Kitsap Peninsula Travel Information
Only nine nautical miles from Seattle and
separated from the Olympic
Peninsula by the Hood Canal, the Kitsap Peninsula provides a peaceful
escape from city traffic. The Great Peninsula, as Kitsap is actually
called, has so many arms of land jutting into the Puget Sound that the
area has a disproportionate amount of shoreline. Rocky beaches give
way to sandy shores, farm land and a forested interior. While Kitsap
lacks the soaring mountains characteristic of the Olympic Peninsula
interior, it has a different sort of appeal. Road bikers take to
the miles of roads winding across the Kitsap Peninsula that pass by
small fishing villages, like Poulsbo, and salt water scenery. Enjoy
the sky line of sailboats against the Olympic Range to the west, Mt
Baker and Mt Rainier in the east. Dedicated peddlers can cross onto
the Kitsap from Seattle by ferry and continue on over the Hood Canal
Bridge to the Olympics after they've finished exploring. Kopachuk
State Park, on the east side of the peninsula, has over a mile of
shoreline to stroll, while Blake Island in the north, accessible only
by boat, has shoreline, year-round camping and great views. If you're
after a long walk, parks inland have trails through the forest, though
these are still short enough to qualify as easy day hikes. For
backpacking it's best to head over to the Olympic Peninsula. Kitsap
Peninsula is only nine nautical miles west of Seattle, a short ferry
ride away or a one hour drive. Olympia is due south, as the crow
flies, but the road follows a longer, circuitous route.
| 
