Lyre Conservation Area
Restoration Update Spring 2023:
Notice black tarps in the meadow near the beach at the Lyre Conservation Area? Please let them be – this is prairie creation in progress! Click here to learn more.
The Lyre Conservation Area is located on the traditional and ancestral lands of the indigenous S’Klallam and Makah people, who have lived on the North Olympic Peninsula since time immemorial and who continue to lead in environmental stewardship. Read our full Land Acknowledgement here.
The Lyre Conservation Area is a 280-acre property just east of the Lyre River on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. This Conservation Area features the estuary at the mouth of the Lyre River, streams, tide-flats, kelp beds and a ½ mile of Strait of Juan de Fuca shoreline. It also includes a large diverse upland forest as well as excellent habitat for salmon and a variety of migratory and resident birds and wildlife. Just 20 miles west of Port Angeles, it is an ideal spot for non-motorized daytime activities like bird and wildlife viewing, surfing, picnicking, fishing and beach walking. With responsible use, this phenomenal conservation area will provide habitat protection and recreational access for generations to come.
General Info:
Dogs welcome on leash, please pack out waste.
This is a multi-use trail – pedestrians, bikes, horses, mobility devices for disability access, and e-bikes are welcome.
Fishing is welcome in accordance with WDFW regulations
Trail Info:
The main trail is mostly flat, wide, and gravel. It’s about 2 miles to the beach and back with 250 feet of elevation gain and one steep downhill. 0.7 miles of other trails meander through the forest.
Amenities:
3 benches, 2 picnic tables, and a porta-potty. No trash cans – please pack out waste!
Conservation Areas are open during COVID-19. Please read and follow these important guidelines for Trail Users.
What to Expect When you Arrive
Two parking areas have been established near the end of Reynold Rd. The conservation area is NOT accessible from other local roads, including East Lyre River Rd and West Lyre River Rd. Please respect neighboring private properties.
Thanks to the Olympic Peninsula Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation there’s a Sanican at the Conservation Area.
Printable maps of the property are available here, and you will also find a large map on the kiosk when you arrive at the Lyre Conservation Area.
Click here to download a brochure.
Learn more about the history of history of the property here.
Thank you to our Partners
This community conservation area was made possible through the efforts of the Land Trust and local partners to secure grant funding provided by the State of Washington’s Puget Sound Acquisition and Restoration fund, Marine Shoreline Protection fund, Estuary and Salmon Restoration Program, general North Olympic Land Trust funds, and a generous donation from the prior owner for the ongoing care of the land. Critical partners include the North Olympic Peninsula Lead Entity, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Puget Sound Partnership, the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, and the Makah Tribe.
To read more about the purchase of the property, click here.
A Tour of the Lyre Conservation Area
Getting There
Driving Directions
From Port Angeles, drive approximately 3 miles west on Hwy 101, then turn right onto Hwy 112. Drive approximately 14 miles. Turn right on Reynold Rd and drive less than a half mile to a small parking area.
After you park, walk north on the road until you come to two locked gates. To get to the beach you will want to turn left at the two gates and walk west down the road for about 1 mile.
Transit Directions
The Clallam Transit 10-Joyce Route stops at the intersection of WA-112 and East Lyre River Road, which is just a short walk from the property.