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Fort Ward Park

Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
 47.5836, -122.5228 Map & Directions
Length
2.25 miles, roundtrip
Structures in the fort at Fort Ward State Park. Photo by Hikingqueen.
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Good for kids
  • Coast

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

None
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The trails in this park reveal the military history and natural wonder of this area. There are options for walking along the beach or through forested slopes. Continue reading

Rating
3.67 out of 5

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Hiking Fort Ward Park

Fort Ward Park has a rich history and a variety of trails. This park used to be a military fort to protect the navy yards in Bremerton. It was closed in the ‘60s and has been public land ever since, first as a state park and now as a local city park. You will find a few remnants of this military past along the beach, but the majority of the park is in a natural setting.

Take your pick of three trails to explore. The lower trail is paved and flat and parallels the beach, offering access to the shore. The upper trail is steeper and winds up and away from the water to traverse a forested slope. And in-between these two is the Ridge trail. The views across the Puget Sound to the Olympic Mountains are widespread and stunning on a clear day.

In addition to the network of trails and the historical monuments, there are several benches and picnic areas throughout the park.

To extend your trip you can also exit the park on a trail that leads to Blakely Harbor, another popular park on the south end of Bainbridge Island.

Hike Description Written by
Charlie Wakenshaw, WTA Staff

Fort Ward Park

Map & Directions

Trailhead
Co-ordinates: 47.5836, -122.5228 Open in Google Maps

Before You Go

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Parking Pass/Entry Fee

None

WTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.

Getting There

There are two parking areas for Fort Ward Park—both have restrooms and ample parking.

For the SE entrance:
Head straight off the ferry in Bainbridge and take the first left onto Winslow Way. Then quickly take the first right onto Ericksen Ave. for 0.3 mile. Turn left onto Wyatt Way for 3.8 miles as it turns into Eagle Harbor Drive, Bucklin Hill Rd, and Blakely Ave. Next, turn right onto Country Club Road, then take the first right onto Fort Ward Hill Road for 0.8 mile before turning right into the signed park entrance.

For the NW entrance:
Head straight off the ferry in Bainbridge and take the first left onto Winslow Way. Then quickly take the first right onto Ericksen Ave. for 0.3 mile. Turn left onto Wyatt Way for 3.0 miles as it turns into Eagle Harbor Dr., Bucklin Hill Rd., and Blakely Ave.—then make a slight right turn onto W Blakely Ave. for 0.4 mile, then a slight left onto Pleasant Beach Dr. for 0.5 mile to the parking area.

Take Transit

This trailhead is accessible by bus! Plan your visit by bus using TOTAGO, or consult the schedule for Kitsap Transit routes 98 and 99. Both lines stop at the intersection of Fort Ward Hill Road and Park View Drive NE, which is a 0.4 mile walk to the SE park entrance.

More Hike Details

Trailhead

Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area

Bainbridge Island Metro Park and Recreation District

News

Local Transit, National Action: Trailhead Direct is Back for 2023

May 10, 2023

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Fort Ward Park

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