Only a 35-minute ferry trip west of Seattle sits the island and metropolis of Bainbridge Island. In the course of Puget Sound, Bainbridge overlooks the Cascade Mountains and is a favourite for nature lovers. This idyllic Pacific Northwest island combines pure magnificence with loads of museums, parks, and eating places to maintain all varieties of vacationers busy.
Bainbridge Island is the small city getaway from the hustle and bustle of Seattle.
Greatest Time To Go
A large aerial view of Bainbridge Island Harbor in Washington
It’s the PNW (Pacific Northwest); rain and clouds will occur. Though the mist tends so as to add to the impact of the grand moss-covered timber, typical of the realm.
However, for these on the lookout for a drier time to take pleasure in Bainbridge, June and August are the months to go. Not surprisingly, these are additionally the preferred months for vacationers.
August coincides with the peak of tourism season, so lodging will possible be costlier.
It does get humid in the summertime as a result of proximity to the Sound. However for much less cloudy days it’s a worthwhile trade-off. Blue skies go a good distance in having fun with the area.
On clear days the Cascade Mountain Vary and the long-lasting Mount Rainier may be seen peaking over the calm water.
What To Know When Visiting
The island has a sophisticated historical past. It was one of many ancestral houses of the Suquamish folks. Within the 1850s, land rights have been exchanged from the tribe to the U.S. authorities, in return for fishing rights of the Sound and a Reservation in Port Madison Washington.
Since ratification the federal government has damaged the treaty a number of instances, requiring the Supreme Courtroom to step in and reaffirm the Suquamish peoples’ rights.
When visiting Bainbridge Island you will need to perceive the historical past and if attainable make extra space for the indigenous folks of Puget Sound.
Contemplate taking the brief drive north o the island to the Suquamish Museum, an ideal supply of training for guests and locals. If visiting and having fun with the superb fantastic thing about this historic island, take into account donating to the Suquamish Foundation; as these folks have been caretakers of the land lengthy earlier than the treaties.
The inspiration funds the unique stewards of the island in cultural and academic efforts.
Greatest Methods To Get Round
First issues first: attending to Bainbridge Island. The simplest and quickest approach is by ferry boat. Day-trippers can stroll on, whereas these with vehicles can drive on and benefit from the views from the deck.
It’s attainable to drive onto the island, however going throughout by ferry permits guests attractive views, attainable wildlife sightings, and an opportunity to scent that recent sea air.
No have to make a reservation, these enormous boats have house sufficient for 200 vehicles and a couple of,500 passengers. Ensure to get to the pier early simply in case.
Ferry Boat
- Stroll-on Fare: $9.25 (Grownup Tickets); 4.60 (Aged/Youngsters/Folks with disabilities)
- Drive-on Ferry Fare: $20.90 (For many passenger vehicles)
- Handle (Departing Seattle): Colman Dock, Pier 52, Seattle
- Handle (Departing Bainbridge): 270 Olympic Drive SE Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
- Observe: Fares again to Seattle are free for passengers however not for cars.
Bike
The island is definitely navigable by bike. It’s attainable to hawk onto the ferry or lease one as soon as docked. Bikers don’t even have to stay to the paved street. Bainbridge has tons of biking trails for riders to get into the pure magnificence the island is thought for.
The Bike Barn rents out electrical, hybrid, and street bikes, and is conveniently situated subsequent to the ferry terminal. Severely take into account a hybrid or electrical, as Bainbridge Island is hilly.
- Electrical Bike Rental: $65 (2hr); $90 (Full day)
- Hybrid Bike Rental: $30 (2hr); $40 (3-8hrs); $75 (2 days); $90 (3 days); $175 (weekly)
- Highway Bike Rental: $80 (1 day); $145 (2 days); $350 (weekly)
There’s a public bus system, the Kitsap transit, that goes to and from the ferry and across the island. Nevertheless, the critiques for the system are usually not good.
