From exciting annual biking events and races to some of Washington state’s best mountain biking trails, Port Angeles’ year-round biking and cycling opportunities are plentiful. Check out the round-up of the top eight places to bike around Port Angeles and make a plan to ride!
1. Port Angeles Waterfront Trail on the Olympic Discovery Trail
Port Angeles’ waterfront trail is part of the 130-mile Olympic Discovery Trail (ODT) aptly referred to as the “Pathway to the Pacific” which skirts the Strait of Juan de Fuca through Port Angeles all the way to the Pacific Ocean in La Push. Go for a sunset ride out to Ediz Hook for stunning Olympic Mountain views and keep your eyes peeled for sea otters and orca whales in the harbor. Or pedal east towards Sequim to discover quiet beaches, forested creeks, lavender farms, and plenty of accredited birdwatching locations by the National Audubon Society.
2. Elwha River Bridge on the Olympic Discovery Trail
Pedal across a scenic bicycle bridge over the mighty Elwha River and head to Salt Creek Recreation Area for a day of tidepooling, hiking, and whale watching.
3. Spruce Railroad Trail
Bike the historic Spruce Railroad Trail along Lake Crescent for stunning lake views. Take a side trip to Devil’s Punchbowl where an impressive bridge stretches over a deep water pool that’s perfect for a summertime plunge.
4. 25 Miles of Double and Single Track Riding Along the Olympic Adventure Trail (OAT)
On Highway 112 from Port Angeles, you’ll find a point-to-point trail network of mountain biking trails classified mainly as intermediate. Referred to as the “OAT,” you’ll experience long inclines and descents into mossy green forests along with Strait of Juan de Fuca water views.
5. The Technical Trail at Dry Hill
Home of the annual NW Cup Mountain Downhill Bike Race, Dry Hill MTB trails offer riders a selection of 24 mainly “Difficult” and even “Very Difficult” mountain bike trails. Located only seven miles from the Port Angeles city center off Highway 101, this is the spot if you like to go fast!
6. Family-Friendly Trails at Colville Bike Park
The Colville mountain bike trails are popular with all ages and are continuing to be built-out by a group of dedicated volunteers that ride. The trails are fast and flowy with plenty of hill climbs nearby. There’s a small skills park as well as a pump track. Plan to gather around the fire pit or have a picnic post-ride.
7. Port Angeles Pumptrack
Test your bike skills for free at the new Port Angeles Pumptrack, which is the largest asphalt pump track on the West Coast. Designed by Velosolutions, it’s also the first adaptive use pumptrack in the entire United States.
8. Lincoln Park BMX Track
The Port Angeles Lincoln Park BMX track, located at Lincoln Park, offers dirt jumpers a place to compete and practice. Port Angeles is hosting the BMX Gold Cup Northwest National Championship Series September 2022. Look for special riding events and weekly races.
Locals’ Tip for Bike Rentals, Tours and MTB Bike Shuttles
Rent e-bikes in downtown Port Angeles near the Port Angeles Visitor Center from Discover E-Bike to go out to Ediz Hook, Morse Creek or the Elwha River. Connect with Elwha eBike Adventures to extend your biking adventures further along the ODT towards Lake Crescent. Electric bikes for rent include beach cruisers, fat tire bikes and mountain bikes. Both companies offer unique guided bike tours for small and large groups. For mountain biking rentals and tours, check out Adventures Through Kayaking. They offer half-day tours year-round as well as bike shuttles and MTB rentals. MicroShuttles can usher you into Port Angeles’ Dry Hill Bike Park area. Message them on Facebook to reserve.
Bike from Port Angeles to Canada
For an international side trip, consider expanding your biking mileage goals by hopping onto the Black Ball MV Coho ferry from downtown Port Angeles to Victoria, B.C. which is the biking capital of Canada. The Galloping Goose Trail has 40 miles of paved trail fanning out from the city center.
Annual Biking Events
Ride the Hurricane – https://ridethehurricane.org
Sea to Sound – https://iansride.com/sea-to-sound
Go to VisitPortAngeles.com to learn more about biking and other activities around the city. To view additional events around the Olympic Peninsula, check out our Calendar of Events page.
By guest blogger Lynnette Braillard / Visit Port Angeles
Cover photo by Lynnette Braillard / Visit Port Angeles
