Bainbridge Island Beaches & Interior

Getting There

There are two main ways to Bainbridge Island, the Agate Pass Bridge on SR-305 and the Seattle-Bainbridge Ferry.

on the island

Bloedel reserve

An internationally renowned 150-acre public garden and forest preserve located on the northern end of Bainbridge Island. The founders’ vision was “to provide refreshment and tranquility in the presence of natural beauty,” and Bloedel’s mission is to “enrich people’s lives through a premier public garden of natural and designed Pacific Northwest landscapes.” Bloedel Reserve has 12 distinctive gardens that are perfect for the naturalist and photographer. The main trail winds through meadows, marshes, forests, and a Japanese garden. With advance notice, guided tours are available. After following 2 miles of trails in the reserve, this hike continues outside the gates by following Agate Point Drive to North Street and Sanwick Place. Follow the gravel path at the Sanwick Place road end, where you can enjoy views of Agate Pass and the Agate Pass Bridge, which is on the national register of historic places. Other road ends nearby include Agate Street, North Street, an North Street NE Road. Note that most road ends are designed for local neighborhood use, so be respectful of private property, whether beach/water access is permitted, and local residents.

Grand Forest

There are many intersecting trails in this park, so it’s a good idea to bring a map. Waypoint markers are located at most junctions and are marked on the parks department map. Map signs are also located at the main trailheads and at several main junctions within the park. A common route is to combine the loop trails of Grand Forest West with Grand Forest East via the connecting Hilltop Trail. There is potential to spot deer, songbirds, owls, and woodpeckers. Dogs on a leash are allowed. There is a restroom at the Hilltop Preserve between Grand Forest West and Grand Forest East.

Getting There & Parking

Grand Forest West has parking for 8 cars with a few additional designated parking spaces on the east side of Miller Road. Grand Forest East has  parking for 5 cars with very limited parking on Mandus Olsen Road. Additional parking is available at Battle Point Park. The 0.8 mile Forest to Sky trail runs from the SE corner of Battle Point Park to Grand Forest West. Grand Forest trailheads fill up early on weekends. Battle Point Park has several large parking areas and is  a good option for larger groups and during popular times.

Grand Forest-Fairy Dell Trail

7 miles round trip or loop, 400 feet of elevation gain

The Grand Forest-Fairy Dell Trail links trails in several Bainbridge Island parks to provide a very pleasant, primarily forested walk from one of Bainbridge Island’s higher points (340 ft) down to a secluded waterfront beach on the island’s western shore. The hike starts at the southern trailhead for Grand Forest East and winds through dense forest until reaching the Hilltop Trail, connecting Grand Forest East and Grand Forest West. After taking the north loop of Grand Forest West, cross Miller Road and walk about one mile through dense forest on the Forest to Sky trail to reach Battle Point Park and more open terrain. Walk to the northwest corner of Battle Point Park and then a couple hundred feet east on a road to reach the Fairy Dale Trail, which leads down through a forested ravine to a secluded beach on the island’s western shore. Note that the beach is not accessible at high tides. Retrace your steps to Grand Forest West, take the southern trail loop in Grand Forest West to the Hilltop Trail and then complete the Grand Forest East loop back to the trailhead.

Japanese Exclusion Memorial

Located at the former Eadledale ferry dock in March 1942, Japanese Exclusion Memorial is dedicated to the 227 who were forcibly removed from their homes during World War II. Their motto and mission is Nidoto Nai Yoni, "Let It Not Happen Again."

Waterfront Trail

2.8 miles round trip

The Waterfront Trail in Winslow starts near the ferry dock and is well-marked.  The trail will take you along the shoreline past two marinas and a pub and then head inland via Parfitt Way and Lovell Ave.  Turn left at the T-intersection to reach a walking path to the Strawberry Plant Park. The return to downtown Winslow is by Shepard Way.

• Suitable Activities: Urban Adventure, Urban Walking
• Seasons: Year-round
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Length: 10.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 500 ft
• High Point: 500 ft

• Land Manager: Bainbridge Island Parks & Recreation
• Parking Permit Required: None
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 14
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12