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Unique Places to Visit in Kitsap County
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.
Kitsap Arts and Crafts Activities for All Ages
Kitsap County offers many arts and crafts activities so you can get or stay in touch with your creative side. From paint-and-sip parties to woodworking classes, and kids’ crafts to fiber arts, there is a range of opportunities. Here are some ideas that people of all ages can enjoy.
Bainbridge HeArt and Soul in Bainbridge Island
Bainbridge HeArt and Soul provides arts and crafts activities for both kids and adults. Visitors have the option to work with a wide variety of art mediums such as mosaics, canvas, and ceramics. There is even the option to create with clay and fused glass. In addition, the studio space offers birthday parties, summer camps, and private events. Check out their website for more information.
Cost: $5 studio fee + project costs | Open: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 1:00 PM – 5:30 PM, Friday 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM; closed on Tuesday and Sunday
BARN (Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network) in Bainbridge Island
BARN is a non-profit maker space and a vibrant place to learn. It has studios for woodworking, metal fabrication, glass arts, and more. Every Sunday from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM, BARN offers free guided tours for those looking to find out more information about the space and what it offers. In addition, the events calendar provides a comprehensive look at their programming.
Cost: Varies | Open: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Daily
Dana’s Pour Expressions in Port Orchard
Dana’s Pour Expressions is both an art gallery and a studio. It is geared primarily toward adults. Guests can shop for the artwork online or schedule a pour for themselves. You can also enjoy special events such as Ladies’ Night and Roll-the-Die Date Nights. Follow their Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.
Cost: $10+ | Open: See their website to schedule a pour
Dancing Brush Studio in Poulsbo
Dancing Brush Studio is a paint-your-own pottery studio that is perfect for all ages. They invite you to come in, relax, and spend some right-brain time with friends and neighbors. It’s located on Front Street in the heart of picturesque downtown Poulsbo. In addition, reservations can be made for parties and other special events.
Cost: $10+ | Open: Monday – Saturday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Sunday 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM, and extended evening hours by appointment
Kitsap Art Center in Silverdale
Kitsap Art Center has been providing high-quality art instruction for the past 23 years. They offer in-person art classes for all ages in Silverdale and Kingston. They also offer online courses. Additionally, the Silverdale location hosts birthday parties and adult canvas parties. Check out their website for course enrollment information.
Cost: $45+ | Open: Monday – Friday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Lisa Stirrett Creative Warrior Studio in Silverdale
Lisa’s work can be viewed in installations throughout the Pacific Northwest. The Glass House in Silverdale is her public studio. You can purchase one of her products or create your own. The studio offers DIY open studio times, group classes, and private event rentals. View the studio’s full project menu, and check out Lisa Stirrett’s website for more details.
Cost: $22+ | Open: Monday 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; closed Sundays
Ocean 5 in Gig Harbor
While Ocean 5 isn’t in Kitsap County, we’re including it since Gig Harbor isn’t too far away. An all-around entertainment center, Ocean 5 offers paint nights on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month. Events are hosted by Artvana, one of the leading paint and sip providers in western Washington. Painting projects typically follow a seasonal trend. There are options for adult paint and sip classes, as well as kids’ paint nights for children 7 and up. View the Ocean 5 calendar for upcoming painting dates.
Cost: $40+ | Open: Check out the Artvana events page for upcoming classes
Paint Parties By Beth in Port Orchard
Based out of Port Orchard, Paint Parties By Beth offers art classes for all ages. You can sign up for birthday parties, paint and sips, or just a fun get-together. She has a range of pieces in her collection that you can choose from. There are even “Mini and Me Paint Nights” for kids and their grown-ups!
Cost: $10+ | Open: Check out their events page on Facebook for upcoming classes
Village Green Community Center in Kingston
A local hub in charming Kingston, this community center offers a wide variety of art classes for children and adults. Available classes include needlepoint, culinary arts, quilting, and painting, just to name a few. They also invite the public to attend craft fairs and artists’ receptions. Check out their calendar to stay up to date on the latest offerings. Their registration page also allows you to preview upcoming courses.
