Stephenson Canyon

Stephenson Canyon is a community greenway of the City of Bremerton, a lovely forested pocket-sized park surrounded by development. As an urban park, you may encounter community members both young and old, faster-paced and slower, from all walks of life. 

First, take a picture of the trail map, as there is very little signage on the network of trails. 

From the trailhead on Birch Street, bear left at the trailhead signage to start hiking the loop clockwise. The trail gently descends and quickly becomes forested. The trail curves rightward and, if there’s been rainfall recently, you might hear the faint sound of water from the creek at the bottom of the canyon. At 0.15 mile, turn left and follow a short spur trail along the canyon’s floor to follow the creek that, in season, might have a small waterfall.

Once those trails end, return to the main loop to bear left at 0.5 mile, and curve upward to the parking area and the Birch Street trailhead.

Extend your hike

This route is easily extended to Lions Park by walking from the Birch Street trailhead to Sheridan Road, left on Sheridan Road for 0.3 mile, then a quick left onto Elm Street and an immediate left onto Hefner Street. Lions Park is right across the road and hosts its own walking loops alongside the Port Washington Narrows and Anderson Cove.

WTA Pro Tip #1: There are no trash cans at this park, but due to its location and usage, it would be great to bring a bag to schlep out any trash you might find here. Please practice Leave No Trace and help others do the same. Though the park is in an urban setting and the surrounding area has streetlights, the park does not, so it might be best to visit during daylight hours. 

WTA Pro Tip #2: The closest public bathrooms are at Lions Park, a short half-mile walk or drive.