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Kid-friendly hikes on the Kitsap Peninsula
With two young children as my go-to hiking buddies, I’ve learned to appreciate short hikes that offer something unique. I always have along my repertoire of trail games (and snacks!) to support good moods, but when I can promise something special to spot or a new experience on the trail, the increased cooperation and enthusiasm make hiking an even better experience for everyone. These are my family’s favorite hikes in Kitsap County on the Kitsap Peninsula. Each one offers that little something extra and is very kid-friendly.
A quick note: For any hike, we recommend checking current trail conditions with Washington Trails Association, and following safe hiking practices.
First hike: Foulweather Bluff
Editor’s note: This article was first published in 2023 and was most recently updated and fact-checked in June 2024 by ParentMap’s managing editor.
Foulweather Bluff Preserve Trail, Hansville
Hike: Foulweather Bluff Preserve Trail takes you on a short stroll through a nature preserve to 3,800 feet of beachfront. At less than a half-mile from trailhead to beach, this is an ideal hike for the littlest legs and can easily be the start of a lovely beach day. The trail is wide and well-established, though not well suited to strollers due to its many roots. At the beach, spot waterfowl around the brackish marsh and lagoon, or wander to the right to marvel at the impressive cliffs and views of Hood Canal.
Distance: 1 mile round trip
Extra: Little caves dot the cliff along the beach to the west (keep an eye on the tides after you round the bend).
Details: Find directions on the WTA website. There is shoulder parking for 7–10 cars on the left side of the road. Look for the “No Dogs” sign to find the trailhead, where there is also a portable toilet. No parking pass required.
Next hike: Point No Point
Point No Point, Hansville
Hike: Point No Point Park has much to offer visitors of all ages: a lighthouse, a 2-mile hiking trail, fantastic driftwood and one of the best sandy beaches in the greater Seattle area. Due to winter storms in 2022, the main parking lot remains closed, but the park itself is open. By starting at a lesser-known trailhead on the south side of the park, you can enjoy a .6-mile wooded hike that ends with an 89-step descent to the beach. From there, turn right to access the beach or continue on the trail through wetlands to the lighthouse for a full 2-mile out-and-back. On this mostly flat trail, salmonberries (June–July) and blackberries (August–September) are plentiful in their respective seasons.
Distance: 1.2 or 2 miles round trip
Extra: Elaborate driftwood structures located a short walk south upon entering the beach.
Details: This trailhead is located at the intersection of Thors Road Northeast and Loki Bluff Drive Northeast. Updated information on other parking can be found at the Point No Point Lighthouse & Park site. Vault toilets are located near the main parking lot by the lighthouse. No parking pass required.
Next hike: Guillemot Cove
Guillemot Cove Nature Reserve, Seabeck
Hike: If you are looking for a hike with a bit of everything — old-growth forest, a wetland boardwalk, streams, trees to swing on, beach and an iconic bit of local lore — then Guillemot Cove Nature Reserve is the hiking adventure for you. On top of that, the local lore destination is the beloved “stump house,” a spot kids love to find. Use the map at the trailhead to add on any desired distance.
Our favorite loop is roughly 2 miles round trip. Take the Sawmill Trail down through the old-growth forest. Cross over to the boardwalk and at the T, take a left toward the stump house. Return along the trail (passing the boardwalk) to the beach. A packed lunch for the beach gives you time to take in stunning views of Hood Canal. Pack extra clothes — between the beach and stream, at least one child ends up wet.
For a slightly less steep return, continue up the road instead of rejoining Sawmill Trail. Look for a trail off to the left to rejoin Sawmill. If you miss either of the two connectors, do not worry. You’ll reach the main road and turn left to walk a short distance to your car.
Distance: 2 miles round trip
Extra: The iconic “stump house” and its naturally hollowed-out stump neighbor.
Details: Find directions on the WTA site. Download in advance as cell signal is spotty. Find ample parking to the right, and the main trailhead directly across the street. A portable toilet is located at the bottom of the Sawmill/Margaret Trail. No parking pass is required. No dogs.
Next hike: Beaver Pond Trail
Beaver Pond Trail, Port Gamble
Hike: Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park is best known for extensive mountain biking trails and trail running, yet we love this easy 2-mile loop for surprises along the way: ponds, a bird-watching area, a fun (but tiny) bridge and many enclaves for play. Popular with local outdoor schools, this trail begs for forest play. Maybe bring a book and stay a while.
Distance: 2 miles round trip
Extra: Magical play areas. Goblin’s Gulch is our favorite — look for the wooden signs.
Details: Find directions at WTA, which references parking at the Bayview Trailhead. There you’ll find a portable toilet. I prefer to start at the most northern parking lot (Port Gamble Trailhead) and loop clockwise from there. No parking pass is required. Dogs and mountain bikes are allowed.
Next hikes: Tin Mine Trail
Tin Mine Trail, Bremerton
Hike: The Tin Mine Trail, also called the Tin Mine Trail and Davis Loop Trail, is located at Green Mountain and is one of my favorite hikes in Kitsap County. It is a more substantial hike at 5 miles and nearly 600 feet of elevation gain, and there is so much to see. Waterfalls, ponds with swimming salamanders, an old mine and mountain views at the top. From the parking lot, you can enter the trail from either end. Counter-clockwise will take you up a short, steep section of switchbacks to the peak and then you’ll meander downhill to finish the distance on a mostly-flat trail. Clockwise you’ll save the switchbacks for the end on a downhill. Either is a great option.
Distance: 5 miles round trip
Extra: An abandoned mine. Boots for navigating standing water, rain jackets and lights/headlamps are recommended.
Details: Find directions at WTA (ignore the mileage, it’s a 5-mile loop). Ample parking and toilets can be found at the trailhead. A Discover Pass is required to park. Leashed dogs are welcome.
