fort ward state park

639jackief

The family and friends decided to take a day trip. We spent few hours here walking the trails and hanging out at the beach areas. My kid loved playing near the beach throwing rocks and running around. Beautiful scenery.

85kathleenm

Fort Ward is the site of a former military installation on Rich Passage on the south side of Bainbridge Island. It is now a combination of park on the water and a housing development on the top of the hill where the parade grounds were located. some of the old brick buildings are converted into other uses and officer's homes have been refurbished, sold and are now private homes.The park itself offers boat launching access to the water for small boats, kayaks etc. This is a gentle walking area and spaces to picnic are all open to the public. Parking can be limited especially during warm weather.This specific area can have some rough weather from southerly winds so watch the weather for your safety and don't forget your life preserver!

Wanderer0213

Plenty to see, great hiking and the restrooms are decent. Bring the family for a good time. You can eat local.

travelgirl60

This park has a main walking path, wonderful trails and a gorgeous view of the sound. There are historical sites located in the park and convenient restrooms.

MOG808

We had a difficult time finding this military based turned into a beautiful park. There were signposts in some parts of the route and then nothing. We made quit e a few wrong turns, but the perseverance paid off when we walked through the forest trails to the beach and back. There are also buildings and sights of historical significance scattered throughout the park. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

BettyRubble77

The state park is beautiful and interesting. You'll see some of the biggest trees on Bainbridge here. But we didn't love the beach and the hike back to the car is very steep - too steep for the oldest and youngest in our party.

Angela_Travelers

We went on a sunny fresh day of April. Great landscape, quiet park for walking or biking. We were in the shore area which was very pleasant and relaxing... sunny but still a little cold; it was just perfect. You arrive to Bainbridge Island by ferry and it takes around 15 minutes to get to the park. This park is perfect for fully relaxing yourself. Take a book if you want to... Recommended!

kupunakane

There are pleasant places to walk here. We did not think the trail up the hill was particularly difficult. It is quite short. The highlight for us was the view of the water.

658charless

This is a nice location for walking, jogging, or biking - with a wide trail. The views of the Olympic Mountains & Port Orchard are magnificent any time of year. In warmer months, this is a good place for a picnic. Tables are limited, but you can always find plenty of places to perch (e.g., logs on the beach) and enjoy the scenery. An interesting history as well, with the code-breakers doing their work here in World War II and a pre-World War I battery to protect the passage to Bremerton Naval Base. Parking has been ample when we visited.

KMB4766

This is a beautiful park for exploring the beach during low-tide.......having a picnic at one of the picnic tables......bringing young children to bike or learn to bike....walking a dog.....walking with a loved one! It is easy to increase the walk by walking to the end of the park and then through the neighborhoods along the roads. Beautiful water views and ferries. When our daughter was young we had many memorable trips to the park!! Now that she is grown, last weekend my husband and I took a lovely long walk through the park and into the neighborhood. Stopped to take in the view and were treated to a pod of orcas!!! Lucky us!

DNWA

This is a very nice park to visit and walk with pets, and for the beautiful views of the surrounding water. It was hard to find, but since this is an island, you can't get that lost. There are picnic tables and restrooms, and paths to explore. This is an old military sight, and there are markers and information along the way. There is beach access as well, but the green areas are better for walking. When I was visiting, I saw lots of joggers and people out to enjoy the day with their pets. I enjoyed the visit and would like to go back and spend more time with the beautiful scenery.

723russellb

I have read the other reviews. Yes, this place doesn't have anything special, but I think that is the charm. It is simply a nice park to take a walk, gaze into the water and do nothing more. The canopy always provides shady relief.

SteveS747

Fort Ward is another state park that was taken over by the Bainbridge Park District. There is quite a historical significance here with the military setting up bunkers with cannons in case of an invasion from Japan during World War II. The cannons have been removed but the bunkers are still there. It's a great walking park, level along the waters edge with bathrooms and picnic areas, but has a trail leading to the upper park that is quite steep There is also numerous hiking trails in the park..There is also a boat launch for recreational boaters, but the parking area is limited for boat trailers and there is a small fee for the boat launch. There is a restaurant and convenience store nearby.

ronr302

Nice walking trail. Nice hiking trail up the hill with very dense forest. Fort bunkers not great. Beach access is nice, but only special if you are not renting a house on water. View of water about the same as beach access.

BridgetOzzie

This was a fun place to visit -- some history tossed in with beautiful scenery. The hike to the waterfront is not for the faint of heart, but it's worth the effort. Actually, it's getting back to the car that is the real accomplishment!