Port Ludlow Hiking

by John Nuerenberg, Port Ludlow Hiking Club

Hikers meet at the Bridge Deck in Port Ludlow on the day of the hike at 8:15 a.m. to get directions to the trailheads, arrange carpools, and depart at 8:30 a.m.

Those on the hiking email roster receive an update the week of a scheduled outing. If you would like to be added to the email roster, send a note to plhikingclub@yahoo.com, or go to the club’s website at portludlowhikingclub.com and click on “Contact” to send a message. Anyone may join in the hikes; you don’t have to be a member of the email roster or club.

Friday, January 2 – Larry Scott Trail

We will start at the southern end at Milo Curry Trailhead and walk 4-6 miles round trip with minimal elevation gain, depending on how far the group wishes to go before turning around. There is a restroom at the trailhead and another at the 3.5 mile-point (aka Cape George Trailhead) if anyone wishes to go that far. The hike might vary in distance and direction depending on weather and trail conditions. Parking pass is not required. Hike leader: John Fillers, 360-215-4049.

Friday, January 30 – Sea to Sea

This is an easy hike featuring historic Fort Ward Park, Bainbridge, and follows interior park trails to Blakeley Harbor, complete with views of Rich Passage at one end and the Puget Sound Seattle Skyline at the other! We may hear sea lions, see ferries, and if the weather is clear, views of the Olympics!

This year we will begin at the Upper Forward parking lot. We will begin by walking down to Fort Ward Park and along a half-mile flat paved trail with views of Rich Passage and the gun batteries and old barracks of Fort Ward dating from the early 20^th Century. We will next climb approximately 200 feet and follow interior park trails to Blakely Harbor where we will stop and enjoy a snack on the beach. We will then circle back and end our hike where we began at the upper parking lot. There are several rest rooms stops along the route.

Total distance: 5-6 miles; elevation gain: 200 feet. No parking passes needed. Fort Ward is near Lynwood Center where there are excellent options for lunch for those who would like to extend their visit. Hike leaders: Jer and Jorge Carraso, 206-920-8054.

Wednesdays: Timberton Loop. Walk the 4.2-mile Timberton Loop. Enjoy views of the Olympic Mountains. This is a no-leader hike. Meet other walkers at the parking lot trailhead on Timberton Drive at 9 a.m.

Monday/Wednesday/Friday — 8 a.m. Join the "Trail Club Group” that meets at the golf club parking lot for a self-led walk on the abandoned golf cart path trail or other alternative route.

For more hiking information, map of the Port Ludlow Trails and descriptions and pictures of previous hikes and other destinations, go to portludlowhikingclub.com.