Port Ludlow

Port Ludlow is a waterfront community on Puget Sound, just across the Hood River Bridge on the Olympic Peninsula.  This former logging and sawmill town is now a residential community popular with retirees.

Port Ludlow has a tiny commercial area with a gas station, restaurant, post office and beauty salon.  

However, the main attraction is the boutique hotel known as the Port Ludlow Resort, with a stunning waterfront setting and incredible views. The hotel has a popular restaurant with a wrap-around balcony, perfect for watching sunsets.  

The Port Ludlow Resort is a short distance from a popular marina, where you can purchase ice-cream at the Marina Store, or rent a kayak or SUP.  There’s also a complimentary shuttle from the marina to the 18-hole Port Ludlow Golf Course.

Port Ludlow is also known for 30-miles of trails. The easiest is the Beach Loop Trail (1/2 mile) off Burner Point, just steps from the Port Ludlow Resort.  The Ludlow Falls Interpretive Trail is also a short drive from the resort, and has a short loop (0.5 miles) through lush forest to a waterfall overlook. 

10 best things to do at Port Ludlow

1. Port Ludlow Resort

Stay at the New England style Port Ludlow Resort, with 37 luxury rooms with jetted tubs. The resort is on a spit, at the site of the former Pope and Talbot timber company.

2. Fireside Restaurant

Dine at the stylish Fireside Restaurant at the Port Ludlow Resort, with beautiful views of the Olympic Mountains, and a wrap around balcony for warmer days.

3. Marina Store

Stop by the Marina Store to purchase gifts, clothing, groceries, beer, wine and gourmet ice-cream.  This marina has 300 slips, and is a popular stopping off point on the way to the San Juan Islands.

4. Kayak and SUP rentals

Rent a kayak or SUP at the Port Ludlow Marina.

5. Port Ludlow Golf Course

Play on an 18-hole championship course, with views of the snowcapped Cascades and Olympic Mountains.

6. Beach Loop Trail (0.5 miles)

Take the Beach Loop Trail (0.5 miles), just east of the Port Ludlow Resort.  

The trail starts at the prominent Totem Pole at Burner Point, then continues along the sandy beach.  Burner Point was the site of a former sawdust burning facility.  

Burner Point has a few picnic tables to enjoy the views.

This is another view of Burner Point and the Totem Pole from the beach. The Totem Pole was made from a Western Red Cedar blown down in a windstorm, and estimated to be 720 years old.

7. Ludlow Falls Interpretive Trail (0.5 miles)

Walk through a lush forest to the 30-foot Ludlow Falls, along a beautiful loop trail (0.5 miles).  

Start at the small parking lot, then continue along a path with giant sword ferns and interpretive signs.  Continue up a set of stairs, then down to an overlook at Ludlow Falls.  On-leash dogs are permitted on this trail.

8.  Port Ludlow Trail Map

Port Ludlow has 30-miles of trails (see map). Another notable trail is the easy 0.5 mile walk up a hill to the Bay Club Gazebo, overlooking the Twins Islands and Cascade Mountains. Start at the Bay Club parking lot.  

9. Molcajete Mexican Restaurant

Stop for a meal at the vibrant Molcajete Mexican Restaurant, in Port Ludlow’s tiny commercial center.

10. Shine Tidelands State Park

Explore beautiful Shine Tidelands State Park on Bywater Bay, with views of the Hood River Canal Bridge from a sandy beach and picnic area.