5 Family-Friendly Hikes in Kitsap County You Need to Explore
When people think about hiking in Washington, places like Mount Rainier or the Olympic National Park usually steal the spotlight.
But tucked between the shores of Puget Sound and Hood Canal is one of Washington’s best-kept secrets—Kitsap County.
Here, you’ll find peaceful forest trails, hidden waterfalls, scenic boardwalks, quiet beaches, and family-friendly adventures that don’t require hours of driving or strenuous climbs. Whether you’re hiking with young kids, visiting from out of town, or simply looking for a relaxing afternoon outdoors, Kitsap County has plenty of beautiful trails waiting to be explored.
These are five of our favorite family-friendly hikes—chosen for their scenery, accessibility, and popularity with both locals and visitors.
1. Dickerson Creek Falls (Our Favorite!)
One of the most beautiful hidden gems in Kitsap County, Dickerson Creek Falls is a hike that feels like you’re in the mountains.
Towering evergreens surround the trail, the sound of rushing water grows louder with every step, and before long you’re rewarded with a picturesque waterfall tucked into the forest. At roughly 2.5 miles as a loop, it’s a manageable adventure for many families with children and a rewarding outing for anyone looking for a peaceful escape.
Why We Love It
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- Beautiful waterfall destination
- Peaceful forest scenery
- Incredible photo opportunities
- Plenty of ferns, moss, wildflowers and wildlife
This is one of those hikes that reminds you why living in the Pacific Northwest is so special. Check out my complete guide here!
Bring Along:
2. Clear Creek Trail – Silverdale
Few trails in Kitsap County are as beloved as Clear Creek Trail.
This award-winning trail winds through wetlands, forests, bridges, and scenic boardwalks while following salmon-bearing Clear Creek. Despite being close to town, it feels surprisingly peaceful and is one of the county’s most popular places for walking, biking, birdwatching, and family outings.
Highlights
- Salmon viewing in season
- Beautiful wooden boardwalks
- Excellent birdwatching
- Mostly gentle terrain
This trail is perfect for introducing little ones to hiking because there’s always something interesting to discover.
3. Guillemot Cove Nature Reserve
For families looking for a little adventure, Guillemot Cove Trailhead offers one of the most unique hiking experiences in Kitsap County.
The trail descends through lush forest before opening onto a secluded Hood Canal beach with stunning views of the Olympic Mountains. Along the way you’ll pass wetlands, creeks, towering cedars, and the famous “Stump House,” a hollowed cedar stump that’s a favorite with kids. The return hike is uphill, so take your time and enjoy the journey.
Why Families Love It
- Beach exploration
- Old-growth forest
- Olympic Mountain views
- The famous Stump House
Pack These Essentials:
4. Scenic Beach State Park
With forest trails, shoreline views, and plenty of picnic spots, Scenic Beach State Park is one of those places you’ll want to return to again and again.
The easy trails wind beneath towering evergreens before leading to Hood Canal, where driftwood-covered beaches invite kids to skip rocks, search for shells, and watch boats pass by. It’s easy to combine a short hike with an afternoon picnic or sunset stroll.
Perfect For
- Beachcombing
- Family picnics
- Photography
- Easy nature walks
5. Big Tree Trail – Bremerton
If you’re looking for a hike that feels like stepping into an enchanted Pacific Northwest forest, Big Tree Trail should be at the top of your list.
Tucked away just outside Bremerton near the Kitsap Forest Theater, this family-friendly trail is only about 1.5 miles round trip, making it an excellent adventure for kids and beginner hikers. The trail winds through lush old-growth forest, crosses a peaceful creek, and leads to the trail’s star attraction—a magnificent Douglas fir measuring more than 30 feet in circumference. Also, keep an eye out for the whimsical fairy houses and woodland creations that often appear along the trail—they make the journey just as exciting as the destination. Check out my complete guide here!
What Makes It Special
- Whimsical woodland hike
- Only 1.5 miles roundtrip, perfect for children
- Wildlife
- Old & large Douglas fir
Our Family Hiking Essentials
Every hike is more enjoyable when you’re prepared. These are the items we never leave home without:
- Hiking shoes – there are so many wonderful options for hiking shoes! One of the most important things you’ll need is supportive and comfortable shoes to hike in.
- Lightweight hiking backpack – if you don’t own a lightweight backpack and don’t have the means to purchase one, any backpack will do. You’ll just want to make sure you bring one for water, snacks, and ect.
- Reusable water bottles – Another one of those important things to not leave home without
- Small first-aid kit – another one of those unfortunate things you will most likely need. Even if you only have a couple Band-Aids to pack.
- Sunscreen & Hat – this is one of those things, you’ll definitely want to bring if your trail is in the sun or if it’s summer time.
- Healthy snacks – MUST BRING!!
- Cell Phone – for emergencies & to take photos
- Compact picnic blanket – I’d suggest only bringing this if your trail ends at the beach or you’ll need to seat
- Change of clothes – maybe not in the backpack, but I strongly suggest bringing a change of clothes and socks for your children in the car. You just never know when you’ll need them.
Tips for Hiking with Kids
The best family hikes aren’t about reaching the destination as quickly as possible.
They’re about slowing down and noticing the little things.
Count banana slugs.
Listen for woodpeckers.
Look for logs covered in moss.
Let kids collect interesting leaves or pinecones (where permitted).
Watch for mushrooms after a rainy day.
Some of the best memories are made when you let curiosity lead the way.
Why We Love Hiking in Kitsap County
One of my favorite things about living in the Pacific Northwest is realizing that adventure doesn’t have to mean a weekend getaway.
Some of our favorite family memories have happened just minutes from home—wandering through cedar forests, discovering hidden waterfalls, watching salmon swim upstream, and ending the day with ice cream or coffee on the drive home.
Kitsap County may not always make the “Top 10 Hikes in Washington” lists, but that’s part of its charm. The trails are quieter, the forests are just as beautiful, and there’s something special about finding these places close to home.
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, exploring quiet beaches, or wandering shaded forest trails, Kitsap County has no shortage of family-friendly adventures.
So pack a lunch, lace up your hiking boots, and head outside.
You never know what you’ll discover around the next bend in the trail.
