The Foothills – Port Townsend, Washington – Moquistang; one little mustang who does it all.

The Foothills – Port Townsend, Washington

Dec 1, 2025

December 1, 2025

Submitted by: Sara & Alexis

Sitting just 15 minutes outside of Port Angeles, WA, on the Olympic Peninsula; the Foothills trails offer not only a close place to ride but stunning views of the Salish Sea. This DNR land is shared with other users so please be respectful of their time outdoors as well. Expect to see Canada, Mount Baker and the San Juans from the viewpoint at the top on a clear day. Enjoy the picnic table and the small but not sturdy fence. Please only tie up if your horse is a saint. As always, leave no trace. Pick up all hay, manure and bedding from the parking lot and disperse it into the bushes. Don’t forget to take a photo of the map in the parking lot before you head out!

Trail Stats:

11 miles of trails not including roads.
Elevation Gain: Up to 1500 feet
Elevation Loss: Up to 1500 feet
Max Elevation: 2,423 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
↗ What does this mean?
Footing: Dirt, small gravel, logging roads, single track
Hoof Protection: Front boots/shoes recommended.

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Facilities: Mounting block, picnic table at parking lot. No other amenities.

Water Sources: Streams along trail but would be hard to access.

Trail Info: Various loops can be made. Most trails have names & are marked. Well-developed trail system, mostly single track. Trails are uphill out of the parking lot.

Trail Challenges: Multi-use trails. Mountain bikes & dirt bikes allowed. Both generally courteous. It can be busy on weekends, so go early AM on weekdays & you may be the only one there. Because DNR property, target shooting is allowed ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD. Signs are up instructing shooters to shoot into berms away from trails, so on weekends there can be gunfire. Sounds like a lot to take in, but the trails are really well maintained, the views are EPIC and there’s a picnic area at the top where you can see Mt Baker, the San Juan Islands & Canada. Not a ride for beginners but if you have a trusty trail horse and some experience this ride will be a great option. Active logging land, please respect closures.

Permits: Discover pass required. No kiosk in parking lot. Day use only.

Backcountry Sites: Not suitable for overnight use.

Cell Service: Verizon – great. Other carriers – spotty.

Fuel: Multiple options on the way in and out of trailhead on Highway 101 in Port Angeles, Wa

GPX File: WHT: The Foothills – also available for free on Ride With GPS.

Maintained By: ?

Directions: Highway 102 North to Port Angeles. Right on Front Street in to Port Angeles, left on Race Street. Turn right on Lauridsen Blvd. Left back on to highway 101, right onto Pine Street cutoff. Left at the stop sign onto Pine Street which becomes Black Diamond Road. At 4.5 miles, turn left onto Little River Road. Follow this road, which becomes a gravel road with some potholes, up the hill about a mile. I use 4 wheel high because my trailer is heavy. Forest opens up to a clear cut on the left, large gravel parking lot on left with plenty of room for turn around & parking

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