Sometimes the best way to recharge is to take a day trip to enjoy something new. You’ll feel far away from Bainbridge Island, yet you’ll still be able to easily make it home at night. The Pacific Northwest has many beautiful places to explore, including state parks and unique coastal towns. Here are some great ideas for day trips. Please note that the travel times included are from Bainbridge Island to the destination.
Spend Time at Seattle’s Olympic Sculpture Park
Hop on the ferry from Bainbridge Island to Seattle and spend a day visiting the Olympic Sculpture Park. It is a hallmark of the Seattle Art Museum, has won multiple awards, and boasts nine acres of “monumental” artworks. Additionally, the adjoining Myrtle Edwards Park offers beaches and walking trails. If you have time for one more stop, we suggest visiting the Seattle Waterfront.
Ferry Time: 30 Minutes
Visit Finnriver and Port Townsend
Finnriver Farm & Cidery has been serving organic farm-to-table cider since 2004. They also have wonderful food options like Dented Buoy‘s wood-fired pizza, live music, and other fun events. Enjoy cider and lunch in their beautiful outdoor seating area, walk through the orchard, and then head to Port Townsend.
Only 20 minutes from Finnriver, Port Townsend is an ecclectic town with something for everyone. From high tea and art galleries to visiting historic Fort Worden, there are many ways to enjoy an afternoon or evening in PT. Looking to do something a bit different? Book a sunset sail or a saltwater float.
Finnriver Drive Time: 40 Minutes
Port Townsend Drive Time: 1 Hour
Please note there is a state park fee, and if you love the outdoors and supporting parks like we do, purchase a Discover Pass.
Hike Hurricane Ridge
Experience the natural beauty of the Olympic National Park by hiking Hurricane Ridge. To get there, you drive up winding Hurricane Ridge Road through dense forests. At the top, you’ll see stunning views of the Olympic Mountains. Be sure to bring your Discover Pass, as noted above. The Visitor Center lodge has helpful Rangers and park information, restrooms, a spacious parking lot, outdoor seating, and a gift shop. It’s dedicated to the park’s preservation. While summer is an excellent (and popular) time to visit, the park is open year-round. There are a bunch of hiking trails to choose from, including the easy, paved, half-mile round-trip Big Meadow trail, and the paved, mile-long roundtrip Cirque Rim, which has views of Port Angeles and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. If you’re looking for a more challenging trail, try the Klahhane Ridge trail (3.8 miles each way) or the Hurricane Hill trail (1.6 miles each way). Day trips anywhere in the Olympic National Park are sure to please, so it’s best to learn about the park in advance to get the most out of your time there.
Drive Time: 2 Hours
Enjoy a Day Trip to Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort
This rustic cabin resort will be open from March 25th – October 30th this year. Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort has three mineral hot spring pools and a freshwater pool. You can also take a walk on one of their trails including the popular Lovers’ Lane Loop, which leads to beautiful Sol Duc Falls. Please note that reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis and can only be made in person. Their rates vary and are per session. Availability is limited and there is a national park fee. The use of their pools is complimentary to cabin guests, so you may want to book a room.
Travel Time: 2 Hours and 30 Minutes
Explore Deception Pass State Park
Located on two islands (Fidalgo and Whidbey), Deception Pass State Park offers almost 4,000 acres of beaches and forests to explore. Stroll on the sand and look for whales and seals, hike through the forest, fish or swim in Cranberry Lake. The Canoe Pass and Deception Pass bridges connect the two islands and from there, you can easily visit Anacortes. If you want to turn your day trip into a weekend getaway, the San Juan Islands are just a ferry ride away from Anacortes.
Travel Time: 2 Hours and 40 Minutes
