What: An easy walk along a closed logging road through second-growth forest, with an inviting trails-end stop in quaint Port Gamble for clam chowder or espresso.
Where: Head south on I-5 to Highway 104 and follow it to Edmonds. Take the Edmonds-Kingston Ferry and follow Highway 104 to Port Gamble. Though there’s trailhead parking, its probably more convenient to park near the old scaling station a block west of the Port Gamble General Store.
Length: 4 miles round trip
Beginning elevation: 65 feet
Highest elevation: 280 feet
Maps: Stop by the Port Gamble General Store for a forest map.
Notes: One of the most pleasant introductions to the variety of walks you’ll find at Port Gamble follows an old logging road from the historic mill town. This route, G-1000, serves as access to the community’s water supply and begins just across Highway 104 from the cemetery. Motor vehicles are prohibited on the old road, which passes a couple of private residences before entering the forest. Continue walking south at a junction just past the residences, following signs that point to several springs. The path meanders past big, old cedars and an understory of Oregon grape and salal. The road climbs barely perceptibly through the forest and at 0.6 miles, passes a reservoir and tiny creek tumbling over mossy rocks. At 1.0 miles, you’ll join a newly graveled road leading to an alternate trailhead on Highway 104, whose traffic can be heard to the left. Turn right at this junction and begin a steeper climb through a younger forest and clearcut area that yields views of forest east of Port Gamble Bay. The crest of the hill you’re climbing is 2.0 miles from the trailhead, at a junction of road G-1000 and G-1200, 280 feet above sea level. This is a good turnaround point for families with younger children.
Permits: None required, but remember that you’re a guest of Pope Resources and Olympic Resource Management, hiking on private property.
More information: Visit the General Store or Kitsap Visitors Bureau just up the street.
Seabury Blair Jr. is the author of “Day Hike! Olympic Peninsula,” “Backcountry Ski! Washington,” and “Day Hike! Columbia Gorge” (to be released in May).
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