Kitsap Memorial State Park

Although the 62-acre Kitsap Memorial State Park is smaller than some other Washington state parks, it still has much to offer for visitors in the way of recreating outside. 

Situated right on the shores of the Hood Canal, with over a quarter-mile of beach, there is plenty of shoreline to play and hang out by the water at the park. To get there, hike along a short trail from the parking lot to the beach. 

From the shores of the beach, you can take in the smell of salty air and views of the Olympic Mountains in the distance across the canal on a clear day. During low tide, you might find some tide pools to investigate. 

If you’re looking for some open space to play, the park also has two grassy fields to spread out and run around in. In the summer, you might see visitors tossing a ball around, flying a kite or taking a sunny stroll around the field. There’s even a playground for your active little ones. 

Outside of the day-use area is a campground where you can reserve a campsite or cabin for the night. On the southeastern side of the park is a reservable group campsite, and around the campsite is a short forested hiking trail, great for stretching your legs and checking out the local flora.

With so much to offer — saltwater beach, grassy fields, short hiking trails — Kitsap Memorial State Park is a great place to spend a day outside.