Two enclaves of land preserved from suburban encroachment, which has not spared Bainbridge Island, are the East and West Grand Forest. Here, trees have grown back from the violent hacking and destruction of ancient groves during the 1870s-1890s Euro-colonizer "frontier" evisceration of life. The island was razed entirely. Not a tree left standing, nor the life they sustained, that emerged from millions of years of earthly intelligence unique to this place, with thousands of years of stewardship by indigenous cultural groups. A mere hundred years ago, Euro-colonizers cared more about production lumber than the glorious trees of the Pacific Northwest and the life they held in balance. Today in the same vein, fortressed mega- mansions of the new rich warn anyone off with "private property" signs around this patch where trees are left standing, ironically referred to as "The Grand Forest." A more apt moniker would be "Hint of what was once a Grand Forest." Still the average public, now confined to the suburban and urban rectilinear hard-surface prison existence would appreciate the respite of being inside the green bower. If you are attuned to communities of trees you will perhaps note that this forest doesn't have "death", or large fallen logs that feed the cycle of life and regenerate other trees with their nutrition. You'll see just a crowded jumble of trees that have regrown having not selected amongst themselves how to thin their shared canopy, allow the light in to nurture other trees, and to fully support an integrated life system. Indeed this forest is metaphorically on life-support itself and even so, it sustains the evapotranspiration that helps keep Bainbridge Island cool while nearby concrete capitalist metropolises bake and swelter. The forest helps retains moisture during the winter which recharges groundwater aquifers that are being sucked dry at a much more rapid rate by all the sad suburban cookie cutter edifices with their sprawling Bermuda Grass lawns. As you walk along the nicely laid out paths, I wish you only the best reveries of a kind, gracious form of life that sustained myriad other life in all directions, which is what the forest will be saying to you. Cross over from the West- to the East-enclave and find the old barn of a rich lady (Prue) who donated her family's property to create a connecting corridor between the two sections. Never mind the busy recreation-chasing groups of mountain bikers and sometimes horse riders. This is a place to reconnect your soul to the signals of the life force that brought you to be, notwithstanding your current capitalist industrial trappings. Viva el bosque. read more

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We started at the Grand Forest West loop and connected halfway to the Hilltop Trail to the beginning of the Grand Forest East loop. There were parking areas at both loops, but we took an Uber, so we didn't loop back. The West loop goes along the road on one side, so we could hear cars. There are tall trees and fairly dense vegetation, pretty flat and we saw a few bikers. When we started going across to the Hilltop Trail, it was a bit steep, but we got away from the road and it's a bit more serene. There was a pond on the map, but it was a bit underwhelming. A pretty easy hike for a nice stroll, but a pretty boring hike otherwise. read more

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Large, peaceful forested area, great for a roaming hike. We took a loop for a mile or so, but it seemed there were connector trails criss-crossing often (yet not always marked). We kept to the west side where we'd parked along side Miller Road. Luckily there was decent sized shoulder parking along that route, as the parking lot is tiny, especially for how large the park is. read more

Grand Forest - Grand Forest west side - Hiking Near Me - Bainbridge Island, Washington

Good easy hike. The trails could be better marked. Nice forest atmosphere with some nice large trees. read more

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What a well maintained forest! I came here while on a visit to Bainbridge Island and it was so nice to be able to make it into the forest so quickly from the city. It was so peaceful in the forest; you'd never know you were so close to a road. Highly recommend! read more

This trail is magical. It was a beautiful spring morning that my family and I visited the island. We expected terrible weather but to our surprise it was quite the opposite. The trail was a little damp but not at all squishy or mushy. We were in awe of all the natural beauty and lush greenery. We were so lucky to be able to walk through and take it all in. I took photos for the first 10-15 minutes during our visit but decided that I wanted to appreciate it all and that it would be missed out on if I didn't get out from behind my phone's camera. The trees were moss covered. The flowers that were there, they peeked from the greenery and almost seemed so bright and beautiful that they appeared florescent. We were able to gain access to the park and trails without paying any kind of entrance free. Parking was also free, although there weren't many spots. I did not notice a bathroom anywhere. You'll likely come across folks on horses and some on their bikes. Both the loops here are easy to trek. The trails are kept clear, clean and very smooth. It was great for my 3 year old and her grandmother. It was nice and easy, very leisurely. It's really more of a walk and not so much a trek or hike. Definitely bring your own water. There are plenty of signs everywhere and so you'll find it tough to get lost. I hope to visit the same trails next time. It was a great way to enjoy the outdoors, as a family. read more

Grand Forest - Hiking Near Me - Bainbridge Island, Washington

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It a trail not a business open trail on Bainbridge It's great . It says it's easy but I think it's tricky because of the tree roots and when it's a little wet it can be slippery. read more

Grand Forest - Our dog loves this hike! - Hiking Near Me - Bainbridge Island, Washington

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Located in Bainbridge island. This short hike takes you into a lush landscape of trees, mushrooms, and wild growing plants There's about 10 parking spaces. The parking and the entrance is free. They don't have bathrooms on the trails, so be prepared. The sun is covered by the trees, so shade will be available. The ground can be a little muddy and do expect your shoes to get dirty. I suggest wearing waterproof shoes. Take a bottle water and enjoy. read more