Cost: $10+ | Open: Daily
Wool & Weeds Wildfarm in Port Orchard
This is a family-run herb and fiber art farm that uses its own goats and llamas to produce wool fiber. They currently offer classes to children ages 7 – 17. The farm practices many wooly crafts such as spinning, weaving, and felting. In addition, it also makes its own herbal food and medicine from local plants. Follow their blog and Facebook page for more details.
Cost: 10+ | Open: Check their website for workshop dates
Want to stay in the know about upcoming local events? Follow our Windermere Sound Living Facebook page. Also, our free, digital Kitsap Events Guide highlights recurring and annual events taking place each month and includes videos and links to learn more.
Fantastic Fall Events and Activities in Kitsap County
Celebrate the season with some fun, family-friendly fall events and activities here in Kitsap County. Here’s a list to get you started. From dress-up days to pumpkin patches and everything in between, we’re sure there’s something that will pique your interest.
Ongoing Fall Events
Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch at Pheasant Fields Farm in Silverdale
October 1 – November 1, 2022
When it comes to fall events and activities, you have to check out Kitsap’s oldest and tallest corn maze. Walk the paths to solve a riddle and you’ll be entered to win a harvest prize basket. You’ll also find one of the largest collections of pumpkins, including different colors and shapes. Most pumpkins are grown on-site, while some come from Sequim. Grab a fall beverage, shop the farm stand, and enjoy their many photo opportunities.
Cost: Corn Maze tickets $6 for youth 16 and under, $8 for adults, $1 off for active duty military with ID, and there’s a coupon available on their website. Pumpkins are sold separately.
Have a Hoot Hunt at Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island
October 1 – 31, 2022
Explore the grounds of the famous Bloedel Reserve and see if you can spot where the woodland owls hid the squash and pumpkins. There are close to 100 squash waiting to be found. And, place your guess on the weight of the largest pumpkin to be entered to win a prize. Timed tickets are required and must be booked in advance (no walk-ups permitted).
Cost: $5 – $20 per person depending on age. Children 4 and under are free.
Pumpkin Walk at Bainbridge Gardens
October 1 – 31, 2022 from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Nearing its third decade in operation, the Bainbridge Gardens Pumpkin Walk is a fall event you don’t want to miss. The Gardens’ historic Nature Trail is lined with hundreds of hand-painted and carved pumpkins as well as themed vignettes. There will be a straw maze for young children as well. Pumpkin submissions are being requested to add to the pathway, and are an integral part to complete the experience. Also, you can guess the weight of a large pumpkin, and delicious food trucks will be on-site on Saturdays.
Cost: Free to attend, and donations are accepted for Bainbridge Island Boys and Girls Club.
Harvest Fest at Miracle Ranch Camp in Port Orchard
October 21 – 23 and October 28 – 30, 2022 (times vary by day)
An extravaganza for the whole family, Harvest Fest includes classic activities like hay rides, face painting, crafts, apple pressing, a petting zoo, and a rodeo. Meals are available as well as sweet fall treats like candied apples, cotton candy, and kettle corn. Most activities are free. But if you want to take it up a notch, you can add on additional excursions like pony rides, a climbing wall, or even an overnight stay. Miracle Ranch is located south of downtown Port Orchard, near the small community of Purdy.
Cost: Free to attend. Extra activities and food available for purchase.
Fall Pumpkin Patches
Fat Turnip Farms in Kingston
Out in the little community of Eglon, Fat Turnip Farms sells certified organic produce at their farm stand and has a u-pick pumpkin patch with tons of different options as well as late-season, u-pick flowers. Their setup offers many great places to take photos with friends or little ones, and they periodically offer events. Be sure to check their Facebook page for details.
