The best walks and hikes around Bainbridge Island

Yes, Bainbridge Island is very family-friendly. Many trails are relatively flat and well-maintained. Fort Ward Park offers a wide, paved beachfront path perfect for strollers and little legs, with historical structures to explore. For a walk through the woods, the main trails in the Grand Forest are generally easy and engaging for kids.

Most parks and trails on Bainbridge Island welcome dogs, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. This includes popular areas like the Grand Forest, Gazzam Lake Nature Preserve, and Fort Ward Park. Always be prepared to clean up after your pet to help keep the trails beautiful for everyone.

Getting to Bainbridge Island is a scenic 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Seattle. Once you arrive at the Bainbridge Island ferry terminal, some trails are within walking distance. For example, you can easily access the Waterfront Trail, which starts near the terminal and offers a lovely walk along Eagle Harbor. For trails further afield, you can use Kitsap Transit buses or local ride-share services.

For stunning views of Puget Sound and the Kitsap Peninsula, the trail at Fort Ward Park is an excellent choice. It follows a paved path right along the shoreline of Rich Passage. Another great option is Fay Bainbridge Park on the northeast side of the island, which provides panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains and Mount Rainier from its sandy beach.

Yes, you can create a substantial day hike by linking different trail systems. The Battle Point Park and Grand Forest loops route is over 6.5 miles (10.6 km) and connects two of the island's major parks. You can also explore the Cross Island Trail, a multi-use trail that spans the island from east to west for about 6 miles (9.7 km).

Several parks are highly regarded by local hikers for their distinct character.

Grand Forest: A local favorite for its dense, serene canopy of fir and cedar trees and relatively flat trails.

Gazzam Lake Nature Preserve: Valued for its peaceful atmosphere, extensive trail system through forests and wetlands, and the beautiful lake at its heart.

Fort Ward Park: Popular for its combination of history and scenery, featuring a beautiful waterfront trail along Rich Passage.

The terrain is generally gentle, characterized by rolling hills rather than steep mountains. Most routes take you through lush, temperate rainforest with well-maintained dirt paths under a canopy of fir and cedar trees. You'll also find paved or gravel coastal trails. Elevation gain is minimal on most hikes, making the island accessible to a wide range of fitness levels.

Most city and county parks on Bainbridge Island, such as the Grand Forest, Gazzam Lake Nature Preserve, and Fort Ward Park, offer free parking at their trailheads. However, the Bloedel Reserve, which is a private botanical garden with walking trails, requires timed tickets and an admission fee. It's always a good idea to arrive early on weekends as parking spots at popular trailheads can fill up.

The trails are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the island's lush, quiet forests and the well-maintained, interconnected trail network that makes it easy to explore different parks.

You can find over 50 different hiking routes on Bainbridge Island. The island has a public trails network stretching nearly 50 miles, connecting parks, neighborhoods, and natural areas, so there are plenty of options for creating your own adventure.

Yes, many of the best hikes on the island are loops, allowing you to enjoy a varied journey without retracing your steps. The Gazam Lake Nature Preserve loop is a wonderful example, taking you through forest and wetlands. The Grand Forest also contains several interconnected loops that you can combine for shorter or longer walks.

The island's diverse habitats of forests, wetlands, and shorelines support a variety of wildlife. While hiking, keep an eye out for deer, raccoons, and various bird species, including owls and eagles. Near the water at places like Gazzam Lake or Blakely Harbor, you might spot herons, frogs, and other aquatic life.