Port Blakely Cemetery - Image 1
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Port Blakely Cemetery

5
·2 reviews·Bainbridge Island, United States

A historic resting place on Bainbridge Island, offering serene views and a glimpse into the island's diverse past.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Fall mornings

Beautiful foliage and crisp air

CrowdLow
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Port Blakely Cemetery - Image 1

Port Blakely Cemetery

Best Time

Fall mornings

Beautiful foliage and crisp air

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic resting place on Bainbridge Island, offering serene views and a glimpse into the island's diverse past.

5
(2 reviews)

"A beautiful fall morning at historic Port Blakely Cemetery on Bainbridge Island, Washington."

Vertical photo
TIP

Wear comfortable shoes

The cemetery is on an uphill, winding road. :athletic_shoe:

Respectful visits

Remember this is a place of remembrance. Keep noise levels down. :pray:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Headstones

Historic Headstones

Discover unique and diverse gravestones reflecting the island's rich cultural past.

Scenic Views

Scenic Views

Enjoy beautiful fall mornings and Puget Sound vistas from this elevated resting place.

Blakely Harbor Trail Access

Blakely Harbor Trail Access

A short 0.3-mile trail connects the cemetery to the historic Blakely Harbor.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Serenity

Port Blakely Cemetery offers a peaceful escape with stunning views. Visit during daylight hours for the best experience and to appreciate the historic headstones. Remember it's a place of remembrance, so tread respectfully.

Navigating the Grounds

The cemetery is spread across an uphill, winding road. Two main parking areas are available: one near a picnic shelter for the newer section, and another ahead for the older section and the Blakely Harbor trail. Consider comfortable shoes for exploring.

Best Times

When
Fall mornings
Why
Beautiful foliage and crisp air
Crowd
Low
When
Daylight hours
Why
Best for viewing headstones
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A beautiful fall morning at historic Port Blakely Cemetery on Bainbridge Island, Washington 🪦🍂 #washington #bainbridgeisland #pugetsound #westernwashington #seattlewashington #washingtonstate #washingtonexplored
theashleyriley
5 likes • 198 views

Wear comfortable shoes

The cemetery is on an uphill, winding road. :athletic_shoe:

Respectful visits

Remember this is a place of remembrance. Keep noise levels down. :pray:

💨 Windy hair, don’t care. Ferry days are the best. Friday felt like a quilt of little memories stitched together 🧵💕 The day started with a quiet visit to Mama & Papa at the Port Blakely cemetery, then rolled right into a Bainbridge-to-Seattle ferry ride for the first time in 4 years—pure nostalgia 🛳️✨ With Mom up from Arizona, it felt like being tourists in our own town. Of course, an obligatory ...
enwinthepnw
30 likes • 385 views
reddit.com

LF Derelict and Abandoned Architecture to Photograph

Explore the older section

Park ahead for easier access to the historic burial plots. :map:

Combine with harbor walk

The Blakely Harbor trail is a short walk from the cemetery. :hiking_boot:

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear comfortable shoes

The cemetery is on an uphill, winding road. :athletic_shoe:

Respectful visits

Remember this is a place of remembrance. Keep noise levels down. :pray:

Explore the older section

Park ahead for easier access to the historic burial plots. :map:

Combine with harbor walk

The Blakely Harbor trail is a short walk from the cemetery. :hiking_boot:

What Travellers Say

5
(2 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Port Blakely Cemetery to be a beautiful and peaceful place, rich with history and unique headstones. The scenic views, especially in the fall, are a significant draw, and the connection to Blakely Harbor adds to its appeal. Some note the presence of unmarked graves and the uphill terrain.

"Port Blakely Cemetery, established in 1880, is one of the oldest cemeteries on Bainbridge Island. There are many unique and historic headstones located here that showcase the island’s early cultural diversity. The cemetery was originally created to serve workers that came from around the world to work in the lumber mills. Today, the grounds showcase a wealth of natural beauty and plots are well maintained. An uphill, winding road leads up to the cemetery grounds. When first approaching the cemetery, there is one parking lot to the right (just in front of a picnic shelter) and another directly ahead. The lot to the right is a good place to park if you’re interested in visiting the newer section, and the lot straight ahead is good for visiting the older section. The latter is also a good place to park if you’re looking to also walk the 0.3 mile trail to Blakely Harbor. There is also a separate section of next to this part of the cemetery that contains the Jewish headstones. There is an online plot finder if you’re interested in finding a specific burial plot. Please note that there are many plots within this cemetery that are unmarked, especially those from earlier years (before 1920) and during the 1960s-1970s."

