1 of 5
Peter Hansen
Resort at Port Ludlow
Not only is the scenery impressive, but the marina allows access to many popular destinations.
2 of 5
Peter Hansen
Resort at Port Ludlow
The popular Beach Loop Trail.
3 of 5
Peter Hansen
Resort at Port Ludlow
The marina offers more than 300 slips, ranging from 24 to 50 feet.
4 of 5
Josh Austin
Resort at Port Ludlow
The ninth hole of the 18-hole championship Port Ludlow Golf Course.
5 of 5
Tia White
Resort at Port Ludlow
Excellent dining is never too far away.
By K.C. Dermody
Known as one of more popular marinas in the Northwest, Resort at Port Ludlow and the surrounding maritime community is what draws boaters to this coastal region every year. For many, this area is their ultimate destination as it’s protected from the open water and provides stunning views with the backdrop of the breathtaking Olympic Mountains.
Unbeatable Location
It’s hard to beat its location. Not only is the scenery impressive, but the marina is centrally located, allowing navigation to some of the region’s top destinations, from the Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island to the north to Anderson Island – the southernmost island in the Puget Sound – to the south.
From Resort at Port Ludlow, depending on your speed, you can be at the picturesque seaport town of Friday Harbor on San Juan Island in a little more than four hours. Dock your vessel and you’ll be just steps from museums, art galleries and eclectic shops. Dining can be enjoyed at one of the many acclaimed eateries, with menu items based on local ingredients. Nonetheless, you just may want to spend some time cruising the island’s west side as it’s known for being one of the best places for whale watching on the planet.
A Wealth of Amenities
When it comes to amenities, Resort at Port Ludlow offers all the essentials, and then some. It hosts more than 300 slips, ranging from seven to 15 metres (24 to 50 feet) with 3,505 metres (11,500 feet) of linear space, which can accommodate vessels of up to 60 metres (200 feet). An expansion is planned in the near future that will increase its capacity by approximately 25 percent. Boaters also have access to 30- and 50-amp shore power, fresh water, a fuel dock, dock boxes, wireless Internet, free showers and restrooms at the recently remodeled facilities. There’s also an on-site marina store sells snacks and limited groceries.
If you’re looking to get a different perspective out on the water, single or double kayaks, standup paddleboards and other watercraft are available to rent. The marina also hosts more than 20 boat rendezvous every year, providing a fun opportunity to mingle with other boaters.
Award-Winning Dining
There are a host of things to do on land as well. Both marina tenants and transients can enjoy delicious meals at the award-winning Fireside Restaurant, which is renowned for its farm-to-table experience and local delights, including marbled Neah Bay salmon, which can only be found in the Pacific Northwest. When the sun is out, its veranda is an ideal place for sipping a glass of wine or a cocktail while enjoying the views of the glistening bay.
Hiking, Biking and Golfing
If you want more activity, there’s the 18-hole championship Port Ludlow Golf Course, designed by acclaimed golf course architect Robert Muir Graves, to practice your game. The area also boasts 41 km (26 miles) of scenic hiking trails for exploring the northern Olympic Peninsula, and many of those trails can be biked too. There are flat routes, loops, scenic water trails, and others with substantial elevation gains of varying distances.
The Sunny North
While you might think all the rain in the Northwest would put a damper on activities, the reality is different. It is true that those on the west and southwest sides of the Olympic Peninsula see some 508 cm (200 inches) of rain annually but the northern region of the Olympic Peninsula, which includes Port Ludlow, receives significantly less – just 68 cm (27 inches). This is less than the US average of 99 cm (39 inches). The area also enjoys many more sunny days – five times as much as Seattle.
The Service
Despite all the benefits that The Resort at Port Ludlow offers, what stands out, according to boaters themselves, are the dedicated staff, cleanliness, and conditions of the marina. Surveys are completed by boaters who moor here and what is most often noted is the friendly, helpful smile that everyone seems to receive. Keeping boaters happy is their job, and it’s done well. This is something that can be testified not only by happy boaters, but in staff longevity. Four employees have worked at the marina for over a decade, including Marina Director Kori Ward, with more than 25 years under her belt.
http://www.PortLudlowResort.com
Connect with The Resort at Port Ludlow on social media: facebook; instagram
SunCruiser West Coast is available on newsstands across Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest USA, including Walmart, Chapters and Shopper's Drug Mart. Or buy your print or digital edition for your PC, Mac, iPad or Android tablet by clicking here.
Connect With SunCruiser Magazine on social media: facebook; twitter; instagram