Trails are more than just pathways through nature—they are lifelines that connect communities, enhance outdoor recreation, and promote healthy lifestyles. WWRP Trails grants help communities and recreation areas fund the creation and improvement of trails for walking, hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. These grants help make communities more livable, create regional trail systems, and open up beautiful outdoor spaces for people to enjoy.
In Washington State, the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) is the largest source of trail funding. To date, WWRP has leveraged over $252 million to support 185 trail projects across the state, fostering access to nature and outdoor adventure.
This month’s featured project is the Olympic Discovery Trail – Anderson Lake Extension, located on the ancestral lands of the Chimacum, S’Klallam, Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla peoples, this project is the next step in expanding the Olympic Discovery Trail.
With funding from WWRP, Washington State Parks is extending the Olympic Discovery Trail by over half a mile, linking it directly to Anderson Lake State Park. The new section will be paved and will include a short boardwalk segment, ensuring accessibility for a variety of users. Additionally, improvements at the park’s primitive trailhead will include:
- Expanded parking
- New signage
- Hitching posts for equestrians
- Vault toilets for visitor convenience
This project is scheduled to be completed this year and it will provide a connection from Port Townsend to the State Park via 11 miles of trail. Projects like the Olympic Discovery Trail – Anderson Lake Extension showcase the power of strategic funding to enhance outdoor access and create lasting recreational opportunities. By investing in trails, WWRP continues to build connections—between communities, people, and the great outdoors.
