The best running trails around Port Hadlock-Irondale

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.

Explore the enchanting Port Townsend, a National Historic Landmark District that beautifully preserves its late 19th-century architecture. This picturesque town, one of just three Victorian Seaports in the United States, boasts stunning commercial buildings downtown and elegant mansions uptown, some of which now operate as charming Bed and Breakfast Inns.

This park in the middle of the city offers a unique experience with a valuable habitat of over 150 species of birds who pass through here. Several walking and bicycle trails are located in the southern portion of the park, as there is currently no route looping around the lagoon. The paths provide access between the east and west sides of Port Townsend, making it a popular thoroughfare among locals.

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.

This historical park allows you to step back in time while enjoying a peaceful run through the grounds. Fort Flagler was built in the late 1890s and was fully operational during World War I, World War II and the Korean War. There are multiple trail options, all surrounded by 19,100 feet of salty shoreline to appreciate. There are stunning views of Mount Baker in the distance, Juan de Fuca to the north, Whidbey Island to the east and the Olympic Peninsula to the west. You will encounter historic structures along the route, a museum, a campground and restrooms.

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.

Uncover military history at Fort Flagler Historical State Park on Marrowstone Island's northern tip. This coastal defense fort, more than a century old, is part of the Puget Sound's defensive network, along with Fort Worden and Fort Casey. It's a must-visit for those keen on military, armament, and maritime history. Built in the late 1890s, it served during several wars and now houses a military museum in the old Quarter Master's Store House.