Fort Casey & Fort Ebey State Parks
Explore Fort Casey & Fort Ebey State Parks (Discovery Pass Required). Fort Casey is an ocean front park with a historic lighthouse, trails, bunkers, campsites and more.
Scenic Beach State Park
As you venture out to Seabeck, Wa, immerse yourself in a serene ambiance accompanied by scenic drives and notable stops. Just a 40-minute drive from Gig Harbor, you’ll encounter a public pier and a vast beach area equipped with a kayak launch. Transitioning seamlessly, make sure to explore Scenic Beach State Park, where you’ll discover campsites and be treated to awe-inspiring vistas of the Olympic Mountains nestled along the Hood Canal.
Moran State Park & Lime Kiln State Park
Head out and explore the San Juan Islands, where you’ll encounter rustic Pacific Northwest landscapes and a wealth of wildlife.
Transitioning smoothly, Orcas Island beckons with Moran State Park‘s ancient forest and the majestic Mt. Constitution. Meanwhile, San Juan Island boasts the vibrant town of Friday Harbor and Lime Kiln Point State Park, renowned as a premier lookout spot for orca whales.
Cape Disappointment State Park & Kopachuck State Park
Head to the lower southwest corner of the state to enjoy Cape Disappointment State Park. From the lighthouses to the beaches, it does NOT disappoint. (3-hour drive)
You haven’t truly explored the Pacific Northwest (PNW) until you set foot on the beaches. Most are rocky, but there are sandy areas. Hit them at low tide and you will find live sand dollars, shellfish, sea stars, crabs and possibly see some jellyfish, harbor seals and orcas as they float on by. There are several spots to choose from. Kopachuck State Park is a great place to start. (10712 56th St. N.W. Gig Harbor, Wa., Discovery Pass required, pet friendly)
Penrose State Park & Manchester State Park
As tides roll back around the Puget Sound, they reveal a treasure trove of marine life. From Anemones to sea stars, limpets to chitons, there are many delightful creatures in tidepools.
Penrose State Park is a great place to visit at low tide. Harbor Wild Watch will conduct low tide walks at local beaches. Their biologists are available to provide a hands-on exploration of the intertidal zone. A few other great spots? Bella Bella Beach on the northwest corner of Fox Island or Manchester State Park just 25 minutes north in Port Orchard.
Cutts Island, Black Island & Eagle Island State Parks
Intrigued by the small islands around us? Cutts Island State Park is .5 miles NW of Kopachuck State Park and can only be accessed by boat. Locals call this Deadman’s Island, and it is a popular spot on a hot sunny day. You can raft up and explore the 2 acres, but there is no camping available.
Blake Island State Park lies east of Port Orchard and is only accessible by boat. On the northeast end of the island is a marina. Many will launch at Manchester and boat over. There are hiking trails, pack in/out campgrounds (w/bathrooms) and a fantastic sandy beach with views of Seattle. The east side has incredible views of Mt. Rainer.
Eagle Island State Park is a 10-acre marine park in south Puget Sound only accessible by boat (launch out of Longbranch). The island is in Balch Passage between McNeil and Anderson Island. There are a few mooring bouys or you
can beach it. This tranquil location has a great beach, some trails and a stunning view of Mt. Rainer.
Some Other Washington Activities That May Interest You!
Did you know Washington State is the state with the most waterfalls…over 3,000 in fact! Read my blog to learn more about some of the best waterfalls in Washington state.
Regardless of the time of year, there are consistently local events and attractions happening in and around Gig Harbor! To stay in the loop about these events, I suggest joining my What’s Good Gig Harbor group on Facebook for updates!