Automotive
Whereas flyers may lease a automotive on the Seattle airport, there’s a extra distinctive choice accessible on Bainbridge Island. By way of PacWesty, Volkswagen Vanagons can be found for lease, geared up with all of the gear for an epic street journey or evening out tenting.
Whereas costly, with all of the gear it’s primarily a lodge on wheels.
- Deposits: $1500 (Safety); $500 (Reserving)
- Westfalia Vanagon Leases: Beginning at $195/evening (Relying on season)
- eTofino Vanagon Leases: Beginning at $225/evening (Relying on season)
- Included w/van: Lots! All of the kitchen provides campers may have, sleeping luggage, pillows, blankets, energy supply, cooler, and so on. A full record may be discovered on PacWesty’s website.
The place To Keep
Japanese Backyard Bloedel Reserve, Bainbridge Island, WA
The island is small and simply navigable, that means the realm during which guests are usually not restricted. Though the south finish of the island, the Fort Ward space, does have beautiful climbing trails.
Nevertheless, close to the downtown, additionally referred to as Winslow, is the place a lot of the museums, lodges, and eating places are for these with out a automotive. With Seattle a brief ferry trip away, vacationers can sleep within the metropolis and take a day journey over to the island.
However, the island itself does have a couple of lodges, inns, and different attention-grabbing lodging choices for vacationers eager to expertise the small-town life.
To remain on Bainbridge, with out tenting or sleeping in a Vanagon, try close by lodging.
Excessive-end Lodging:
If reminiscence serves, the nautical time period for staying on a yacht is being “fancy-schmancy”. For vacationers keen to splurge, an evening onboard this classic-style yacht will present a novel and particular keep.
Included with the lodging is a 2-hour sundown cruise of Puget Sound. SailBainbridge gives different excursions, in addition to the evening at sea.
- Value: $925 (as much as 6 company)
- Handle: Harbour Marina: 233 Parfitt Means SW, Bainbridge Island, WA
- Contains: Sundown Cruise and breakfast
- Departure time: 6 pm (Captain takes company again to shore at 9 am)
Skiff Point Guest House and Retreat
For many who desire a good and homey vibe, Skiff Level Visitor Home is a superb choice. This cute retreat gives two absolutely geared up guesthouses, The Loft Suite and The Carriage Home.
It gives the consolation of a house with the views and magnificence of Bainbridge. Observe: It’s a 2-night minimal, throughout elements of summer time 3-night, keep right here.
- Value: ~$250/evening (Suites sleep 4-6 folks)
- Handle: 11040 NE Mountain View Highway Bainbridge Island, WA
- Suites embody: An entire kitchen, DISH TV, a backyard, and a deck
Mid-tier Lodging:
A extra inexpensive boutique lodge is the Marshall Suites. This selection is completely situated close to downtown Winslow, the Puget Sound, and near the Bloedel Reserve.
- Value: Beginning at $190/evening
- Handle: 350 Excessive College Rd NE Bainbridge Island, WA
The Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island, Washington
This charming inn has 5 uniquely styled rooms and two townhouses, remoted by a courtyard. The rooms have an ideal view of the water, nice for a romantic getaway.
- Value: Beginning at $200/evening
- Handle: 291 Madison Ave S., Bainbridge Island, WA
Funds Lodging
Vacationers don’t have to fly to New Zealand to expertise hobbit life. One of many extra quirky lodging discovered on Bainbridge is that this small hobbit gap dug into the earth for a fantastical glamping expertise.
In fact, it comes with an actual hobbit…cardboard cutout.
- Value: $126/evening
- Handle: 3 miles north of the ferry terminal, alongside freeway 305 (actual location offered when reserving)
This inn is motel-style with exterior doorways. However, the lovable facade and comfy rooms stay as much as the inn moniker. Positioned very near Winslow, makes it an ideal finances choice for guests.
