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The Around-the-Bay Trail (ABT) links North and South Bay and provides access to other major
trails such as the Rainier Loop and the Timberton Loop. Signposts (numbered and incised with "ABT")
have been placed along the trail to help users stay on track. The trail can be walked in either
direction. This description assumes the pedestrian will first walk north-to-south, then return in
the opposite direction. Total distance, out and back, is about 5 miles.
Parking is available in the gravel lot above the Marina. From this point, follow the access road
out to Oak Bay Road and turn left. Walk along the left (water) side of Oak Bay Road. When you reach
Scott Court (signpost #3), cross Oak Bay Road and pick up the asphalt pathway on the right side of
the road. The Rainier Loop branches off at #4 (see Rainier Loop description sheet), and you will
reach a second crossing of Oak Bay Road at #5. The asphalt continues past the North Bay Condominiums.
Just past the condominium complex, the pathway re-joins Oak Bay Road at the comer of Waterhouse Lane.
This is a decision point.
(a) The shorter, but less scenic route is to continue straight ahead along the side of Oak Bay Road.
You will cross a c bridge over a ravine, then turn the comer onto Paradise Bay Road. Please do not take
a shortcut through the business property at this corner. After you turn the comer, look for signpost #8,
directing you back to the path again.
(b) If instead you want a more scenic, but slightly more strenuous and longer route, follow the Ludlow Cove Loop by turning left onto Waterhouse Lane, then right to the end of the cul-de-sac. Here you will see a small bridge and a gravel trail leading down the hill and into the woods. The trail drops down into the ravine and crosses it via a larger bridge, then climbs up the other side and ends on Ebb Tide Court. Follow Ebb Tide Court until it intersects with the gravel trail again and turn left. In a short distance, the trail uses the pedestrian lane along Paradise Bay Road to cross Ludlow Creek where it empties into Ludlow Bay.
(NOTE: For about a mile past the Oak Bay Road/Paradise Bay Road intersection, the trail will undergo a major change beginning in the spring of 2005, due to road construction. Parts of the trail may be closed, but even if it is open, watch for construction equipment.) After you cross the end of Ludlow Bay, take the gravel trail on the left side of the road (#12) into Inner Harbor Village. Cross Spinnaker Drive and proceed along South Keel Road which runs alongside Hidden Cove Village. (About 100 yards past signpost #14, a short narrow dirt path allows you to exit to the right and cross Paradise Bay Road to Timberton Drive. The Timberton Loop trailhead is halfway up Timberton Drive. See Timberton Loop map.) To continue on the ABT, keep walking straight to the end of South Keel Way (#15) and follow the trail through the woods until it emerges onto Camber Lane. Staying to the right, walk along Camber Lane and turn right onto South Bay Road, which takes you out to Paradise Bay Road again. Turn left and use the pedestrian lane on the left side of Paradise Bay Road until you reach Ludlow Bay Road. Cross Ludlow Bay Road and walk a short distance to a trail segment on the right (#22), which takes you up the hill through the woods next to the Wedgewood Short Plat. This segment emerges back onto Paradise Bay Road, just short of Mariner Place. Turn left and walk in the roadside pedestrian lane again a short distance. Turn left onto Mariner and continue to the far end of the cul-de-sac. Look for another trail easement along a tall wood fence on the right side of the house at 120 Mariner (#25). The trail soon enters the woods again and eventually reaches a chain-link fence, which encloses a detention pond system. Go through the gate (being sure to close it behind you!) into the pond area. Watch for an abundant bird population, especially red-winged blackbirds. When you reach the end of the pond area, turn left and exit through another gate, then turn left again onto Ludlow Bay Road and follow it back to Paradise Bay Road. Retrace your steps back to the Marina.
Special Notes
Port Ludlow's trails are privately owned, operated, and maintained for the residents of Port Ludlow and their guests.
Some sections of these trails pass near homes. Please show consideration for your neighbors' peace and privacy by leaving cell phones at home and keeping conversation volume down when passing close to homes. Keep your dog on leash and bring a bag to pick up all pet waste.
Because of potential fire danger, there is NO SMOKING on any of Port Ludlow's walks or trails.
Information provided by the PLVC Trails Committee - 11/1/04
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