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, February 13 – Dosewallips State Park

This is a heavily hiked and well-maintained trail in Dosewallips State Park. It is an easy trail of 3.5 miles with an elevation gain of 400 feet. The trail is a nice hike in typical Northwest woods but also follows along the Dosewallips River for some great views. The rating for this hike is an E2. A Washington State Discover Pass is required. Restrooms are available at trailhead. Hike leader: John Fillers, 360-215-4049.

Friday, February 27 – Ueland Tree Farm Trails

This hike is in Kitsap County at Ueland Tree Farm, west of Kitsap Lake and Bremerton. This is a great hike that is planned for a trip to both Dickerson Creek Waterfall and Zack’s Lookout.

If weather is not cooperating for the moderate 800 ft climb on Dickerson Trail to Zack’s Lookout to see views of the Olympics and Hood Canal, we may take an easier walk on the South Loop Trail. Either way there will be a hike through a great forest. Plan for a 6–7-mile hike of 3 to 3 ½ hours that is a combination of easy and moderate on logging roads and trails.

It is about a 45-minute drive to the trailhead (address: 4824 Leber Lane NW, Bremerton WA  98312; Google Coordinates: 47.580083, -122.717555). Hike will start at about 9:30 a.m. from the trailhead.

Be prepared for late February weather – likely cool, with a chance of showers. Make sure you have water and bring your hiking poles if you normally use them. The tree farm is dog friendly. The only traffic in the tree farm is the occasional logging truck and related vehicles. There are no restrooms at the tree farm. However, there are two gas stations close by (a Liberty and a Shell) at the intersection of Chico Way NW and Erlands Point Rd NW which you will pass shortly after exiting Hwy 3.

If you are interested in lunch (and restrooms!) after the hike, there is an excellent pub, 19^th Hole Bar & Grill, across from the Shell station on Erlands Point Rd NW. Ueland Tree Farm Map & other info at uelandtreefarm.com. Hike leader: Gary Hicks, GLHicks01@gmail.com, 510-566-2401.

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.