From the main parking lot down by the beach, we walked out on the dock.

Road Conditions. Paved road and parking lot, heated toilets etc.

Trail Conditions. The beach was completely submerged with the tide at 11 feet. Didn't check out the short but steep trail that heads back up towards the entrance.

Highlights. Ducks?

Crowds. One other party. Must get busy in summer, given on the large number of parking spots.

Nice hike with kids, grandma and the dog. The trail steps are a bit steep and some of the gravel is loose on the trail. But a lovely hike overall that ends at the boat landing.

Nice hike with kids, grandma and the dog. The trail steps are a bit steep and some of the gravel is loose on the trail. But a lovely hike overall that ends at the boat landing.

We parked at the bottom near the beach so we could turn around and make things easier if necessary. The trail is a good short cardio but not much of a trail. The beach is amazing. Lots of people swimming, bbq, and sandy beach. Lots of overnight camping also. Cool park but not really a hiking place.

This is a good hike for 30 minutes of good exercise and/or to see some wildlife.

I parked down by the water. It took me less than ten minutes to hike the trail through the forest up to the campground but it was steep and good exercise! There are lots of side paths or options of which way to go on the trail so if you easily get lost just make some mental notes of posts or landmarks to turn at for coming back down. It takes less than fifteen minutes to hike to the state park entrance from the waterfront. If hiking down is hard on your knees you can walk the smooth road back down to the water. It is a beautiful forest here!

I also saw lots of fun wildlife! Robins, squirrels, a woodpecker working away, tons of alder flycatchers, a seal, and a family of buffleheads in the water. :D

Enjoy!

I come here often. It's right in Bremerton, so it's pretty convenient. Illahee State Park has the only old growth forest left in Kitsap county. The giant Douglas Firs, Western Hemlocks, Western Red Cedars, and Bigleaf Maples are pretty spectacular. 

The upper area of the park is spiderwebbed by trails, and is a popular place for dogwalkers. The campground is closed until the septic system is repaired, but is a nice low-intensity walk under shady maples. The playground was removed except for a slide due to safety concerns.

The beach hill trail is the real burner. It's not long, but it's steep enough that coming up will probably have you huffing and puffing. I used to see a guy here wearing a weight vest, running up and down the hill as preparation for climbing Mt. Rainier.

The beach is about 2000 ft. It's only accessible at low tide. At the southern end there's a sand beach that is good for sitting out on and braving the Puget Sound water.