Ashley Riley

"Beautiful and peaceful cemetery!"

Sid Ball

What People Like

Peaceful and serene atmosphere
Historic and diverse headstones
Beautiful scenic views

What People Dislike

Uphill terrain
Unmarked graves

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Port Blakely Cemetery is located on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Access typically involves taking a ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island, then driving to the cemetery. There are two parking lots available upon arrival, one for the newer section and one for the older section and the Blakely Harbor trail. InstagramReddit

Yes, there are two parking lots. One is located to the right, near a picnic shelter, ideal for the newer section. The other is directly ahead, convenient for the older section and the trail to Blakely Harbor. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Port Blakely Cemetery is a public space and does not have an entrance fee. It is free to visit and explore the grounds. Reddit

While specific hours are not always posted, it is generally recommended to visit during daylight hours to best appreciate the historic headstones and the natural beauty of the grounds. Instagram

Yes, an online plot finder is available if you are looking for a specific burial plot. However, be aware that many plots, especially from earlier years, may be unmarked. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore unique and historic headstones that showcase the island's early cultural diversity, reflecting the workers from around the world who came to work in the lumber mills. The grounds are well-maintained and offer natural beauty. InstagramReddit

Yes, reviews indicate that the grounds are well maintained, contributing to the peaceful atmosphere of the cemetery. Reddit

A 0.3-mile trail connects the cemetery to Blakely Harbor, offering an opportunity to explore more of the historic area. Reddit

The cemetery features a wealth of unique and historic headstones, reflecting the diverse cultural backgrounds of the mill workers who settled in the area. Reddit

Yes, there is a separate section next to the main part of the cemetery that contains Jewish headstones. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Port Blakely Cemetery can be a peaceful outing for families, offering a chance to discuss history and remembrance. The 0.3-mile trail to Blakely Harbor is a manageable walk for children, providing a bit of adventure alongside the historical exploration. Reddit Encourage respectful behavior and explain the significance of the headstones to make it an educational experience. The open grounds offer space for quiet reflection, but it's important to keep children supervised and mindful of the cemetery's solemn nature.

🚶‍♀️ History Buffs & Photographers

For those interested in history, Port Blakely Cemetery is a treasure trove of early island life, with headstones reflecting diverse origins. Reddit Photographers will find ample opportunities to capture the unique textures of aged stone, the interplay of light and shadow, and the serene, often misty, atmosphere, especially during fall. Instagram The connection to the derelict Port Blakely Mill Company Generator Building, mentioned in local forums, might also appeal to those seeking abandoned architecture. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

History of Port Blakely Cemetery

Established in 1880, Port Blakely Cemetery stands as one of Bainbridge Island's oldest resting places. It was originally created to serve the diverse workforce that fueled the bustling Port Blakely Mill Company, drawing individuals from across the globe. This history is visibly etched into the landscape through its unique and historic headstones, each telling a story of early island life and cultural exchange. Reddit

The cemetery's grounds reflect this rich past, showcasing a variety of burial markers that speak to the island's early cultural diversity. While many plots are well-maintained, it's important to note that many early burials, particularly from before 1920 and during the 1960s-1970s, may be unmarked, adding a layer of mystery and historical depth to the site. Reddit

Beyond its historical significance, the cemetery is also a place of natural beauty. Visitors often remark on the peaceful atmosphere and the scenic views, especially during the fall when the foliage adds a vibrant touch to the landscape. Instagram

Exploring the Grounds and Trails

Navigating Port Blakely Cemetery involves an uphill, winding road, so comfortable footwear is highly recommended. Reddit Two primary parking areas are available: one near a picnic shelter, convenient for accessing the newer section of the cemetery, and another directly ahead. This second lot is ideal for exploring the older, more historic section and serves as the starting point for the 0.3-mile trail leading to Blakely Harbor. Reddit

The cemetery itself is a place of quiet contemplation, with a notable section dedicated to Jewish headstones. Visitors can utilize an online plot finder if they are searching for a specific individual, though many early graves are unmarked. Reddit

The connection to Blakely Harbor via the short trail offers an extended experience, allowing visitors to combine a visit to the cemetery with an exploration of another significant historical site on the island. This makes for a well-rounded outing that touches on both remembrance and the area's industrial past. Reddit

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