History Hikes
Throughout the North Olympic Peninsula
Explore Jefferson County and Beyond
Each year, the North Olympic History Center and JCHS team up to offer guided hikes at historically significant sites around the North Olympic Peninsula. Led by NOHC Executive Director David Brownell, these popular hikes regularly sell out!
This year, we are offering three hikes:
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Saturday, May 31st: Dungeness Recreation Area
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Saturday, June 14th: L.B. Good Memorial Park (Indian Island)
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Saturday, September 20th: Clink Bridge on the Dungeness River
Dungeness
Recreation Area
Saturday, May 31
Two Hikes: 10AM - 11:30AM, 12:30PM - 2PM
The Dungeness Recreation Area, known locally as “Voice of America” park, has a rich history beginning with traditional use of prairies by the S’Klallam people, to early agricultural use and more recent development for radio broadcasting in World War II.
Join us to peel back these layers of history and enjoy the scenic views of the Olympic Mountains and Strait of Juan de Fuca. This area is renowned for wildlife, so make sure to bring your binoculars!
L.B. Good Memorial Park (Indian Island)
Saturday, June 14
Two Hikes: 10AM - 11:30AM, 12:30PM - 2PM
By popular demand, we’re bringing back the hike that started our History Hikes program!
Join us for a guided walk along the north side of the portage canal as we explore the complex history of Oak Bay and Indian Island. Learn about the region’s archaeological past, the Hudson Bay Company’s 1828 attack on a S’Klallam village, and the changing human history of this area over time.
Clink Bridge on Dungeness River
Saturday, September 20
Two Hikes: 10AM - 12:15PM, 1:30PM - 3:45PM
Take an extended trek into the Dungeness Valley on this special edition History Hike! Walk through old-growth forest to the Clink Bridge site and discover the deep history of human settlement along the Dungeness River. Learn how people, geology, and nature have shaped the North Olympic Peninsula over time.
Named after the Clink family, who briefly settled here in the late 19th century, this site offers rich history and stunning natural beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
About Your Guide: David Brownell
David Brownell holds a BA in History from Hanover College and an MA in Public History from Wright State University. After serving as Research Coordinator for the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Tribal Historic Preservation Office, David moved to Washington in 2015 to take a position as Cultural Resources Specialist for the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, and in 2018 he was designated as Jamestown’s Tribal Historic Preservation Officer by Tribal Council. In the fall of 2021, he became Executive Director of the North Olympic History Center. David serves on the board for the Jefferson County Historical Society.
General Info
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Two time slots per date
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Pre-registration required
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Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the site
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Capacity: 12 people per hike
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Program cost is $45 for JCHS or NOHC members, $60 for non-members.
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Funds from History Hikes help support the work of both the North Olympic History Center and the Jefferson County Historical Society.
Membership Discount
Get discounted tickets by becoming a JCHS member and NOHC Member.