Kitsap Peninsula
& Bainbridge Island
NAVIGATE TO
The Kitsap Peninsula and Bainbridge Island have much to offer for outdoor enthusiasts, including miles of trails, both on land and water.
For indoor activities, dining, shopping and art galleries can be found in abundance.
lie Bainbridge Island and the Kitsap Peninsula. The area’s economy has always been closely tied to the sea and its abundant forests. First occupied by non-indigenous settlers in the mid-19th century with a mill at Kingston, other communities soon followed as the region’s lumber industry expanded. Geographically, the area is strategically important, so a considerable naval presence exists to this day. Via the Hood Canal Bridge, the world’s longest floating bridge, the Kitsap Peninsula also serves as the gateway to the Olympic Peninsula and the Olympic National Park.
From Hansville to Gig Harbor
From Hansville, most of the locations listed here can be reached in under an hour by car.
Kitsap Peninsula
In addition to its natural beauty and countless opportunities for access to natural areas, the Kitsap Peninsula offers visitors nearly 300 miles of shoreline and marinas, making the region perfect for kayaking, fishing, hiking, mountain biking and beachgoing.
Kitsap Peninsula National Water Trails
Kitsap Peninsula National WaterTrails (KPNWT) offers access to water-related activities from kayaking around bays and coves, to sailing around the entire Kitsap Peninsula.
Kitsap Salmon Tours
Salmon are vital to the Puget Sound region's history and the health of its natural ecosystems. To observe salmon spawning in the wild is to observe nature's lifecycle as it happens. The best time to view spawning salmon is mid October through November.
North Kitsap Heritage Park
North Kitsap Heritage Park is just outside of Kingston, with a large network of trails. A popular hiking destination, there are both single track trails and wider trails on decommissioned logging roads.
Bainbridge Island
Bainbridge Island lies on the west side of Puget Sound and is a short ferry ride from downtown Seattle. Close to the ferry terminal in the village of Winslow, shops, museums, parks, a marina, and plenty of dining options can be found.
Silverdale
The community of Silverdale serves the Kitsap area and the nearby naval bases with major retail outlets, restaurants and a mall. The town of Old Silverdale attracts visitors to a waterfront park on Liberty Bay.
Clear Creek Trail
Located in Silverdale, Clear Creek Trail has almost 8 miles of trails from Silverdale Waterfront Park north, following the creek as it traverses riparian areas, wetlands, and remnant forests.
Big Tree Trail
Big Tree Trail is an easy short hiking trail that feels remote from its semi-urban location. The trail is two miles and back through the forest. At the end of the trail, over a small bridge, is an old growth Douglas Fir, over 30 feet in circumference.
Guillemot Cove Nature Reserve
Guillemot Cove Nature Reserve offers several hiking options with scenic vistas of the Olympic Mountains and trails through mature forests.
Ueland Tree Farm
A popular year-round destination for hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, dog walkers, and runners. Trails on the tree farm are open to the public.
Port Orchard
Waterfront community and popular tourist destination. Attractions include Bay Street, a block from the waterfront park, marina, and foot ferry, home to numerous antique and vintage shops. Events during summer include concerts, parades, fireworks, and festivals, as well as a Farmer's Market.
Gig Harbor
Picturesquely located on the South end of Puget Sound, Gig Harbor attracts visitors with its upscale shopping, dining and art galleries along the waterfront, and events like film and beer festivals during the summer. The city of Tacoma is nearby, across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, which crosses a narrow strait of Puget Sound.