KEC Press Release: North Sound to Olympics (NSTO) Trail Alternative
KITSAP ENVIRONMENTAL COALITION URGES COUNTY LEADERS TO CONSIDER ALTERNATIVE ROUTE FOR SOUND TO OLYMPICS TRAIL
The Kitsap Environmental Coalition (KEC) is urging Kitsap County Commissioners to evaluate an alternative route for the North Sound to Olympics Trail (NSTO) that would run alongside State Route 104 on the eastern edge of the Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park (PGFHP) rather than through the heart of the park, as currently proposed.
In March 2025, the Board of County Commissioners adopted a resolution stating that construction of the NSTO would not proceed until further review and analysis had been completed. In a letter dated September 29, KEC asked the Board to include this alternative in the required review.
A route that better protects the forest
KEC proposes evaluating construction of a separated, shared-use path within the existing SR 104 right-of-way, running largely along the eastern edge of the PGHFP. This approach could provide regional trail connectivity while reducing the ecological impacts of routing a heavily used trail through the park’s intact and recovering natural habitat. KEC believes protecting and restoring PGFHP forests and wildlife habitat should be a priority in county planning.
A shorter, more accessible transportation route
In addition to its ecological benefits, an SR 104 right-of-way route would provide a more direct non-motorized transportation corridor from Port Gamble and communities to the south over to Kingston. Unlike a primarily recreational trail through PGFHP, the alternative could serve both non-motorized transportation between communities and recreational needs.
According to KEC’s analysis, the alternative route is approximately three miles shorter and has about half the elevation gain of the current through-park plan, making it more accessible to a broader range of users.
KEC points out that in 2011 planners identified and rejected an “on-road improvement” of SR 104, essentially an enhanced shoulder. However, a separated shared-use path providing greater distance from motor vehicle tra^ic was not evaluated.
A fair comparison of costs and funding opportunities is needed
KEC also questions whether the original assumption that using existing logging roads would make a through-park route financially feasible. Project costs to date have substantially exceeded early estimates, raising questions about the financial advantages of the current approach.
The coalition is asking the County to compare the estimated costs and benefits of both routes, using comparable design standards and assumptions, including construction conditions and environmental constraints. KEC also points to the potential for federal funding of the SR104 route because of its’ regional connectivity and transportation function.
A request for a full evaluation
KEC is asking the Board of County Commissioners to give the alternative route a thorough, objective evaluation as part of the NSTO review process before committing to a final alignment.
The coalition intends to continue raising the alternative throughout the planning and approval process, emphasizing that the County has an opportunity to improve regional trail connections while better protecting one of its most important natural areas.
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