Hours until October 31st: Monday – Saturday from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suyematsu Farms on Bainbridge Island
An Island favorite for u-pick, Suyematsu Farms is back at it this year with their wonderful pumpkin patch. They grow a large variety of squashes, gourds, and pumpkins. Celebrate autumn, take photos, and find some colorful, delicious fall decor. Check their Instagram and/or their Facebook page to find out about special happenings.
Hours: Weekdays 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM & Weekends 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
One-Day Events
HOWL-O-WEEN at IslandWood on Bainbridge Island
October 23, 2022 from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Don your Halloween costume and hit the trails! This family-friendly event at IslandWood is a wonderful walk through the woods with hot cider, warm cookies, and other fall treats. Naturalists will be on-site to teach about the “spooky” nature of nocturnal animals. Participants can enjoy a fall craft and bone yard investigation as well as a lecture about wildlife. Costumes are encouraged but not required.
Cost: $2.50 for kids and $5 for adults. Financial assistance is available.
Boo Bash hosted by Port Orchard Bay Street Association
October 29, 2022 from Noon – 4:00 PM
Bring the family and enjoy downtown Port Orchard. Participate in the costume contest from noon to 2:00 PM and take the kids trick-or-treating at Bay Street businesses from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. And, this event wraps up with a pet costume contest at 4:00 PM. For more information, check the Bay Street Association’s Facebook page.
Cost: Free to attend
Drive-Thru Halloween Hunt hosted by the Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce
October 29, 2022 from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Back for the third year, this popular drive-thru trick-or-treat event weaves around Poulsbo to visit businesses handing out candy. The hunt begins at the Poulsbo Village Shopping Center where you’ll receive a map and a free tote bag (if you’re one of the first 800 participants). Then follow the route for candy and prizes! Non-perishable food and monetary donations will be accepted for Fishline Food Bank at the start of the event.
Cost: Free to attend, but non-perishable food donations are highly encouraged.
Pre-school Spooktacular by Poulsbo Parks and Rec
October 31, 2022 from 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Geared toward younger kids, this fun event is a great way to kick off your Halloween festivities. With a superhero theme and lots of crafts and activities planned, it is sure to be a Marvel-ous time.
Cost: Free to attend for kids 5 and under. $1 for older children
Ghoulsbo Celebration in Downtown Poulsbo
October 31, 2022 from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Enjoy the rare treat of walking right down the middle of Front Street! This Poulsbo trick-or-treat classic is back after a hiatus. Sponsored by the Historic Downtown Poulsbo Association, merchants will be handing out candy in front of their shops. It is the most costumes you will ever see in one place in Poulsbo.
Cost: Free to attend
Halloween Walk in Downtown Winslow, Bainbridge Island
October 31, 2022 at 3:30 PM
This safe trick-or-treating event in Winslow invites participants to wear a costume, enjoy hot cider, and listen to spooky tunes from the Eagle Harbor Church’s bell tower. Hosted by the Bainbridge Island Downtown Association, you’ll also get to cast your vote for the best merchant costume.
Cost: Free to attend
12 Kitsap Farms to Visit
City proximity is one of the many benefits of living in Kitsap County, but during the summer months, rural life can really steal the show. Here are some local farms that offer U-pick flowers, farm stands, and opportunities to visit and interact with animals.
Farm Animal Fun
Photo by The Smithshyre.
Bushel & Barrel in Poulsbo
Although Bushel & Barrel is known for its beverages, this cidery is also a great place to play with baby goats! They have different types of events on their calendar that allow interactions with their animals on a regular basis. One example: goat yoga on Sundays!
Price: Pints for $6; events starting at $25
Courter Country Farm in Poulsbo
Open seasonally from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM for U-pick veggies and animal visits, Courter County Farm is a “destination” farm. They’re a fun option for birthday parties, weddings, and even Airbnb stays. Located off of Central Valley Road near Poulsbo, they sell produce, poultry, flowers, and eggs. Enjoy spending time with their cute animals including rabbits and goats.
