Port Ludlow Hiking Club

by John Fillers, Port Ludlow Hiking Club

GENERAL INFORMATION: Hikers gather at the Bridge Deck in Port Ludlow at 8:15 a.m. for directions and to arrange carpools, leaving by 8:30 a.m. To find the Bridge Deck location, visit the club’s website at portludlowhikingclub.com and click the “ABOUT” tab.

Individuals on the hiking email list receive notifications during the week of scheduled outings. If you wish to be added to the distribution list, please visit the club’s website at portludlowhikingclub.com and use the “CONTACT” tab to submit your request. Participation in hikes is open to all; it is not necessary to be on the Hiking Club email list or be a member of the Hiking Club.

Friday, June 5 - Dosewallips River Road Trail

We will begin this hike on the abandoned Dosewallips River Road washout area on the abandoned road that starts in the National Forest and leads to the abandoned Dosewallips park ranger station and campground. The ranger station is a moderate hike of approximately 11 miles roundtrip with 1300 feet elevation gain. We will probably turn around before reaching the ranger station at the Elkhorn Campground, approximately 4.2 miles roundtrip. You will enjoy the whitewater beauty of the Dosewallips River and the scenery of the gorge.

Make sure you have water, a snack or lunch, and your walking sticks. The trail is dog friendly in the National Forest, but they must be on a leash. There is no restroom facility at the Dosewallips River Road trailhead. There are public restroom facilities along the way at the Quilcene Community Center. A Forest or Senior Pass is required. Additional info: wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/dosewallips-river. Hike Leader: Laureen Wagoner, laureenwagoner@gmail.com, 509-592-6452.

Friday, June 19 - Spruce Railroad Trail 

We will begin this hike from the east end of Lake Crescent at the parking lot off East Beach Road. The trail is entirely asphalted. The trail will take us to Devil’s Punch Bowl, through or to a couple tunnels. Most of the hike provides beautiful views of Lake Crescent, the opposite shore including the Lodge, and the Olympic Mountains in the background. The Spruce Railroad Trail would have transported Sitka spruce to Port Angeles. The wood was to be used to build aircraft during World War I, but the war ended days before the completion of the railroad.

The hike is approximately six miles round trip with less than 100 feet of elevation gain. Since the trail is almost all asphalt, and virtually no incline, hiking sticks will not be needed. You may also wear your comfortable tennis shoes! This has an M1 hike rating. A restroom facility is available at the trailhead. A National Park pass is not required but worth having in your vehicle on display just in case. Hike leaders: Sally & John Nuerenberg: 623-229-4657 or 623-229-4257.

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.