Miller Peninsula State Park has over 2,800 acres located on the north Olympic Peninsula between Sequim and Port Townsend. The property is primarily upland forest with over three miles of shoreline on the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Discovery Bay. The property has spectacular views to the Protection Island Aquatic Reserve that is adjacent to the park property and to the surrounding mountains and strait. Due to past land use, the existing trail system includes a network of track roads and trails.
The state is currently in the process of developing the park. In early 2016, a formal entrance with parking and restrooms was opened, and an interim trail plan was finalized. At present, the trails are mainly user-maintained, primarily by Backcountry Horsemen and the Washington Trails Association (WTA). Trail names are informal ones used by hiker, bicycle, and horse users.
While the state works on the trail plan, WTA says: "volunteer crews have created a pretty trail to help you check out this area before the crowds find it. This wooded walk enters a lush ravine lined with remnant old-growth and gives way to an isolated beach with views of Protection Island.
"You can reach this cache from the trails that start at the new park entrance, but a slightly shorter route starts at a trailhead on the left side of Diamond Point Road as you drive in from Hwy 101, next to a mailbox and a sign for Pacific Aerospace. There is one nice parking space to the left of the blue metal gate. Just a short distance from the gate, head down the trail/old road called Diamond Point Blvd (WP-AT Access Trail Right) to the right. After a mile you will hit another junction of old roads, where you choose the one on the right and then almost immediately see another intersection where you go left.
"You will then pass a few minor trails on your right, but shortly you will encounter a Y shaped fork in the trail. Take the right fork. Enjoy this lush ravine as you wander half a mile to a beautiful and secluded beach. Here you can have a long lunch while taking in the sound of the surf and the views of Protection Island and even Mount Baker on a clear day. Walking down the beach to the right leads you in circle around a pond before reconnecting with the land. This is all the spit you get!"
This is a great hike for dogs, but there is clearly a lot of horse use on the last part of the trail, so be sure to keep dogs on-leash for the safety of the riders.
Miller Peninsula hours:
The park is open year-round for day use.
Summer: Daylight hours only
Winter: Daylight hours only
|
- This geocache has an approved Permit to be placed at this location on property managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. Visitors are responsible for acquainting themselves with policies and rules pertaining to State Parks areas.
- The following items may not be placed in the geocache: food, illegal substances, medications, personal hygiene products, pornographic materials, hazardous materials, or weapons of any type.
- By searching for the cache, visitors agree that they are responsible for their own actions, and acknowledge that neither the State of Washington nor the cache owner is responsible for any loss or injury that may occur in relation to such search.
- Report any incident, problem, or violation to State Parks staff.
|