Fastpacking to Bainbridge Island | July 12-13, 2022
Destination
- Fay Bainbridge Park, on Bainbridge Island, WA
Difficulty Rating
- Easy: running on roads/sidewalks/shoulders of roads to the park, one long uphill. Roads are quiet but watch for cars especially when the shoulder or sidewalk is narrow or nonexistent.
- 7 miles, 630 feet of elevation gain from Bainbridge Island ferry terminal to Fay Bainbridge park
Noteworthy
- Fay Bainbridge Park is right on the water and provides a delightful beach access point. Most campsites are not very private and are near volleyball courts and play fields. Some campsites are more secluded or you can glamp by booking a cabin. Campsites have a space for a tent, picnic table and a fire ring. There is a shelter by the beach. Potable water and trash service is available on-site. Firewood is for sale and showers are available in the campground bathroom. Campground host can answer questions.
- Campsites at the park can be reserved 10 days in advance or there is a walk-up hiker/biker site.
- Ferry ride was $9.45 for 1 adult walk-on passenger (no vehicle) from Seattle. Tickets are only required when departing from Seattle; the ride back from Bainbridge Island to Seattle is free.
- Bus service is available. Board the 96 bus at the ferry terminal and exit at NE Torvanger Road and Sunrise Drive NE; walk approximately 1 mile north to Fay Bainbridge Park. Note for your return trip: bus stops along this route are not marked with Kitsap Transit signs, so just wait on the west side of this intersection for southbound travel back to the ferry terminal and flag down the bus.
- This was an enjoyable car-free urban nature escape with a serene evening of beachcombing and stargazing from the park. I would return to enjoy this park again.
- Other Washington State island ideas:
- Shaw Island. No car needed! From the ferry terminal it's approximately a 2-mile walk on country roads to Shaw Island County Park, which takes reservations for camping year-round. Ferry reservations highly recommended.
- Anacortes-San Juan Islands ferry schedule
- Mountaineers information on Shaw Island hikes
- Camping reservations for Shaw Island
- Vashon Island & Maury Island. Glamping and primitive camping available.
Resources
- Fay Bainbridge park website
- Map of park with campsites shown
- Reserve a campsite using the Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District website
- WSDOT Washington State Ferries
- Kitsap Transit Bus 96 (weekday service only)
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