Best Hiking Trails in Kitsap County, Washington
- EmilyExploringEarth
- Feb 19, 2025
- 6 min read
Grab Your Boots, Granola, and Gear—It’s Time for a Hike!
Ah, Kitsap County. Nestled perfectly between the rugged Olympic Mountains to the west and the urban sprawl of Seattle to the east, this slice of the Pacific Northwest is a hiker’s paradise. I’ve called Kitsap County home for over five years now, and I’ve always loved hiking—but I’ll admit, I’ve fallen into a bit of a rut. As a new mom, I tend to revisit the same family-friendly trails over and over again instead of branching out and exploring new ones.
Why? Well, toddler life. Taking my three-year-old, Riker, on new hikes always feels like a bit of a gamble. Will he make it to the top without needing an impromptu snack break or a piggyback ride? Some days, the thought of tackling a brand-new trail feels like too much of a risk. Before becoming a mother, I was all about those big, challenging hikes—think Lake Constance or Mount Elinor in the Olympics. But these days, it’s all about soaking in nature and introducing my little one to the great outdoors, all while passing on that "care-taker" spirit.
So, after a few weeks of scrolling through the internet for "best hikes in Kitsap County," I decided to give myself a challenge: I was going to tackle as many new "must-visit" trails within a month—toddler in tow. And here’s what I discovered along the way:
First on the list are the three hikes I frequent the most with Riker—my go-to trails that I’ll always recommend to anyone looking to get outside and enjoy the natural beauty of Kitsap County!
Dickerson Creek Falls Trail | 2.3 miles (loop) | Bremerton
This popular trail offers a short but sweet hike through lush forest, eventually leading to the beautiful Dickerson Creek Falls. It’s a relatively easy hike, perfect for those looking to get outside without a strenuous climb. The loop trail is also popular for horseback riding and mountain biking, so you’ll likely encounter other outdoor enthusiasts along the way. While dogs are welcome on leash, be mindful that this trail is on private land, so access can be limited. It’s open year-round and is a nice, peaceful option for nature lovers.
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Difficulty: Easy
Main Features: Waterfall
Bathrooms: None
Parking: Gravel parking lot, about 20 spaces
Poulsbo Fish Park | ~0.05 - 0.49 miles (loops) | Poulsbo
This loop trail in Poulsbo includes a scenic boardwalk that meanders through wetlands, forest, and small ponds along the Liberty Bay Estuary and Dogfish Creek. It’s rich in wildlife, with viewing platforms, benches, and interpretive signs throughout the park. Be sure to check out the impressive salmon sculpture made from driftwood by local artist Travis Foreman.
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Difficulty: Easy
Main Features: Creeks & Play Elements
Bathrooms: None
Parking: Gravel parking lot, about 15 spaces
Big Tree Trail | 2 miles (out-and-back) | near Bremerton
This charming, easy hike ideal for a winter escape when the higher elevations are covered in snow. The trail winds through old-growth forest, crosses a creek, and descends a few switchbacks before reaching the star of the show: a massive Douglas Fir over 30 feet in circumference. It's great for little kids or anyone looking for a new, less-traveled spot to explore. It’s a peaceful nature walk, ideal for families or those seeking a tranquil escape in the woods.
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Difficulty: Easy
Main Features: Play area with treehouse & massive Douglas Fir
Bathrooms: yes
Parking: Gravel parking lot, about 20 spaces
Grand Forest Main Trail | ~1.1 miles (loop) | Bainbridge Island
This is a well-maintained trail with plenty of helpful wayfinding signs. The trail weaves through the old-growth forest where we found so much moss, big trees, ferns, mushrooms, and life! There were some small inclines, some roots growing on the trail, and some muddy parts. One of the highlights of the hike was crossing over the small, picturesque bridges that spanned over streams and offered the perfect opportunity to pause, take in the beauty of the forest, and listen to the calming sounds of the trickling waters and the rustle of squirrels scampering through the tree. A great hike with kids!
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Difficulty: Easy
Main Features: Old-growth forest, very mossy
Bathrooms: Vault/Pit at trail head.
Parking: Gravel parking lot, about 10 space
Hidden Cove Trail | 2.6 miles (out-and-back) | Bainbridge Island
A beautifully lush get-away that's right in between a few neighborhoods. This out-and-back hike was filled with wonderful surprises and great things to to discover—wild mushrooms, moss, ferns, and birds. Occasionally you'll be reminded that you're hiking among houses as you can see people's backyards. There's plenty of hills, twists, and a little bridge; and some muddy parts here and there but nothing that couldn't be 'hopped' over. And while the trail offers plenty to explore, it can be a bit tricky to follow without a map, so be sure to bring one along (or just download one from All Trails). The parking lot is located at the Hidden Cove Ballfields and the trailhead is located to the right of the ballfield.
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Difficulty: Easy
Main Features: Tons of natural flora like mushrooms!
Bathrooms: None
Parking: Nice dirt/gravel parking area with about 10 spaces
Foulweather Bluff Trail | 1.5 (out-and-back) | near Hansville
This short, sweet, and narrow trail takes you through the Foulweather Bluff Preserve and opens up to the beach. We had a clear, sunny day and was able to see views of the Sound, the Olympics, and the top of Mount Rainier! We saw plenty of squirrels and even a seal about 20 yards off shore. The beach sand was perfect for making sand castles and so many rocks and clamshells to discover - a toddler's dream. We didn't have time before sunset to venture down the beach but will absolutely be going back.
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Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Main Features: Beach with mountain views!
Bathrooms: Port-a-potty at trail head.
Parking: Pull off street, about 5 spaces
Point No Point Lighthouse | ~1.5 miles (out-and-back) | Hansville
This is a well-maintained, wide path that’s easy to navigate. And offers different ways to enjoy the area—you can either walk the north half along the beach or explore the protected wetlands. You can also access the trail from either end; the north entrance at behind the Lighthouse or there’s a small parking lot at the south entrance with about five spaces. You'll walk through wetlands along the beach before transitioning into the woods via a staircase. And on a clear enough day you'll have views of Mount Baker, Mount Rainier, Glacier Peak, and the Olympics. Plus, it was great for Riker to complete the hike and then have time to play in the sand and on the driftwood.
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Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Main Features: Lighthouse (although it's currently closed for the winter season), Beach with views of several mountains like Baker and Rainier, and a peek at Seattle!
Bathrooms: Vault/Pit at north entrance parking lot
Parking: Paved parking lot with 10+ spaces plus a gravel overflow area with 10+ spaces
Lake Cushman Beach | beach access | Lake Cushman, Mason Co.
A great pull off area on your way into Olympic National Park or just because! While not exactly a trail, this area offers plenty to explore. Mount Rose Trailhead is just across the road, making it easy to add a hike if you’re in the mood. There's rocks, petrified tree stumps and logs to climb on. And the crystal clear water is always a beautiful site, especially when the sun's out and gleams. There's several pull off areas and picnic tables along the dirt/gravel road - so bring a lunch.
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Difficulty: Easy
Main Features: Views, an outdoor playground
Bathrooms: None
Parking: Pull-off spaces
I moved to Kitsap County in 2018 and still am so amazed that there's so many beautiful hiking spots within a 10 minute drive (or at least under an hour). Happy hiking!
Learn more about urban hiking and why public spaces and parks are essential for a healthy community and population. Blog coming soon!
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