- Value: Beginning at $125/evening
- Handle: 920 Hildebrand Ln NE, Bainbridge Island, WA
The place To Eat On Bainbridge Island
Breakfast:
There are many folks on the island early-rising for hikes, paddles, and people lovely sunrises over the Sound. They should eat someplace good, like Pegasus Espresso. It may simply be mistaken for a pub in some small Irish village, with its ivy-covered uncovered brick facade.
They’re most well-known for his or her espresso, being named top-of-the-line espresso outlets on the planet by the Monetary Occasions. They even provide one-on-one espresso teaching and a espresso starters package.
For meals, they do have soups, yummy breakfast sandwiches, and different morning staples.
- Value: $
- Hours: 7 am-5 pm (Solar-Thu); 7 am-6 pm (Fri-Sat)
- Handle: 131 Parfitt Means SW, Bainbridge Island, WA
Lunch:
Hello Life is correct in downtown Winslow and serves up Japanese delicacies, poke bowls, and desserts. The island in fact has nice seafood, however Hello Life appears to rise above the remainder.
Their hottest dish is the poke shokado, which is a sampler field of their poke and appetizers. And, a spot needs to be good once they should bottle their sauces as a result of prospects loved them a lot.
- Value: $$
- Hours: 11 am-7 pm (Each day)
- Handle: 220 Olympic Dr. SE Bainbridge Island, WA
Dinner:
That is an precise functioning, sustainable farm that serves meals out of their farmhouse. Whereas upstairs in the home is for particular person events, the principle ground is all community-style seating.
In fact, the farm makes use of native and seasonal elements, typically their very own, for a very Bainbridge expertise. The expertise, ambiance, and meals imply that tables are wanted, so take into account making a reservation beforehand.
- Value: $$$
- Hours: 4:30 pm-9:30 pm (Thu-Solar)
- Handle: 4370 Outdated Mill Rd NE, Bainbridge Island, WA
Drink:
What’s that? Not a fan of whiskey? No worries, Bainbridge Natural Distillers has gin. Not a gin individual? Additionally they make vodka. There’s something for everybody (besides youngsters) at this family-owned and run distiller.
Protecting with the theme of sustainability on the island, they solely use organically grown crops. They provide a tour of the distillery adopted by a tasting.
- Value: $$
- Hours: 12 pm-5 pm (Wed-Solar)
- Handle: 9727 Coppertop Lp NE Ste 101 Bainbridge Island, WA
Different Widespread Spots:
- Market (Espresso/Deli/Taproom)
- Bainbridge Island Brewery
- Bruciato (Pizza/Italian)
- Seabird (Seafood/Tapas/Bar)
- L’Atelier TR (Bakery/Chocolatier)
Prime Issues To Do
Bloedel Reserve
The Bloedel Reserve is a 150-acre forest and backyard on the north finish of Bainbridge. Whereas the island is famend for its ocean views, this inexperienced house has an incredible quantity of numerous landscapes and trails tucked inside.
The part simply transforms from a Japanese backyard to a pollinator meadow or moss backyard, simply to call a couple of. Guests do have to purchase timed tickets (should enter at a sure time), and it’s endorsed to spend at the least two hours ambling via the reserve.
- Ticket Value: $20 (Grownup); $15 (Navy/Senior); $10 (Scholar/Faculty); $5 (Youngsters 5-12); Free (Youngsters underneath 4)
- Hours: 10 am-4 pm (Tue-Solar)
- Handle: 7571 NE Dolphin Dr, Bainbridge Island, WA
- Observe: Arrive throughout the allotted time. Guests can enter as much as 45 minutes after that point.
Store
If vacationers have to get out of the rain there are many outlets to replenish on souvenirs:
Bay Hay and Feed:
- Handle: 10355 NE Valley Rd. Bainbridge Island WA
- Hours: 9 am-5 pm (Mon-Sat); 10 am-4 pm (Solar)
- Sells: Old style normal retailer with a market and specialty presents.
