From local urban trails to Olympic Mountain peaks, there’s no shortage of hikes to choose from on the Peninsula. I am drawn to the Olympic Mountains for some reason. Their majestic jutty peaks and layers of summer grays and blacks mesmerize me. I hope you enjoy these hikes. Let me know if you have a favorite hike on the Kitsap Peninsula.

Mount Elinor | Hoodsport, WA | Difficult | 14 miles

After moving to Port Orchard I learned of the majestic Mount Ellinor and it instantly went on my bucket list. Since I had major surgery in June I assumed Mt. Ellinor would have to wait until next summer but recovery was quicker than I planned and I felt I had done enough squats, running and long walks to conquer her. I had seen pictures of the mountain goats at the top and I wanted to find me a goat. Now in all fairness, when I did my research I thought that this was a 6.5 mile hike round-trip. Oops. Not the case. From the lower lot it ended up being 14 miles total. The good news is that I would have never attempted this mountain had I known, so I blissfully set off with only one bottle of water. (Don’t worry, I learned my lesson and I now carry my 10 essentials.) This was incredibly challenging, steep but absolutely breathtaking. And I found my goat. He was perched at the tippy-top, gazing out into the fog, like the Lion King but more of a Goat King. I started with blue skies and sunshine but the summit was fogged in. I was slightly disappointed but too tired to care very much. Just as I started down, the fog lifted and the Olympic Mountain Range came into view. It is breathtaking. That view, the mountain wildflowers and that regal goat were worth the pain of 7 miles straight up and the knee pain on the way down.

Kopachuck State Park | Gig Harbor | Easy to Challenging | Multiple Trails

What an absolutely lovely park. Kopachuck State Park is along the western shores of Gig Harbor in the Rosedale neighborhood. It’s my favorite kind of park adventure because it’s not so big that you need to look at a map but instead you can just go get lost. There are beautiful windy trails that lead you to the most incredible beach. I’ve been a frequent visitor of this park and I have yet to reach the beach on not be stunned by the beauty. I can run 2 miles or 7 miles in this park. Definitely put this one on your list to visit.

Tacoma Narrow Bridge | Tacoma or Gig Harbor | Easy | 4 miles

I have loved this beautiful suspension bridge from the moment we started looking for a home on the Kitsap Peninsula. Everytime I return from the city, the bridge represents a true separation from the chaos of the busy world to a serene and peaceful life. When I drive across it I seem to breathe a little easier and my body relaxes a bit more.

This summer I realized that walking or running this bridge is a thing so off I went to conquer Galloping Gertie. She was nicknamed in 1940 when a blustery winds would cause the car deck to sway and buckle in the wind. Just four months after opening, Galloping Gertie collapsed into the Straits far below. It took 10 more years to rebuild another suspension bridge and in 1950 the Narrows Bridge become the 3rd longest suspension bridge in the world.

So, who wouldn’t want to run across this beauty? While I’m super glad I did it, it’s a very loud and somewhat of an unnerving run. There was a concrete barrier separating me from on-coming traffic but I kept thinking it would be rotten luck if someone’s hubcap flew off and sent me over the railing into the Puget Sound far far below. I don’t have a fear of heights but it’s wayyyyy up there. I’ve read that some get the privilege of seeing the orcas swim by but no such luck on the day I went. The views are stunning and it was definitely an adventure.

Big Creek Trail | Hoodsport, WA | Challenging | 12 miles

This was my first Olympic Mountain hike and I just fell in love with the area. The drive out past Lake Cushman is constant eye candy. Again, I misunderstood my AllTrails app and thought this was 6 miles roundtrip not 12. It was lovely and not too busy. I was glad I had a long sleeve shirt on because the mosquitos at the top got a bit thick.

Manchester State Park | Port Orchard, WA | Easy | Multiple Trails

Whether you walk or run this local State Park is just lovely. I just ran the trails until I could go no more. There is much history to learn at this park and the interpretive trail was interesting. I arrived in the early morning and the park was fairly empty. I had many of the trails to myself. I actually parked in downtown Manchester and roundtrip my run was 7.5 miles.

I would love to know what your favorite hikes are. I’m excited for more adventures.

Steve and Tracy are residents of Port Orchard and are passionate about All Things Home. We wholeheartedly believe in supporting local business and building community. We feature products and businesses we personally use and do not receive compensation. If you know of a locally owned products or services that should be featured send us an email at homes@steveandtracy.net.