Larry Scott Trail

Opened in 1998, the trail is part of the Pacific Northwest Trail and is the easternmost — and oldest — section of the Olympic Discovery Trail (ODT). It commemorates Larry Scott, the conservation steward and co-founder of the Peninsula Trails Coalition who championed the development of the ODT. 

From the Milo Curry trailhead, the trail rises gently from the clearing, and after passing some private properties, a ravine descends on the left, a wetland on the right. Ravens and pileated woodpeckers can sometimes be heard. Some domestic animals can be spotted, including many horses (as a sign along the trail warns, don’t feed them fingers — or anything else) in pastures along the trail. Mixed forest and madrona punctuate the pastures, as do the signs of the nearby urban world when the trail briefly runs alongside SR 20. 

Around mile 3, cross under SR 20 near Jacob Miller Road, where the trail becomes asphalt for a bit before returning you to the forest. In another mile or so, the paper mill on the right signals that you are approaching the waterfront (on some days, the mill’s telltale aroma will greet you before you see it). Shortly, leave the heavy industry behind as the waterfront emerges on the horizon ahead. Check out a helpful pictorial guide to both native and invasive species posted near the western trailhead, courtesy of the Washington Native Plant Society.

All trailheads — Port Townsend waterfront, Cape George and Milo Curry — have restrooms. Bring sufficient water as there are no sources on the trail.