Eagle Harbor E book Co:
- Handle: 157 Winslow Means E, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, USA
- Hours: 10 am-6 pm (Each day)
- Sells: Books with a piece for books and maps of Bainbridge
Churchmouse Yarns and Tea:
- Handle: 118 Madrone Lane N, Bainbridge Island, WA
- Hours: 10 am-6 pm (Sat-Wed); 10 am-8 pm (Thu-Fri)
- Sells: Yarns and Teas (in fact), with different equipment and craft items
Hazard:
- Handle: 285 Winslow Means E, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, USA
- Hours: 10 am-5 pm (Mon); 10 am-5 pm (Wed-Sat); 11 am-4 pm (Solar)
- Sells: Numerous items made solely by native artists
Backstreet Beat:
- Handle: 265 Winslow Means E, Suite 102, Bainbridge Island, WA
- Hours: 11 am-5 pm (Tue-Sat); 12 am-5 pm (Solar)
- Sells: Used Vinyl Information, CDs, and Books
Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial
This memorial was constructed to recollect the Japanese group that was forcibly faraway from Bainbridge throughout the Second World Warfare. It’s situated the place the Eagle level ferry took 227 Japanese immigrants, and lots of Americans, to Seattle after which on to an internment camp within the California desert.
It’s an unpleasant and essential occasion of Bainbridge’s previous, that’s remembered via the memorial. Beautiful wooden carvings and title placards of those that have been taken adorn the highly effective memorial.
- Value: Free (Guests can donate to the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Group Non-Revenue here)
- Hours: 9 am-5 pm (Each day)
- Handle: 4195 Eagle Harbor Dr. NE, Bainbridge Island, WA
Vineyard Tour
For wine connoisseurs, Bainbridge has many wineries to pattern. Contemplate a guided tour via Tour Bainbridge. Their vineyard tour was voted top-of-the-line experiences in Bainbridge.
It’s dear however consists of visits and tastings with a information at three of the island’s wineries, transportation, and a gourmand dinner.
- Value: $200/individual
- Length: 4 hours
Whale Watching
Whale watching is popular all around Puget Sound. For Bainbridge particularly, all vacationers really want is an effective spot on the ferry.
Wildlife sightings are usually not solely attainable from the passenger deck however are possible.
Wildlife fans might not even should get on a ship to see animals. Fay Bainbridge Park lies on the northeast level of the island and is part of the “Whale Trail”, a collection of websites alongside the west coast recognized for these mild big sightings.
Whereas walkers virtually at all times see seals, sea lions, and otters on this spot, whales are pretty frequent.
- Value: Free (Whale Path)/Value of a ferry ticket to the island
- Hours: 6 am-9 pm (Each day)
- Handle: 15446 Dawn Drive NE, Bainbridge Island, WA
Kayak Excursions
One of many huge attracts for vacationers going to this space is the attractive Puget Sound. Typically referred to as the “America’s Serengeti”, this waterway is filled with whales, dolphins, seals, and different marine wildlife. Bainbridge gives guests an opportunity to see wildlife, at a protected distance, via kayak excursions.
Exotic Aquatic gives leases and varied excursions that take paddlers alongside the island’s rocky coastlines, tide swimming pools, and harbors. It’s pretty frequent to see a lot of birds and even turtles and otters. They’ve completely different routed excursions that wind via all elements of the island; a number of the hottest:
- Blakely Rocks Picnic Paddle: 4 hours; $200
- Full Moon Paddle: 1.5 hours $62.50
- Blakely Harbor Paddle: 2 hours, $75
For the extra superior divers, Unique Aquatic gives SCUBA gear leases, group dives, and journeys. For these, divers should maintain at the least an open water certificates. If staying for some time, guests can take SCUBA courses via them as properly.
