Living on the Kitsap Penninsula has its perks. There are several cities with ferries into downtown Seattle, which makes commuting for work or accessing extra amenities easy. The cost of living is better than most of the great Seattle-Tacoma metro area. Most importantly, though, is the easy access to Washington’s amazing nature.
After living in Kitsap for over a year, I’ve compiled a list of five great hikes that you should try. All these hikes are in central Kitsap and are fairly easy. I would suggest any of these for after work on long summer nights, or an easy weekend hike between other obligations.
Clear Creek
Silverdale has an extensive trail system around Clear Creek, which is a large salmon habitat restoration area that flows into Dyes Inlet. We have hiked parts of this trail, strolled along the salmon creek, and even ran a virtual 5k along its length.
Keep an eye out for juvenile salmon, herons, and bald eagles as your explore!
Since the trail meaders through businesses in Silverdale, there is easy access to restrooms, water, or to grab a meal before or after your adventure.
Illahee Preserve
Hidden on the ease side of Bremerton, the Illahee Preserve was also created through conservation efforts. Signs within the preserve describe the truckloads of trash removed from the site to restore the habitat.
This trail system doubles back on itself to create a chose-your-own adventure trail system. There is plenty of parking and easy access to shops and restaurants on the east side of Bremerton.
Despite the proximity to civilization, it’s very easy to feel like you are lost in the woods.
Ueland Tree Farm
The trails within the Ueland Tree Farm are so well blazed that you might be surprised that you are hiking on private property. According to their website “[o]ur quality of life in the Pacific Northwest is enhanced when private property remains open to the public.”
Just a short drive from Bremerton, this property offers a much more extensive trail system, with hikes that can take all day. However, our favorite is the Dickerson Falls Trail. During the spring, the waterfall is a feat of nature.
Manchester State Park
Just north of the Southworth Ferry Terminal, the Manchester State Park offers views of the Puget Sound, tide pools, ferries, as well as forested trails. During your hike, you can also read about the military history of the site.
I definitely recommend going to the park during low tide to explore the tide pools. Keep an ear out for seals barking as they hang out on docks across the water.
NAD Marine Park
The smallest of the options on my list, there is a special place in my heart for Bremerton’s NAD Marine Park. Hidden away on the west side of Bremerton, this park has no dedicated parking and is mostly accessed by residents in the area.
Within the park, there are old Navy munitions bunkers, heavily graffitied, being taken back by the forest. There’s also an abandoned Navy dock, where munitions were loaded and unloaded from ships.
If you’ve hiked one of these trails, let me know what you think!