Trail Mix

by Tim Rensema, Natural Resources, Trails Committee

The Trails committee is transitioning to maintenance mode. This means clearing brush, removing dead trees overhanging our trails, and occasionally replacing steps. We’ll continue to report on important maintenance projects, such as widening the Cart Path, Golf Nine, and Creek View trails. We’ll also include segments honoring our Stewards of the Trail, including points of interest.

The Larry G. Scott Memorial Trail is 1.5 miles and is maintained by Jerry Keck (Chair of Trails; north), Dan Claeys (central), and Jack Riggen (south). It was a long time coming. Larry Scott started the permission process over eight years ago, finally getting approval from Ludlow Maintenance Commission (LMC) in 2024. He then roughed out the route through blackberry bushes and woods. Jerry Keck, our trail surveyor, ensured that the trail remained on LMC land (difficult at times with a narrow, 20-foot-wide right-of-way). In some cases, limbs of trees had to be cut to allow passage. Because the hillside’s so steep around the Pioneer community, there is tremendous seepage throughout the year, so four-inch culverts were installed. and a four-foot bridge was constructed over the flowage behind the fire station to assist with the drainage.

From the northern entrance off of Pioneer, it’s downhill through wooded areas to the fire station. There’s one bench located in a grove of big leaf maples so quiet and peaceful, that only bird calls interrupt your thoughts. The new bridge is at the base of that hill. The next three-quarters of a mile parallels Oak Bay Road, alternating between tree overstory to open glades of blackberry, salmonberry, and elderberry. Now’s the perfect time to walk this part of the trail as the blackberries are ripe. This is probably the most level part of the walk. If you want to hike a different route, take the lower Rainier connection at the road junction of Swansonville and Oak Bay. Otherwise, cross Swansonville and walk to the woodline close to Oak Bay, where you’ll see the entrance. On this part of the trail (completed in 2024), be careful of the wet spots during spring. Follow the trail to Walker Lane.

Now you’re coming up on the most recently constructed (2026) part of the Larry G. Scott Memorial Trail. Check Oak Bay and Walker before you cross the road to enter the trail. You’ll see two steps into the forest. The narrow trail immediately travels uphill to avoid private property. At the top of the hill, you’ll see the foundation of the pump house and the concrete anchors for the old water tank. The anchors and foundation are on private land, so please stay on the trail. An interpretive sign is there to provide you with additional information. You’ll then proceed down some steep stairs. Please use the bannister as it’s easy to lose your footing. At the base of the stairs immediately to your right, is the outline of the old water reservoir (underneath all of the English Ivy). This reservoir was filled with water from Ludlow Creek that was transported by a flume. Later, it was connected to the water tower. Just beyond the reservoir, is a piece of the four-inch diameter water pipe used to transport the water to the mill’s steam-operated power house. Next, you will come to an apple tree (this area used to be an orchard, and then climb a slight hill.

Be prepared for some of the best Ludlow Bay views from any of our trails. Three benches are installed at the best viewing locations. Then you’ll enter the woodline again. To your left is the Port Ludlow Cemetery. Feel free to enter the cemetery and read the interpretive signs. At this point, you can go down the hill to Oak Bay Road or continue on the trail to the southern starting point at the intersection of the ABT and Drew Connector. This portion of the trail follows along the old Oak Bay Road trace. When we cut the trail, we found old whiskey bottles and electrical insulators, which would have been used in the 1960s when Oak Bay Road was re-routed. You have now completed the Larry G. Scott Memorial Trail. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did in building it. If you have questions or comments, please direct them to Jerry Keck at gnkeck@gmail.com.