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In every corner of Kitsap County, there are beautiful places, and some go unnoticed, especially if you’re visiting or aren’t originally from here. Sometimes, there might even be places you often pass but never stop to check out. Here’s a list of ideas to help you uncover some local gems that are a bit off the beaten path.
Three Places to Relax in Nature
Tucked between North Kitsap High School and highway 305 in Poulsbo, this urban trail is a tiny oasis. It follows a stream and small waterfalls down the terrain. A one-mile out and back trail, this is a great spot for a brief moment in nature. One of many Poulsbo parks, you can combine this hike with a visit to others nearby to complete the extended park-to-park loop.
Halls Hill Labyrinth – Bainbridge Island
If you haven’t been to Halls Hill Lookout & Labyrinth yet, consider this your sign. In this meditative space, you will find a 36’ labyrinth with 11 circuits. It’s based on the 13th Century French Chartres Cathedral labyrinth. It features a natural stone mosaic and overlooks Blakely Harbor. There is also a swing to sit and listen to the birds in the trees and watch the water in the harbor. Be sure to check out the beautiful prayer wheel. When spun nine times, the prayer wheel activates a 300-pound cast bronze bell. It was recently restored, thanks to the Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network (BARN). The Lookout, on Halls Hill Road, was donated to the Bainbridge Island Parks & Trails Foundation by IslandWood founders Debbi and Paul Brainerd to honor Noel Burke, a beloved employee of IslandWood who died in 2005.
Dickerson Creek Waterfall – Bremerton
A highly-rated but perhaps under-utilized local waterfall hike, the Dickerson Creek trail is on the Ueland Tree Farm property. Dickerson Falls is the easiest hike of an approximately 2-mile, round-trip hike on Dickerson Trail from the Lebers Lane Trailhead. The elevation gain is about 150 feet. In 2017, two dozen volunteers from the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance installed a bridge and viewing area above the falls. This multi-use trail welcomes hiking, biking, horses, and leashed pets.
Interesting Parks
Buck Lake County Park – Hansville
Spanning 155 acres, this park is a haven for recreation and outdoor enthusiasts. It features a playground, ball field, basketball court, volleyball court, and a lake for swimming and non-motorized boating and fishing. The reservable picnic area is the perfect spot for an outdoor gathering. Adjacent to the park is the Hansville Greenway Wildlife Corridor (view PDF). That’s where you’ll find multi-use equestrian, hiking and biking trails through wetlands, meadows, and forests. A vital habitat for various wildlife species, this park is wonderful for birdwatching and nature photography.
Kitsap Memorial State Park – Poulsbo
Located between Poulsbo and the Hood Canal Bridge, Kitsap Memorial State Park has so many amenities to enjoy. From camping to beach combing, events to recreation, this place is a must-see destination. A Discover Pass is required to visit, but you can enjoy fee-free days periodically. The Log Hall Heritage Area can be used as a wedding venue with beautiful views of the Hood Canal. You can camp here year round. Many sites include full hookups, and there are also four cabins.
Manchester State Park – Port Orchard
Located on Rich Passage just across from Bainbridge Island, Manchester State Park is a 128-acre park with wooded hiking trails and over 3,400 feet of saltwater shoreline. The park has an interesting military history. It was originally established to defend Puget Sound in 1899. The former Torpedo Warehouse now serves as a unique picnic shelter. Year-round camping is offered at the park, with 50 different campsites and one group site. A Discover Pass is required for entry.
A Few of Kitsap County’s Unique Treasures
100+ year-old Camperdown Elm Tree – Kingston
Nestled beside the Village Green Community Center in Kingston, you’ll find a beautiful, old Camperdown Elm Tree. According to a Kitsap Daily News article, it is one of three historic Camperdown Elms in Kitsap County. It’s said to be over 100 years old. These trees are cultivars that cannot reproduce from seed. Their DNA is essentially the same as the original tree found at the Camperdown House in Dundee, Scotland. You’ll find another one in nearby Port Gamble. Part of what makes the Camperdown Elm beside the Village Green so special is that you can carefully duck under its umbrella-like branches to marvel at it. You may even want to pop into the library, which is tucked inside the Village Green, to grab a good book and then sit near the tree.
An iconic landmark of the island, Frog Rock has been a local favorite since 1971. But if you aren’t originally from here, you may know nothing about it. As the story goes, the rock was originally dynamite blasted in the 1940s to make room for a dairy barn. One early morning in 1971, two high school students painted it to become the beloved creature you see today. You’ll find it as well as a newer ladybug friend at the three-way intersection of Phelps, Spargur, and Madison.
A true trash-to-treasure story, the Elandan Gardens was created in the early 1990s on the site of a former landfill. It’s tucked away on the side of highway 16 between Port Orchard and Bremerton. This garden overlooks Sinclair Inlet and it’s home to about 350 bonsai trees. The oldest one is about 2,300 years old. You won’t want to miss this Kitsap County gem, and you can check out their Facebook page to learn more.
Wherever you decide to explore, we hope you enjoy learning more about Kitsap County and all it offers. If you’re curious about our local communities and want to learn more, check out our Guide to Kitsap.
