Facilities

DD- Wilkes Observatory Trail

Subfacility of City of DuPont Trails System

DD Trail Map
You can access the DD trail from Ridge View Place or the furthest northern end of Ridge View Drive.
The first look as you drop down onto the bluff above Puget Sound and follow along it toward Wilkes Observatory.
Many viewpoints of Puget Sound can be found along the DD Trail and offer the best views of the water within DuPont.
Trail markers let you know how far into the trail you are. There are several game trails that go down the bluff, it is not recommended that you go down them due to unstable ground and erosion.
The DD Trail offers many viewpoints of Puget Sound and multiple glimpses of it as you venture along the bluff.
For some of the way, you are completely surrounded by a tunnel of trees on the DD Trail.
At the end of the DD Trail, you can find the Wilkes Observatory marker and a nice area to have a picnic or a time to relax while overlooking Puget Sound.
The DD Trail is popular for walkers, joggers and bicyclists.
The DD Trail has a great view of the Nisqually River Delta.
DD Trail Map

Features

Historical Marker/ Area
Monument/ Memorial
Natural Areas
Street Parking
Trail System
Trail- Easy/ Moderate
Trail- Gravel
Trail- Less than 100 feet elevation change
Viewpoint
Wildlife Viewing

TRAIL INFORMATION
Difficulty: Easy/ Moderate
Distance: 1.25 Miles
Approximate Time: 25-35 Minutes
Total Elevation Change: 69 Feet
Trail Access: Off of Ridgeview Place. Northern-most end of Ridgeview Drive.

Running along the Western bluff averaging 200 feet above Puget Sound, the Wilkes Observatory Trail offers the best views of Puget Sound anywhere in DuPont. With a moderate decent near the beginning of the official trailhead, the trail is mostly straight with a steady ascent or descent grade until reaching the trail end at the Wilkes Observatory Marker. Naval Lieutenant Charles Wilkes led the United States Exploring Expedition of 1838-1842 where most of the artifacts collected in this venture helped spawn the creation of the Smithsonian Institution! Wilkes had an observatory in this area with the marker commemorating his accomplishments. You can learn more about "Captain" Wilkes at the DuPont Museum.

PLEASE NOTE: There are multiple trails that go off the main trail, including one that connects with the AA- Sequalitchew Creek Trail and others that run down the bluff to Puget Sound. The City of DuPont does not recommend use of these trails. These trails are not maintained by the city. Ground surrounding these trails is very unsteady and create an erosion risk. Use at your own risk.

RAILROAD TRACKS: Walking on, along, or over active railroad tracks when not at a designated crossing is not only illegal, it may pose serious risk. Do not do it. Learn more here at Operation Lifesaver : Rail Safety Education.

TIDE INFORMATION: The beach is an enjoyable place to visit, but it can also be pose a safety risk. The City of DuPont does not own the land surrounding the beach and some areas are within Federal and private property. Access these areas at your own risk. If you intend to venture into these areas, please consult the NOAA Tide Chart. If you do not understand tide charts, it is not recommended that you venture beyond the beach area near the trail.

DD- Wilkes Observatory Trail

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DD- Wilkes Observatory Trail

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