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Explore Washington State’s Kitsap Water Trails
The Kitsap Peninsula National Water Trails (KPNWT) was officially designated as part of the National Water Trails System in 2014.
The first in WA State and the only saltwater trail in the USA to date.
Today, the Kitsap Peninsula is a major destination for all types of water activities, coastal exploring, and wildlife watching.
It is the result of a three-year effort by local partners to connect the region’s 371 miles of shoreline for public access.
The water trails system allows visitors to the natural beauty of the Puget Sound both on the water and on the region’s many beaches and public piers.
Local amenities offer visitors the chance to enjoy kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding.
Kayaking and Canoeing
Visitors can rent their own canoe or kayak for a self-led adventure or join a group to explore. Exotic Aquatics on Bainbridge Island has options ranging from a two-hour harbor paddle to a ‘Full Moon Paddle’ to catch the sunset. During the summer months paddlers on the water after sunset may see the shimmering bioluminescence.
Paddleboarding
Visitors can rent a board from multiple stores across the islands in the peninsula. Olympic Outdoor Center offers rental paddleboards for up to a week at a time, so visitors can easily explore the many beaches, coves, and bays across the peninsula. Nearby Port Gamble is a water trail access point perfect to launch paddleboards from, and can explore the Port Gamble Bay further.
Wildlife Watching
No matter where you explore, wildlife is never far away the Kitsap Peninsula. Recommended spots include the Shine Tidelands State Park to see birdlife, and from mid-October through November visitors can see spawning salmon with Kitsap Salmon Tours at multiple riverbank sites.
Where to stay
There are plenty of lodging and camping options. For those wanting to make the most out of the outdoors there are camping areas available to reserve at several of the area’s state parks including Twanoh State Park, Scenic Beach State Park, and Kitsap Memorial State Park. All of which allow access to the Hood Canal shoreline. For a more luxurious stay, The Inn at Pleasant Beach, located on the south end of Bainbridge Island, sits on a hill overlooking the historic Lynwood neighborhood and Puget Sound’s Rich Passage. Built on a site surrounding the original Tudor-style Manor House, guests can enjoy the nearby Pleasant Beach village and onsite amenities. These include a seasonal outdoor pool and hot tub, fitness center, bocce ball courts and bicycle rentals.
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