Laeradr Farms in Poulsbo
You can make an appointment to snuggle baby goats at this farm and feed their alpacas and sheep. They offer open farm days and private farm tours. You can also book small events such as birthday parties. Fun fact: all of their sheep are named after Star Wars characters!
Price: $15 for a 30-minute appointment or $180 for a 2-hour private party
Sapphire Meadowbrook Farms in Olalla
This Olalla farm is currently offering farm visits (petting-zoo style) by appointment. Contact them to schedule a private mobile petting zoo for your event, or host a party at their farm. They have goats, turkeys, ducks, chickens, pigs, and dogs. Additionally, they sell eggs, goat cheese, and soap.
Price: Varies by event
Sawdust Hill Alpaca Farm in Poulsbo
This farm off of Port Gamble Road raises alpacas and llamas. Additionally, they sell yarn, free-range eggs, and other goods as well as alpaca toys and apparel. Currently, they are doing tours by reservation only with limited contact with animals. But you can still visit the farm and learn all about alpacas and meet their Great Pyrenees dog.
Price: $7.50 per person for tours
The Smithshyre in Poulsbo
A homestead by self-definition, The Smithshyre grows food to self-sustain and offers tours to learn about homesteading practices. They are the home of Kitsap Goat Yoga, and they offer baby goat snuggle sessions. Also, you can book private events there.
Price: $35 for Goat Yoga; $65 for Private Tour; $300 for Private Goat Yoga for 8
Produce and Flowers
Photo by Fat Turnip Farms.
Butler Green Farms on Bainbridge Island
A Bainbridge Island favorite since 1984, Butler Green Farms’ growing practices are biodiverse and they proudly offer pesticide-free veggies and humanely-raised meats and eggs. Seasonal bouquets are available for purchase at their Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm stand, the Bainbridge Island Farmers Market, and also for special occasions upon request. Current CSA members and those interested in joining can visit their farmstand. They can also be found at select local retailers.
Fat Turnip Farms in Kingston
Tucked away in Eglon, Fat Turnip is a WSDA certified organic farm with various types of produce. But their real showstopper is their annual Pumpkin Patch. They also offer U-Pick bouquets for only $5.00. You can find their produce on Kitsap Fresh, or pay a visit to their cute location for roadside sales. Mark your calendar to visit them again in October for fall harvest fun.
Petal and Pitchfork in Poulsbo
This lush oasis, located between Poulsbo and Keyport on Sherman Hill Road, has a flower CSA and offers U-pick flowers, which is currently by appointment only due to COVID-19. Also, they sell produce. In non-pandemic times, they host pop-up markets. Interesting additional info: Petal & Pitchfork is owned by Kelsey and Stacy Marshall who own Grounds for Change and helped create Owen’s Playground, an inclusive, barrier-free playground on Bainbridge Island.
Suyematsu Farms on Bainbridge Island
Located off Day Road on Bainbridge Island, Suyematsu offers different things in different seasons. In spring and early summer, they have U-pick berries. In late summer, they have flowers, and in the fall, they have great pumpkins and gourds. Check their Facebook page for current offerings.
Take Your Pick: U-Cut Flowers in Bremerton
Visit this flower garden with a cause. Their mission is to help Kitsap County’s homeless community by cutting flowers. All proceeds are donated to shelters benefiting women and children. They have a roadside flower stand open on Wednesdays and offer U-cut bouquets on Saturdays.
Yoked Farmhouse & Brewery in Port Orchard
Yoked is a farm-to-table brewery, growing their own ingredients for unique brews. They offer produce, eggs, and flowers for sale. Also, they host many family-friendly events like themed food cook-offs, science Saturdays, pickling classes, and yoga.
