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.

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

Port Townsend Čičməhán Trail – Thursday, December 10

Čičməhán Trail, also known as the Chetzemoka Trail, is a scenic and historical urban walk along Port Townsend’s streets and sidewalks. It tells the story of the relationship between 19th-century European settlers and the S’Klallam leader they called Chetzemoka.

We will offer two walks through the city: a roughly 6-mile route led by Sally Nuerenberg and a roughly 3-mile route led by John Nuerenberg. Each leader will provide details for their walk.

We will meet at the Bridge Deck at 8:15 a.m. on Thursday, December 10, depart at 8:30 a.m., and park at Chetzemoka Park. Both groups will start together and separate along the route. Please carpool with hikers taking the same walk. We expect to finish in time for anyone who would like to stay in Port Townsend for lunch.

Restrooms are available at the trailhead and at several points along the route. Wear comfortable shoes suitable for pavement; walking sticks are recommended for anyone who needs balance support. Bring a snack and plenty of water. Because the route follows city streets and sidewalks, dogs are welcome.

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 Wednesdays 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 Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 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.