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Really beautiful trail, similar to other yelpers we took the ferry for a day trip to Bainbridge Island and stumbled upon this trail. It was gorgeous with moss covered trees and some old growth as well. Our pup and children enjoyed expending energy on the mostly flat trails and the light filtered beautifully on our moderate spring day. If we lived on the island this would be the perfect spot for a family photo shoot! read more

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Nothing particularly grand or beautiful about this forest. But, I may have just missed the changing of colors. Fairly easy hike and very green. Great place to lose yourself in the serenity of the surroundings. Other than that, nothing really stands out to me on this hike or forest. read more

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A lovely collection of easy trails, my friend and I made good use of the main trail to walk his dog that we had brought with us to Bainbridge Island (over the ferry from Seattle). The paths are well marked, though we did happen to pass a couple bikers that commented on how they "always get lost when riding these trails." We also passed a couple folks who were riding horses along the trail, which seemed like a really great way to enjoy the trail. The space is lovely, and I'd love to spend more time walking the various trails and checking out the sights if I ever get back to Bainbridge Island. The park is lacking some basics - for example, there didn't appear to be any garbage bins/cans or anything near the parking lot we parked in, and there aren't any bathrooms or drinking fountains either - but it's a nicely maintained space. read more

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First time to visit, good trail for walking, my son was okay with it, not much going on since it's a do-able for any ages, would not recommend strollers though since it's muddy. read more

Grand Forest - Hiking Near Me - Bainbridge Island, Washington

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So this is a really nice leisurely hike- mainly walk. Very easy but still worth it if you do both of the main loops. Great trail for bikes and running because the trails are well kept and relatively smooth. I would come back but I would love to bring a bike. Oh! And horses! There were a lot of them on the trails. I think it would be great on a hot summer day because the trees shade so much... Come out and enjoy :-) read more

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My mom and I went on a hike here during our last visit to Bainbridge Island. My grandparents had taken us here years ago, so we thought we'd do some exploring since we remembered it was a nice trail and not anything too crazy. We were battling the weather, and wanted to get some nature time in before it started pouring again. It was well worth it because strolling through the forest after a rainfall smells pretty amazing. These are not strenuous trails, but beautiful as it takes you pretty deep into the woods. Make sure to watch the signs as you can get lost and because other trails merge into each one another. They have mile markers with trail indicators throughout the paths and even have QR codes that direct you to the overview maps so you can figure out where you're going or where you need to get back to. That's super clever. I loved that a lot of people were walking their pooches down the trails. It was funny watching so many dogs with sticks or other findings from the outdoors in their mouths as they proudly paraded down the paths. Even the smallest of pups had no problem keeping up with the walk - kids, too! They did have some signs though that the owls were being aggressive, so maybe have a stick handy in case they're on the prowl. I didn't seen any on this trip, but something must've happened if they had to put up signs. They have a small parking lot for people, but even during the week, it was a little crowded. There are spots you can park on the main road, but just watch the signs before leaving your car. If you're looking for a great place to get outdoors, wear out your animals or bring the kids - this is your place in or around Bainbridge! read more

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Fun easy trails. Perfect for beginners and for easy wilderness walks. Make sure to bring water, there are no fountains. It is easy not to get lost for more than a few minutes because it is well signed and the directions are obvious. There are multiple locations to park but there are no bathrooms available. read more

Grand Forest - Trail maps - Hiking Near Me - Bainbridge Island, Washington

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Thank-you to those who created & supported this magical haven. Happy folks everywhere enjoying this place. Especially great as a shady walking spot in hot summer days. Sad to see the electric bikes there, speeding along past the sign that forbids them, when over the next blind hill are people with strollers, dogs etc. read more

What a magical place. Lots of different trails and pet/kid friendly. Trails are easy to traverse with bridges, ponds and fun things to look at along the way. There are no restrooms here so go ahead of time. read more

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This is one of our favorite places to take a walk. There are many trails in the woods with frequent signs and maps to keep from getting lost. None are totally flat, the main trail is not bad. For a more hilly workout use the Trillium Trail or take the Hilltop Trail to the park to the east. read more

The Grand Forest has very walkable trails, without hills so that it's quite negotiable even for people of limited mobility. Hikers won't consider it any hike at all, but for anyone else it's beautiful unspoiled woodlands from which most non-native plant species have been removed. It's kept tidy despite that such niceties as toilets and garbage cans are lacking. Oh, and bring your own water bottle. read more

I love hiking. This is not a hike, other than there are trees and dirt. It's more of a walk in the woods, you're not doing cardio here, plus it's only a mile or two. Having said that, it's crazy beautiful and simple to do. This is some of the most luscious forest I've ever encountered and I've been enjoying the outdoors and woods throughout my entire life. The shuttle took us right there and said call when you're done and we'll come and get you. They did what they said and all for $1 or $2 per person, dirt cheep so I don't remember exactly. We grabbed lunch in town and had a mini "standing" picnic (no where to really sit). Worth the effort to see. read more