happy (water) trails to you
A roadmap to wonder on the water
Words by Leslie Kelly
Colorful Kayaks (Photo: Erinn J. Hale Photography)
SUMMER IS HERE, AND IT’S HIGH TIME TO GET ON THE WATER.
The Kitsap Peninsula National Water Trails (KPNWT) are a great place to start, offering 371 miles of shoreline for paddlers, boaters, divers, anglers and wildlife enthusiasts to explore. Part of the national water trails system since its designation in 2014, the KPNWT is the first of its kind in Washington and the only natural saltwater trail in the country.
It all began in 1996 when friends John Kuntz and Robb Nichols paddled the Kitsap Peninsula coastline from the town of Belfair at the far end of the Hood Canal to Allyn on Case Inlet—150 miles by sea (only five-and-a-half by land).
The journey inspired Kuntz, owner of Olympic Outdoor Center in Port Gamble, to lead the charge on a water trail that would encompass the entire Kitsap Peninsula. He worked with the North Kitsap Trails Association and Olympic Kayak Club on initial planning and mapping. And by 2013, the Kitsap Peninsula Water Trails Alliance was formed, comprising counties, cities, park and port districts, tribes, user groups, outfitters, environmental agencies and tourism organizations.
The county dedicated the water trails in June 2015 at Silverdale Waterfront Park with a blessing by the Suquamish Tribe and a “Ride The Tide” paddle and festival. The trails now have about 200 public access points with potential for another 100 to 120.
“It’s so much more than I ever thought it could be in the beginning,” Kuntz said. “The water trails are a road map to wonder on the water.”
Kitsap Water Trails co-founder John Kuntz preps for a group ride (Photo: Erinn J. Hale Photography)
While some people prefer to travel the route on their own, several organizations offer group adventures.
Kuntz will lead a six-mile paddle through the Port Washington Narrows to Port Orchard on June 18. He’ll guide paddlers eight-and-a-half miles along Bainbridge Island from Eagle Harbor to Fay Bainbridge Park on July 16, and from Poulsbo Waterfront Park to Fay Bainbridge on August 13.
“There are local people who still don’t know about the water trails,” Kuntz said. “That’s something we’re working on.” Another group that paddles the trails is Journey for Purpose, offering women’s transformational kayak journeys. Leaders Spring Courtright and Maria Cook, both experienced outdoor adventurers, use the multiday kayak and camping journeys to empower and connect women.
“A transformative journey with a community of support is a jump start to an empowered life,” said Cook. “We frame our journey as a challenge that we face together and we celebrate together once we have arrived.”
She added: “We honor all the ways our watery environment enhances our lives. It is such a great opportunity to view and appreciate wildlife, including seals, sea lions, otters, raccoons, deer, so many types of birds, even whales. The natural beauty is incredible and really lifts the spirits.”
Maria Cook (center) leads group trips for women to Blake Island (Photo: Spring Courtright)
TRAIL MAPS & INFO
Pedaling: For detailed maps of Port Gamble and other West Sound mountain bike trails, visit evergreenws.org.Paddling: Find an interactive map of the water trails and schedule of events at kitsappeninsulawatertrails.com.
RENTALS, TOURS & CLASSES
1. Exotic Aquatics: sales of scuba and kayaking equipment, plus kayak and paddleboard rentals. (Bainbridge Island)2. Hood Canal Adventures: kayak tours along west side of Hood Canal. (Brinnon)
3. Olympic Outdoor Center: sales, rentals and repairs of kayaks, paddleboards and mountain bikes. Also: kayak tours, classes and rack installation. (Port Gamble & Poulsbo)
4. REI: sales and rentals of kayaks, canoes, SUPs and bikes. (Silverdale)
BIKE SALES & REPAIRS
5. BI Cycle Shop (Bainbridge Island)6. Classic Cycle (Bainbridge Island)
7. Infinity Cyclery (Poulsbo)