Hidden Gems Across Kitsap County
Kitsap County is full of interesting places to explore, and there are some lesser-known spots that we’re often excited to share with clients, friends, and family. Here are six that we highly recommend.
Foulweather Bluff Preserve
Source: The Nature Conservatory
On the northernmost tip of the Kitsap Peninsula sits the beach town of Hansville. Although Hansville is most known for its historic lighthouse and beautiful beach at Point No Point, the immense Foulweather Bluff Preserve sits just four miles away. According to the Nature Conservancy, “The combination of forest, marsh, and 3,800 feet of beach make the Foulweather Bluff Preserve one of the most valuable wildlife havens on the Kitsap Peninsula.” Come explore this gorgeous area with plenty of space to roam!
Open year-round, during daylight hours.
Port Orchard’s Hobbit House
Source: The Brothers Greenhouses
The Shire awaits! Whether you’re a fan of Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit or simply enjoy interesting outdoor sites, this Hobbit House makes for a fun afternoon. The Brothers Greenhouses, which offers a beautiful selection of fauna, crafted their very own “Hobbit-inspired tiny house.” You can visit it during their business hours throughout the year. They encourage taking pictures and signing the guest book. Also, be sure to check out their rooftop garden display.
Here’s a video of the Hobbit House!
Open: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, every day. However, due to COVID-19, check their site for any changes.
My Girl Drive-In Museum
‘My Girl Drive-In Museum’ Photo by Leo Phillips
Re-live 1950’s Americana with Kingston’s authentic 50’s drive-in replica! My Girl “houses 10,000 square feet of collectibles including chainsaws, outboard motors, and antique toys”. If you’re a fan of 50’s music, they also have quite the collection of rock and roll memorabilia.
This museum is available for private and corporate events! Contact the host and curator: Bob Thompson at: (360) 297 – 1782
Lisa Stirrett Glass Art Studio
Source: Lisa Stirrett Glass Art Studio
Sunny days in Silverdale illuminate the circular orange glass art atop the Lisa Stirrett Glass Art Studio, beckoning glass artists and art enthusiasts from across Kitsap and beyond. Since 1987, Lisa has been a Northwest artist. Her studio welcomes visitors and is open to the public so that anyone can watch glass being created.
In addition to watching a master at her craft, you can check out an amazing display of glassworks. Many are soon-to-be unique gifts – from home decor to landscape art, sinks to candle holders.
Open: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM, Monday – Saturday
Note from the Studio: “We are adhering to Covid Safe Practices. ZOOM and In-Person classes available. Please CALL for Zoom Kit Shipping!”
Poulsbohemian Coffeehouse
‘The View’ Photo by Leo Phillips
Overlooking Poulsbo’s gorgeous Liberty Bay is a craft coffeehouse worth the trip! Poulsbohemian says it best themselves: “We have the best view in town. We have been perched here overlooking Liberty Bay in Poulsbo since 1993.”
That’s not all they have to boast about: famous coffee, espresso, and pastries – along with a selection of homemade soups, sandwiches, and bagels. Try the very popular wheat-free baklava cake and enjoy a latte infused with one of their homemade syrups!
Once you’re caffeinated, full, and have sufficiently enjoyed the view, your Little Norway adventure begins in the heart of historic Poulsbo!
Current Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, every day except Tuesdays. Check on their Facebook page for any changes.
Guillemot Cove Nature Reserve
Source: Visit Kitsap and Guillemot Cove Nature Reserve
With a drive through seaside Seabeck (and a pit stop at the historic Seabeck General Store), you’ll arrive at the stunning Guillemot Cove beach, nestled under the mighty Olympic Mountain range!
You won’t run out of walking trails with a sprawling 184 acres. Be on the lookout for the many varied species of birds. This pristine place is home to hundreds of birds and other woodland creatures!
Open during daylight hours.
Know of other hidden gems that you think we should highlight? Contact us through our new Facebook page: Windermere Sound Living.
