The best running trails in Anderson Lake State Park

This scenic trail starts in Port Townsend. This scenic trail spans 7.3 miles, winding its way to the southwest until it reaches the Milo Curry Trailhead at Four Corners, where it concludes. The Larry Scott Trail is a segment of both the Olympic Discovery Trail and the Pacific Northwest Trail.

Larry Scott Trail, part of the Olympic Discovery Trail, is a combination of wide natural and paved paths beginning on downtown Port Townsend's waterfront and heading southwest to its SW trailhead at Four Corners. Annually, Run the Peninsula Road Race Series takes place on this trail, where runners compete in the 5k/10k and Half Marathon.

This state park is lovely, with multiple trails leading through a forest combination of cedar fir and alder to Anderson Lake. There are eight miles of hiking trails, seven miles of biking trails and five miles of equestrian trails, leaving plenty of options for a great run throughout the grounds. The lake spans 70 acres and has plenty of birds and other wildlife that inhabit the area. There are several picnic tables along the lakeshore, often occupied by large groups who enjoy birding and nature tours provided by the parks department.

This park was built in 1856 as an on-and-off U.S. Army site for a short time until a fire destroyed its barracks in 1895. Since then, it has returned to nature and is an excellent place for boating, crabbing, fishing and exploring the grounds. Six miles of trails run through the park amongst a lovely forest filled with Douglas-firs, cedars and western hemlock that rise above the understory of ferns. From the beach, there are beautiful views of the Port Townsend Bay. It is a quieter park than its northern neighbor, Fort Worden, and is an excellent spot for a run through the forest or along the sandy shoreline. Parking at this location does require a Discover Pass for vehicle access for day use.

Founded in 1870 by Samuel Hadlock, Port Hadlock's history is rooted in the timber industry. Hadlock contracted with the Washington Mill Company to construct a sawmill on a spit of land at the south end of Port Townsend Bay, where the deep waters were suitable for tall ships. This endeavor resulted in the establishment of a significant lumber mill. While much has changed since then, two structures from that era still stand in town today.

Anderson Lake is a place where you can experience a mix of forests and wetlands. This park stands out as one of the few in the area that has horseback riding and biking trails that lead to a lake filled with birds and wildlife. In the park you will find cedar, fir, alder trees, and freshwater marshes.

At this junction, you can hop on or off the Larry Scott Trail. If you're coming from Port Townsend, you can either turn around and head back or take a left on South Discovery Road, which will lead you to State Road 20 and an alternative route to Port Townsend. Additionally, this is where the Larry Scott Memorial Trail transitions into the Olympic Discovery Trail. To continue on the Olympic Discovery Trail, turn left onto South Discovery Road and then right onto the Olympic Highway. If you would like to head towards Beckette Point make a left on South Discovery Road.

This scenic trail starts in Port Townsend. This scenic trail spans 7.3 miles, winding its way to the southwest until it reaches the Milo Curry Trailhead at Four Corners, where it concludes. The Larry Scott Trail is a segment of both the Olympic Discovery Trail and the Pacific Northwest Trail.