicycle trips and seeing the scenery via your photos. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Allen! I appreciate knowing that you enjoying the post. It’s fun for me to share my experiences with you and others who have time to follow along. Cheers!