Port Ludlow Hiking Club

by John Fillers, Port Ludlow Hiking Club

The Port Ludlow Hiking Club offers a leader-led hike every other even-numbered month, such as February, April, and June. Details for each upcoming hike appear in the Voice and on the club website, portludlowhikingclub.com. Each announcement includes the date and time, meeting place, trail location, hike description, what to bring, and other important details, along with the RSVP email address, portludlowhikingclub@gmail.com. Please RSVP so the hike organizer knows how many participants to expect and can plan accordingly.

In addition to the club’s leader-led hikes every other month, Port Ludlow offers many local hiking options, with more than 30 miles of nearby trails. Join the Timberton Loop or Old Cart Path Loop groups or explore the trails on your own.

The Next Hike:

Thursday, October 15 – Lower Big Quilcene River

The Lower Big Quilcene River Trail covers 10.2 miles round trip and gains 800 feet in elevation. Hikers who prefer a shorter route can turn back at Bark Shanty Camp, a scenic riverside stop about 2.7 miles from the trailhead. That option reduces the hike to 5.4 miles round trip with less than 600 feet of elevation gain. The trail is well maintained, easy to follow, and offers frequent views of the river.

Meet at the Bridge Deck in Port Ludlow at 8:15 a.m. The hike organizer will share directions to the trailhead and assist with carpools. To find the Bridge Deck location, visit portludlowhikingclub.com and select the “ABOUT” tab. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy by the river. Vault toilets are available at the trailhead, dogs are allowed on the trail, and a Northwest Forest Pass or Interagency Pass (America the Beautiful/National Parks Pass) is required.

Please RSVP at portludlowhikingclub@gmail.com if you plan to hike, so the organizer can anticipate the group size and adjust plans as needed.

Local Hikes

Timberton Loop: Walk the 4.2-mile Timberton Loop Trail and enjoy views of the forest and the Olympic Mountains. This no-leader hike meets every Wednesday at 9 a.m. at the Timberton trailhead parking lot on Timberton Drive.

Old Cart Path Loop: Walk the 2.8-mile Old Cart Path Loop and enjoy views of the forest and the abandoned fairways. This no-leader hike meets every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 8 a.m. at the golf club parking lot.

For more hiking information go to portludlowhikingclub.com. The website offers descriptions and pictures of previous hikes, a trail map of all the Port Ludlow Trails, a description of the next scheduled hike and a contact page so you can get additional information.