- Hours: 10:30am-5:30pm (Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri); 9:30am-5pm (Sat); 11am-4pm (Solar)
- Handle: 328 Madison Ave N, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, USA
Labyrinth Stroll
Being in nature is properly and good, however now it’s time to be at one with nature. The meditative Corridor’s Hill Lookout and Labyrinth can assist. This small piece of land has a view of the Blakely Harbor and Seattle, in addition to artwork installations meant to replicate the house it’s in.
A stone labyrinth, which has lengthy been used for meditative strolling, sits within the heart. With twelve rings the native stones are supposed to replicate the seasonal and lunar cycles, in addition to connect with the Bronze prayer wheel close by.
Historically these wishing to finish others struggling flip the wheel for seven revolutions. This space is an ideal reset for vacationers who’ve been hustling or frequent meditators.
- Value: Free
- Hours: 24/7
- Handle: NE Halls Hill Rd, Bainbridge Island, WA
Greatest Hikes In Bainbridge Island, WA
The Pacific Northwest is considered one of, if not probably the most, naturally lovely elements of the nation. Bainbridge Island is not any completely different. Get out into nature with one of many many hiking trails Bainbridge has to supply.
Grand Forest Park Path (a part of the Grand Forest West path system)
This comparatively flat path is a favourite amongst locals and vacationers. The hike is nice for all ages, and particularly in style with households. The Grand Forest Park path takes hikers, bikers, and even horseback riders, on a loop via the tall timber the area is thought for.
- Distance: 2.2 miles (loop)
- Whole Mountaineering Time: ~55min
- Issue: Simple
Mountaineering Path on Bainbridge Island, Washington
Westward Shore (or Shut) Path
This quieter and brief hike goes up via the timber and descends to the rocky seashore and Puget Sound. It’s the better of each worlds. The trailhead is situated proper contained in the Gazzam Lake Nature Protect, which is house to most of the island’s trails.
- Distance: 0.7 miles
- Whole Mountaineering Time: ~20min
- Issue: Average
Fort Ward to Blakely Harbor Path
This path hyperlinks the Fort Ward and Blakely Harbor parks. Hikers stroll beneath the cover of big first and second-growth Douglas Firs and Huge Leaf Maple timber. The path is comparatively simple and is usually filled with wildlife.
- Distance: 1.25 miles
- Whole Mountaineering Time: ~30
- Issue: Simple/Average
How To Spend a Good Day In Bainbridge
Hopefully, the ferry trip over supplied some wildlife sightings, it absolutely supplied up gorgeous views and smells of Puget Sound. Get some caffeine at Pegasus Espresso and lease an electrical bike for a trip across the island.
The brief, however attractive, stretch round Eagle Harbor brings guests to the Exclusion Memorial. After studying some historical past of the island, head a bit of additional south to the Labyrinth for some a lot want reflection. Head again to downtown Winslow for an early poke bowl at Hello Life to replenish earlier than the Bainbridge Natural Distillery tour and tasting.
As soon as guests are good and toasty, they’ll do some procuring or spend time on the Bloedel Reserve. Throughout the Agate Passage is the Suquamish museum. If guests need to get extra strolling in they’ll discover one of many many trailheads alongside the shore or via the wooded inland.
For the sore-legged, take into account a full moon kayak tour to get an arm exercise in. Lastly, relaxation up at a flowery dinner on Hayday Farm. After an extended day, the adventurers can climb into their hobbit gap for some sleep.
FAQ
Q: Is it attainable to get to Bainbridge by automotive?
Sure! Bainbridge Island is related to the Kitsap Peninsula by a bridge alongside Freeway 305.
Q: Are you able to see whales on Bainbridge Island?
Whales are sometimes noticed on Bainbridge or on the ferry trip over the Sound. Orcas may be seen any time of the yr, however most species pop up between October and February.
Q: What’s Bainbridge Island recognized for?
Bainbridge Island, Washington is primarily recognized for wildlife sightings—particularly whale watching—however there are countless things to do, together with artwork, historical past, ferry journeys, nice meals, and difficult hikes.
