Trail Mix

by Larry Scott, Trails Chair

Alder leaners on Timberton Homes Trail. Photo by Dean Morgan.

“Port Ludlow — A Destination Hiking Village”

Question: What does Trails do when it’s not building “new” trails? Now is a good time to answer that while we await the go-ahead to finish our Oak Bay Trail project from Walker to the Northern ABT crossing. Answer: From our extensive core of dedicated Trail Stewards, we solicit feedback and identify improvements that can (or need) to be made to the trail under their particular care. Then, individuals go out on the smaller undertakings, or we put crews together to accomplish the larger tasks for a couple of hours (standard traditional time) and then enjoy more camaraderie around a beverage at the Village Store. As an illustration, I thought I would show the Voice readers an example.

At the monthly PLVC Trails meeting on December 2, the committee gathered input from its stewards and generated the TO-DO list. Here is the list Trails will be using to guide our efforts while dodging between atmospheric rivers and King tides. Of course, severe weather may require shelving some of these while we clear blowdowns, but we will return to them.

TO-DO List from 12-2-2025 Trails Meeting

Around the Bay Trail

·      Clear overhangs at southern crossing for better pedestrian visibility.

·      Check on steps below Waterhouse for spongy wood and replace as necessary.

Creek View Loop

·      Widen trail at southern approach to old work access road.

Interpretive-McCormick Connector

·      Add additional step(s) at switchback area near double benches.

·      Correct for muddy area at end of bridge crossing.

McCormick R/R Trail

·      Reroute trail onto raised edges in the flat areas that do not have a drain off avenue (three - five locations).

Montgomery Loop

·      Add fresh layer of crushed rock between Libby and Condon. 2. Replace trail sign (heading north from Condon).

Olympic Terrace Loop

·      Correct for annual wet spot near Teal Lake Loop junction.

Osprey Trail

·      Needs overall TLC to clear debris and replace soft steps.

Picnic Point

·      Add chips and possibly replace side rails in area leading from ABT near Village.

·      Cut back encroaching salal in area leading from ABT near creek.

Teal Lake Loop

·      Steward requests dog pickup signage for western road segment.

Timberton Loop

·      Improve sloppiness at traditional area of “Bob Ford” cutoff.

Timberton Homes

·      Clear multiple alder leaners.

Timberton ABT Connection

·      Add steps to area approaching retention pond.

Wells Court

·      Improve uneven surface caused by raised roots.

If you want to come out for a Fun Day of camaraderie while helping to improve our community, send me an email at mclgscott@cablespeed.com. “Let’s Keep Improving our Trails.”