Best Parks to Visit on Bainbridge Island
For many years, Bainbridge Island Parks have provided enjoyment, exercise and inspiration for generations of visitors. Here are some of our favorites.
Waterfront Park and City Dock (1.2 Miles from The Marshall Suites)
Located in the heart of downtown Winslow just steps away from dozens of shops. Stop by and enjoy the beautiful waterfront views and watch the ferries dock.
Fay Bainbridge Park (5.5 Miles from The Marshall Suites)
Whether your child wants a beach to dig in the sand or play on a pirate ship, this is a great beach to start. In addition to great views of the greater Seattle area, all the ship traffic, and Mount Rainier, this popular park features a playground, camping sites, cabins to rent, picnic tables, shelters, or great spots to just sit down and relax.
The Grand Forest (3.5 Miles from The Marshall Suites)
Step out of your car, walk a few feet into the forest and you feel like you have been transported back in time. Imagine thousands of giant trees and prehistoric looking plants. You can pick a number of different trails and distances. Lots of twists and turns, tree roots, etc. Kids will love it. Great rain or shine.
Fort Ward Park (4.4 Miles from The Marshall Suites)
This is a great park for walking — either through the woods on the upper part of the park or on the paved trail along the beach (wheelchair accessible). Historic military bunkers to explore and the beach is great nearshore habitat for marine critters. Using Park District maps for reference, you can walk along wooded trails from Blakely Harbor Park up to Fort Ward and then connect to Rich Passage and back for a great long hike.
Battle Point Park (4.8 Miles from The Marshall Suites)
Use the playground, play tennis, walk the dog, have a picnic, go to the planetarium/astronomy center, play soccer, ride your horse, jog, or just enjoy an easy stroll along its 1.6 ml path. Frisbee Fan? This Park features a great Disc Golf Course. Any time – any weather, there are lots of people enjoying this park.
Lake Gazzam Nature Preserve
The Gazzam Lake Trail System consists of 2 miles of gently rolling trail through dense forest. The backbone of the system is the Gazzam Lake Trail (1.4 miles) that connects the two trailheads. Gazzam Lake is a 13 acre freshwater wetland that has remained untouched by development. Wildlife abounds inside the Preserve. Owls protecting their nests have been reported to swoop at trail users. All visitors of the Preserve are encouraged to give wildlife a wide berth, keep your pets on a leash, and respect the inhabitants of our natural landscape. Deer, coyotes, and even bears have been reported to be seen by visitors of this site.
Sakai Park (0.3 Miles from The Marshall Suites)
Coming Soon! Sakai Park / Wetlands is being developed into a series of walking trails perfect for an afternoon stroll. Adjacent to The Marshall Suites, the new park site is named in honor of the Sakai family who cultivated berries on this site as well as nearby properties prior to and after their family’s WWII internment. The main feature of the park, Sakai Pond, was formed by early settlers harvesting peat. The pond is approximately 22 feet in depth. For more information or maps of the Parks of Bainbridge Island, visit www.biparks.org.
By: Maxwell Prichard