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Super island hikes to try with kids
Back during pandemic shutdowns, my three kids and I were going stir-crazy. We were compelled to discover a host of fun new-to-us hiking trails, right in our own Bainbridge Island backyard. Few and far between are the silver linings from those tough times, but sharing kid- and dog-friendly hikes that are just a ferry ride away is one of them!
Pack snacks and water, put on your boots, grab your pandemic puppy and load the WSDOT ferry app. These six secret strolls are clustered around the gem of a villa called Lynwood Center on the south end of the island and are suitable for kids of all ages.
You can even walk on the ferry to reach them by using Bainbridge’s public transit. Bainbridge buses are dog-friendly and waiting at the Winslow ferry terminal. Catch route No. 97 to Crystal Springs or No. 98 to Fort Ward. BI Ride is a shared-ride service that operates on Bainbridge Island by both rider request and by serving scheduled stops. Service runs weekdays and Saturdays, generally between 8:45 a.m. and late afternoon.
First stop: Lynwood Center
1. Wander with wee ones through Lynwood Center
On the south end of Bainbridge Island sits a small villa called Lynwood Center, only a stone’s throw away from a sea-glass-covered shoreline, a mini forest hike and a playground. Stroll through Tudor-style buildings to find sourdough doughnuts, sculptures, delicious burgers, great pizza, fro-yo — and even outdoor seating at a bar and winery.
Next, saunter down to the Schel Chelb Park and playground with adjacent beach and estuary on Point White Drive Northeast (the beach trail is on a busy road, so keep those kiddos close.) Start the mini-hike at a trailhead across the street from the beach and parallel to the playground. If you follow the trail north through the forest and over the bridge, it’s a quick ramble that ends at Baker Hill Road. Then just turn around.
If you’re walking on the ferry, bus route No. 97 Crystal Springs takes you right there! Or enter Walt’s Lynwood Market into your navigation to drive to this spot (and say “Hey” to Walt as he greets you upon entering his mom-and-pop convenience store.)
Next stop: Listening Lane
2. Listening Lane to Gazzam Lake Nature Preserve
Deeply forested trails await on this easy excursion that you can customize to the needs of your crew! You’ll hike up from Lynwood Center, then turn around when they’ve had enough.
Park at Lynwood Center, then begin at the mini-trail in Schel Chleb playground (see previous hike) or walk west 0.3 mile along Northeast Baker Hill Road until you see Listening Lane on the right. Follow this driveway-looking road north towards the trailhead with a sign for Gazzam Lake — a 13-acre freshwater wetland that has remained untouched by development.
For a longer hike, park at 6105 N.E. Marshall Rd. (eight-car capacity here) and hike 2 miles down to Lynwood Center for food and treats, then hike back to your car after refueling.
Next stop: Point White Pier
3. Point White Pier to Lynwood Center
This walk takes your crew beach-to-beach by way of stunning forest! Start at Point White Pier, a historic former mosquito fleet dock that’s 100 feet long. At its height, Puget Sound’s mosquito fleet was the largest in the world, and it was the only access islanders had to mail, travel and services.
After enjoying the view of Bremerton, walk north along Crystal Springs Drive about 1 mile until you see the sign for Veterane Trail on the right. Follow this trail until it intersects with Baker Hill Road. Cross the road to pick up the trail on the other side. Walk for 2 miles until the trail meets with a large water tower near Gazzam Lake Nature Preserve. Follow the trail to the right until it joins Peter’s Trail, which descends steeply through a forested hillside and ends at Listening Lane, then Baker Hill Road. Keep an eye out for the PNW Gnome Home in the trees. Turn left to connect with a small trail on the right leading to Schel Chelb Park and playground that ends at a public beach near Lynwood Center’s shops and restaurants.
Plan on two hours round trip for this walk with kids.
Next stop: Fairy Dell
4. Fairy Dell: Battle Point Park to the beach and back
This hike is one of my favorites on the island. It’s an easy half-mile trek for all ages offering a stunning example of the wonders of the Pacific Northwest: some of the oldest cedars and firs on the island, a lush fern-covered hillside and a seasonal stream.
Begin at Bainbridge Island’s biggest park, Battle Point Park — home to a phenomenal must-visit playground. Park in the auxiliary lot at the northwest corner of the park, at Frey Avenue and Battle Point Drive Northeast. Across the road, about 20 feet to the right and nestled between two driveways, find a sign marking the Fairy Dell Trail. You’re off to enjoy your jaunt down to Puget Sound shoreline and amazing views of Agate Pass Bridge.
Next stop: Fort Ward Park
5. Fort Ward Park waterfront trail
Explore miles of saltwater shoreline, World War II gun batteries and tide pools — and scan the sound for an orca sighting! Take it all in as you stroll the wide, flat, paved Fort Ward Park waterfront trail that’s great for tiny tots on balance bikes or bigger kids on bigger bikes.
As you spot the Bremerton ferry passing by, have your kids try to imagine the size of a submarine net that Navy personnel once installed across Rich Passage to try to catch enemy subs during World War II. Weather tip: On a clear day, this hike is a lovely sun-bathed walk, but on a cloudy day, dress warmly and be prepared for chilly winds.
From Lynwood Center, drive south along Pleasant Beach Drive Northeast about a mile and a half to reach the entrance to the park. Facilities include a large parking lot and restrooms.
Next stop: Blakely Harbor Park
6. Fort Ward Park to Blakely Harbor Park
Starting at Fort Ward Park, this hike’s best feature is its power-packed terminus, especially the fun, graffiti-covered power plant and newly built bridge. This special destination is the site of the former Port Blakely Mill, which was one of the world’s largest sawmills in the late 1800s. It’s now Blakely Harbor Park.
Start this meandering walk through a thick forest of Douglas fir, bigleaf maples and wetland areas at Fort Ward Park. From the parking lot, walk a half-mile to an uphill path on the left. Keep left to stay on the paved trail. Upon arrival in the upper parking lot, follow the trail on the left, beyond the toilet in the rear of the parking lot. You’ll find a large sign clearly marking the Fort Ward-Blakely Harbor Trail. Keep an eye out for PNW Gnome Home No. 8.
At the road, cross over and pick up the trail on the right (marked as waypoint 15). The trail ends in a parking lot where you’ll need to cross a busy street, Northeast Country Club Road. Go right on the meadow trail until it intersects with a trail to the beach on the right, where you will encounter an incredible view of the Seattle skyline. This hike took us an hour each way with a motivated 5-year-old in the lead!
More places to explore with kids around Puget Sound:
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in 2021 and updated for 2023.
