What Are the Top Outdoor Activities on Bainbridge Island?

Bainbridge Island sits in the middle of Puget Sound, ringed by water and covered in forest. It is the kind of place that makes you want to be outside. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, there is no shortage of ways to spend it well.

Hiking and Forest Bathing

Bainbridge has an impressive network of trails for an island its size. Grand Forest, Gazzam Lake Nature Preserve, and Fay Bainbridge Park offer everything from easy strolls to more immersive woodland walks. For those who want to go beyond a hike, Bainbridge Adventures offers guided forest therapy experiences led by a certified guide. Forest therapy, rooted in the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, is about slowing down and letting the forest do its work.

Kayaking and Paddleboarding

The calm waters around Bainbridge make it an ideal spot for kayaking and paddleboarding. Launch from Waterfront Park or several other access points around the island and you will find yourself paddling alongside harbor seals, herons, and the occasional bald eagle overhead.

Cycling

Bainbridge is a beloved destination for cyclists. The island has dedicated bike lanes and scenic rural roads that wind through farmland and forest. It is hilly in places, which makes the flat stretches feel earned. Bikes can be rented near the ferry terminal, making it easy to arrive on foot and pedal your way around.

Beachcombing and Tide Pools

The island's shoreline is endlessly interesting at low tide. Fay Bainbridge Park and Fort Ward State Park are two of the best spots to explore rocky beaches, tide pools, and driftwood-strewn shores with views of the Olympic Mountains.

Exploring by Car or on Foot With a Self-Guided Audio Tour

One of the most satisfying ways to take in Bainbridge is simply to explore it with a little guidance. Bainbridge Adventures' self-guided audio tours let you discover the island's landscapes, history, and hidden stories at your own pace, whether you are behind the wheel or on foot. It is sightseeing that feels like adventure.

A Place Worth Taking Slowly

Bainbridge is not the kind of place you rush through. The best outdoor experiences here tend to happen when you put the schedule aside and let the island set the pace. However you choose to spend your time outside, you will leave wanting more.