Hiking on Bainbridge Island: Best Trails & Parks Guide
Bainbridge Island has over 3,000 acres of protected open space and more than 50 miles of trails — remarkable for an island of 28 square miles. The trail network spans old-growth forest, wetland boardwalks, waterfront parks, and forested ridge hikes, most within a 15-minute drive of the ferry dock.
Here's where to hike on Bainbridge Island, organized by what kind of experience you're looking for.
Quick Reference: Bainbridge Island Trails
| Trail / Park | Length | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gazzam Lake Nature Preserve | 4+ miles | Easy–Moderate | Old growth, wildflowers |
| Grand Forest East | 2–4 miles | Easy | Trail running, dogs |
| Grand Forest West | 2–3 miles | Easy | Bikes, family walks |
| Battle Point Park | 1–2 miles | Easy | Families, history |
| Fort Ward State Park | 1–3 miles | Easy | Waterfront, picnics |
| Fay Bainbridge Park | 1 mile | Easy | Beach, camping |
| Eagledale Park | 0.5 miles | Easy | History, memorial |
Gazzam Lake Nature Preserve
The island's best hike for old-growth forest and seasonal wildflowers.
Gazzam Lake is Bainbridge Island's crown jewel for hikers. The preserve protects 680 acres including old-growth Douglas fir and western red cedar — trees that have been growing since before European settlement of the region. In spring (March through May), the forest floor comes alive with trillium, vanilla leaf, and wood sorrel.
The trails: Multiple loop options ranging from a short 1.5-mile circuit around the lake to longer 4+ mile routes through the upland forest. The main trailhead is off Baker Hill Road near the center of the island.
What to expect: Trail surfaces range from gravel path to rooted forest trail. The approach to the lake is flat; some upland sections have moderate elevation gain. Well-signed at major intersections.
Best time: April and May for wildflower peak. October for fall color in the bigleaf maples. The forest is beautiful in all seasons, including winter rain — old-growth Douglas fir in fog is genuinely stunning.
Dogs: Allowed on leash. Bags required; pack out waste.
Trailhead: 5450 Baker Hill Road SW, Bainbridge Island
Grand Forest Park (East & West Units)
The island's most-used trail system — great for everyday hiking, running, and biking.
Grand Forest is a 240-acre urban forest split into east and west units by Miller Road. It's the most accessible trail system on the island and the one most locals use for daily exercise. The trail network is well-maintained and popular with trail runners and mountain bikers.
East Unit: More popular, slightly more technical. Trail running-friendly. Dogs welcome. West Unit: A bit more open with some equestrian use. Good for mountain biking.
Trail length: 2–4 miles of loops depending on how much of the network you cover.
Trailheads: - East Unit: Off Miller Road near the intersection with NE New Brooklyn Road - West Unit: Off Miller Road on the west side
Fort Ward State Park
Waterfront forest trails with beach access and military history.
Fort Ward was an active military installation from 1900 to 1958 — a coastal artillery battery positioned to protect the entrance to Puget Sound. Today it's a state park with forested trails, a beach walk, and views across Rich Passage to the Kitsap mainland.
The trails: About 2–3 miles of trail total. The main loop combines a forest path through second-growth fir and cedar with a short waterfront section. The beach walk at the south end of the park offers views of naval vessels transiting Rich Passage toward the Bremerton shipyard.
What to bring: Picnic lunch — there are several excellent picnic spots on the water's edge. The park has restrooms but no concessions.
Getting there: South end of the island. 8057 Fort Ward Hill Road SW, Bainbridge Island.
Battle Point Park
A family-friendly park with trails, a restored WWII radar station, and open space.
Battle Point Park is a 93-acre park that feels more open and spacious than the island's forested preserves. The trail system circles the central pond and connects to the park's fields and facilities. The restored WWII radar station (a Mobile Detection and Ranging Station, MDARS) is open for tours on weekend afternoons.
Trails: About 1–2 miles of flat walking paths. Very stroller and wheelchair accessible.
Other features: Large playground, baseball fields, basketball courts, restrooms.
Getting there: 11299 Arrow Point Drive NE, Bainbridge Island.
Fay Bainbridge Park
Waterfront camping and beach walking on the northeast shore.
Fay Bainbridge is a state park with beachfront camping — one of the few campgrounds in Kitsap County with direct waterfront access on Puget Sound. The beach walk along the park's shoreline offers views of the Seattle skyline, Mount Baker, and passing ferries.
Trail: Primarily a beach walk (about 1 mile of shoreline). A short bluff trail runs above the beach.
What to bring: This is a morning or sunset destination — the views of Seattle across the Sound are excellent in low light. Bring binoculars for watching shipping traffic and wildlife.
Camping: Reservable through the Washington State Parks reservation system. Books up months ahead for summer weekends.
Bloedel Reserve (Guided Garden Walk)
While not a hiking trail in the traditional sense, Bloedel Reserve deserves mention for anyone interested in walking through exceptional landscape design. The 150-acre reserve includes a Japanese garden, woodland garden, bird refuge, and a reflection pool set in a designed natural landscape.
Advance reservations required — visit bloedelreserve.org to book.
Practical Tips for Hiking Bainbridge Island
Getting there: Take the Washington State Ferry from Seattle (35 minutes) or drive across Agate Pass Bridge from Kitsap County. All major trailheads are within 15 minutes of the ferry dock.
Parking: Free at all trailheads. Gazzam Lake and Grand Forest can fill up on busy summer weekends — arrive before 10am.
What to wear: Layers and waterproof shoes year-round. Even in summer, the trail surfaces stay damp under the forest canopy.
Trail maps: The Bainbridge Island Land Trust (bi-landtrust.org) maintains trail maps for Gazzam Lake and other preserves. Download before heading out — cell service is spotty on trails.