When we are cruising, we always appreciate the opportunity to stretch our legs. In the Broughtons, we resort to kayaking for exercise as there are few trails. But, for us close to home is the wonderful hiking destination of Port Ludlow. The Port Ludlow Village Council maintains 30 miles of hiking trails in the community and has published a map that designates the area “A Destination Hiking Village.”
The map is available at the Port Ludlow marina office. One of our favorite hikes is out to Ludlow Falls where there is a 0.5 miles interpretive trail detailing the logging of Pope and Talbot and the McCormick Lumber Railroad as well as information on the plants and trees that grow along the trail.
There are some impressive large old trees that were spared from logging and the trail is gorgeous. The falls themselves can be impressive in the spring or after a good rain. We stumbled upon a new trail in 2025 that adds another 1.3 miles of interpretive trail along the creek so, altogether, one can hike approximately 4 miles round trip from the marina and learn about the history of the village.
There are trails through the neighborhoods that dip into ravines so wild, one would never know there are houses above. And, of course, there is the beach to walk on overlooking Admiralty Inlet outside the bay of Port Ludlow. We are inspired by the community’s commitment to green space and public trails. The Village Center now boasts a burger place, a Mexican restaurant and a Pizza place. And the Fireside Restaurant at Port Ludlow Resort Inn offers upscale dining.
The marina office staff have selected a delightful collection of items for sale from unique chargeable lamps for the boat, small carry purses and packs, reading glasses and crafts, to the usual books such as the Waggoner Guide, a first aid book, and small first aid kits. And their food and drink selections are very upscale too, with some thoughtful dried gourmet one pot soup and pasta mixes. We were seduced by the delicious sweets they also stock. Altogether a delightful getaway!
Article by Betsy Plotkin
Waggoner Field Correspondent
