Hike Descriptions

OTHH HIKING DESCRIPTIONS FOR MARCH/2023

Disclaimer:  OTHH hiking group assumes no collective or individual liability for any mishaps on any of the OTHH outings or hikes.  Please hike & partake at your own risk.

Note:  Please research the hikes/descriptions listed below to determine if they are up to your ability & interest.  Some mileages and elevation gains may be subject to change.  

Wed., March 1st:  Old Fort Townsend ~ 6.5 – 7 miles/~ 625-780’

Chris Barton will lead this hike, as she knows it well.  This fort at Port Townsend Bay has quite the military history, including a torpedo x-ray tower.  It has lovely, forested trails, including a bluff trail, madrona trail & others--one which leads to an old, abandoned military cemetery.  Parking Pass:  Discover

Fri., March 3rd:  Striped Peak ~ 7-1/2 – 8.25 miles/~1,400’-1,950’

The hike has changed from Lower Gray Wolf (due to snow driving conditions) to Striped Peak out at the Salt Creek Recreation Area.

Striped Peak offers many loop possibilities, including the newest 7.5-mile loop, which was completed a year ago.  It incorporates the real Striped Peak (not an actual peak) but has a good view looking out towards beautiful Crescent Bay and Vancouver Island.  Bring a flashlight or headlamp for exploring the bunker, if you wish.  

Mileage:  7.5 - 9 miles

Elev.:   up to ~1,600' Parking Pass:  

Wed., March 8th:  Chetzemoka Park & Historical Walk in Port Townsend ~5 - 6 miles/200’

This is a new outing for the group & an interesting historical, interpretive trail commemorating Chief Chetzemoka (Anglicized name for the Chief) & educating the public about the relationship between the S’Klallam people and the European settlers who arrived in the 1800’s.    Parking Pass:  Part of this hike is on free public buses 

Fri., March 10th:  Fort Flagler @ Marrowstone Island ~ 5 - 7 miles/~200-400’

Walk bluff trail, etc. at this fort, including around lagoon & at upper campground on return trail.  Rick Noice hopes to lead us.  We may even see paragliders, see the military gun emplacements, batteries, etc.  We may stop at Marrowstone Vineyards after our hike for some social time! Parking Pass:  Discover

Wed., March 15th:  Madison Falls to Altair Campground up Elwha R. ~ 6 - 7 miles/~ 300’-500’

Walk on the E. side of the Elwha River from Madison Falls, on the Bypass Trail, by the Elwha Ranger Station, on to cross the Elwha R. & down to the Altair Campground.  Parking Pass:  Natl. Park/Golden Age

Fri., March 17th:  Snowshoe Outing:  Hurricane Ridge or Other 3 - 6 miles/300’-1,000’

Snowshoeing at Hurricane Ridge unless the local snow level is lower.  Route depends upon avalanche forecast & abilities of snowshoers.  Competent snow drivers needed.  This will be our last, scheduled snowshoe outing for OTHH for the season. Parking Pass:  Natl. Park/Golden Age

Wed., March 22nd:  Eden Valley E. to Viewing Area & Beyond:  ~ 7-1/2 - 8-1/2 miles/1,100’

This is a portion of the OAT (Olympic Adventure Trail).  Enjoy a viewpoint at the Bench & then proceed down a couple of switchbacks, across the flat & can go as far as the Living Room.  Parking Pass:  Discover

Fri., March 24th:  New Dungeness Lighthouse ~ 11 miles/~100-125’

Sarah Miller will be staffing the Lighthouse & can give us a personal tour.  This will be an excellent opportunity!  The tide will be cooperative of .18’ at 12:11 p.m.  Parking Pass:  Golden Age or $3/day

Wed., March 29th:  Radio Tower off Blue Mt. Rd ~ 5 miles/300-500’

This DNR Rd. passes the local Radio Station tower.  We may get up high for possible views; otherwise, we will stay on the road & may even walk along the irrigation ditch.  Parking Pass:  N/A

Fri., March 31st:  Foothills Trails ~ 7 – 8 miles/~ 1,300-1,700’

This multi-use, DNR area off Little River Rd. provides a network of trails.  We will be on the e. side of this area, since there is active logging on the w. portion.  On top, at a picnic table, we hope to get good views of P.A., the Strait of Juan de Fuca & back to Mt. Angeles, etc.  Parking Pass:  Discover