Port Gamble is an excellent location for beginner hikers, runners, and families with small kids. There are plenty of parks and shorelines to explore. Plus, many destinations are easily accessible and open year-round. Enjoy!
Trails near Port Gamble:
- Ludlow Falls
- North Kitsap Heritage Park Loop
- Point No Point Lighthouse
- Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park
- Buck Lake and Hansville Greenway
- Kingston Eglon Trail
- Bloedel Reserve Loop (Reservation Required)
- Hood’s Head Trail
1. Ludlow Falls
- Type: Loop
- Trail Length: 0.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 100 ft
- Time to Complete: 45min
- Difficulty: Easy
- Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
- Distance from Port Gamble: 11 miles (15 min)
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Description: Ludlow Falls is a popular landmark in the area that is accessed by a short, easy trail, suitable for all skill levels.
Although the route isn’t ‘a proper hike’, it is a pleasant walk through the moss-covered woods. And the charming waterfall is worth a quick visit.
2. North Kitsap Heritage Park Loop
- Type: Loop
- Trail Length: 3.4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 307 ft
- Time to Complete: 1h 30min
- Difficulty: Easy
- Parking: Park’s Lot: Google Maps
- Distance from Port Gamble: 9 miles (20 min)
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Description: North Kitsap Heritage Park offers a dozen miles of trails for various activities. Because of its relatively flat terrain, it is the perfect location for beginners, families, and trail runners.
The park offers a typical PNW landscape with fern, moss, and unique fungi. Plus, there are creeks and ponds to explore. The loop around the park can be shortened or extended as there are many trail options.
3. Point No Point Lighthouse
- Type: Out and Back
- Trail Length: 1.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 137 ft
- Time to Complete: 1h
- Difficulty: Easy
- Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
- Distance from Port Gamble: 12 miles (25 min)
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Description: Point No Point Trail is a short and flat route to the lighthouse. It runs through a scenic park with access to the beach and fantastic bay views. Although short, it’s a popular destination known for its rich birdlife and a chance to see marine animals.
4. Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park
- Type: Varies
- Trail Length: Varies
- Elevation Gain: Flat/ Hilly Terrain
- Time to Complete: Varies
- Difficulty: Easy/ Moderate
- Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
- Distance from Port Gamble: 1 mile (3 min)
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Description: Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park is a well-known and beloved outdoors destination for various activities. It is very popular with hikers, mountain bikers, and runners.
The park has over 60 miles of trails with various terrain but nothing extreme, so it’s suitable for families with small kids and beginners.
The only downside of this location is that trails are not easy-to-follow, and trail markers could have been clearer. GPS or a map is a must for this one.
Related:
- 10 Best Trails for Hiking and Running near Port Townsend
- 15 Top-Rated Trails near Tacoma
- 16 Best Rail-Trails in Washington
- 15 Highest-Rated Trails near Olympia
5. Buck Lake and Hansville Greenway
- Type: Varies
- Trail Length: Varies
- Elevation Gain: Flat Terrain
- Time to Complete: Varies
- Difficulty: Easy
- Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
- Distance from Port Gamble: 13 miles (25 min)
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Description: Hansville Greenway is a system of trails that run past ponds, lakes, and creeks. The area is rich in wildlife and a fantastic destination for birdwatching. There are many access points to the park, and the trails are well developed and easy to follow.
6. Kingston Eglon Trail
- Type: Lollipop
- Trail Length: 2.7miles
- Elevation Gain: 214 ft
- Time to Complete: 1h
- Difficulty: Easy
- Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
- Distance from Port Gamble: 9 miles (20 min)
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Description: Kingston Eaglon Trail isn’t well-known, but most people rate it high. The surface is muddy here, so it’s not recommended after the rain. Yet, it’s a serene and peaceful area without the crowds. Perfect for running!
7. Bloedel Reserve Loop (Reservation Required)
- Type: Loop
- Trail Length: 1.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 90 ft
- Time to Complete: 1h
- Difficulty: Easy
- Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
- Distance from Port Gamble: 13 miles (25 min)
- Dog Friendly: No
Description: Bloedel Reserve isn’t a typical walk in the woods. Instead, it is a highly-manicured and highly-rated reserve with a mansion, Japanese garden, and bay views. It is perfect for a romantic gateway or a date hike.
However, the entry fee is steep, and you have to pay online in advance on the reserve’s website.
8. Hood’s Head Trail to Shine Tidelands Park
- Type: Out and Back
- Trail Length: 3.3 miles
- Elevation Gain: 177 ft
- Time to Complete: 1h 30min
- Difficulty: Easy
- Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
- Distance from Port Gamble: 4 miles (10 min)
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Description: Hood’s Head Trail is a tidal walk along the beach that is excellent for birdwatching and exploring the shoreline. Rubber shoes are highly recommended for this walk, and also, you can only complete this hike during the low tide, so plan ahead. Still, you are guaranteed to return with a collection of shells and pictures of crabs.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of parks, shorelines, and forests around Port Gamble. However, most of the options are short and relatively flat.
If you are looking for a challenging hike, your best bet is Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park. It has hills, and you can hike for days there before taking the same trail.
More Trails in Washington:
Lakes in Washington:
