Illahee State Park Bremerton
A 75-acre bayside park in Bremerton, WA, perfect for camping, hiking, birding, and enjoying the serene Pacific Northwest waterfront.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Discover marine life
Illahee State Park Bremerton
Best Time
Discover marine life
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 75-acre bayside park in Bremerton, WA, perfect for camping, hiking, birding, and enjoying the serene Pacific Northwest waterfront.
"Absolute best spot! Well maintained, spacious n the trails are amazing."
🚗 Parking Pass Needed
Remember to have your Discover Pass ready for parking. :ticket:
🥾 Trail Stairs Alert
Some trails have steep stairs to the beach; consider the road access for an easier descent. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bayside Pier
Waterfront
Stroll out over the water for serene Northwest views, spotting marine life and enjoying crisp air.
Forest Trails
Throughout the park
Hike through dense forest, with some trails leading to the beach. Be prepared for incline stairs on certain routes.
Beachcombing
Shoreline
Explore the beach at low tide to discover exposed roots, jellyfish, anemones, and crabs.
Camping Area
Designated campsites
Enjoy quiet, forested campsites that offer a peaceful retreat with easy access to the water.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Park Entry & Parking
Beach Access & Tides
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Pass Needed
Remember to have your Discover Pass ready for parking. :ticket:
🥾 Trail Stairs Alert
Some trails have steep stairs to the beach; consider the road access for an easier descent. :athletic_shoe:
🌊 Check Tide Charts
Plan your beach visit around low tide for the best exploration opportunities. :ocean:
🗺️ Entrance Navigation
Follow signs for the pier to avoid confusion and potential campground loops.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Pass Needed
Remember to have your Discover Pass ready for parking. :ticket:
🥾 Trail Stairs Alert
Some trails have steep stairs to the beach; consider the road access for an easier descent. :athletic_shoe:
🌊 Check Tide Charts
Plan your beach visit around low tide for the best exploration opportunities. :ocean:
🗺️ Entrance Navigation
Follow signs for the pier to avoid confusion and potential campground loops.
🦀 Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for jellyfish, anemones, and crabs along the shoreline. :crab:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Illahee State Park for its beautiful scenery, well-maintained trails, and peaceful bayside location. The pier and beach offer great opportunities for wildlife spotting and relaxation, making it a favorite spot for both day-trippers and campers. Some minor inconveniences include potentially confusing park entrances and changing bathroom codes.
"First beware of the operating hours! It’s quiet, remote, and best for campers or solitude seekers.
You’ll need a Discovery Pass to visit, but I wouldn’t recommend buying one just for Illahee State Park. It’s better suited for campers or folks looking to fish or crab off the dock — which is decent. There’s a small area with picnic tables and a slide for kids, but not much else in terms of amenities.
My family and I did a short hike with about 100 stairs (give or take — I didn’t count). We love hiking, and if you’re looking to escape the crowds and just be alone in nature, this place delivers.
Overall, peaceful but limited. Worth it if you already have the pass and want a quiet spot to recharge."
Jason R.
"Visited in December 2024. This park is gorgeous—think quiet forested campsites that lead down to a pier with knockout water views. Heads-up: the entrance can be confusing; follow the signs for the pier or you’ll loop through the campground first. You’ll also need a Discovery Pass to park. Once you’re on the wooden dock it’s pure Northwest serenity: crisp air, wide-open vistas, and plenty of wildlife action. I hear it’s even livelier in summer when the water sports kick off, but it’s equally relaxing in the off-season."
Danny Tram
"A beautiful, well maintained state park with a beach (tide dependent) pier, bathrooms, picnic areas, BBQ grills, small playground, and a camping area.
We walked along the beach and found a super cool old tree with the roots exposed.
We also walked out on the pier and saw an egg yolk jellyfish and many babies. Also saw 2 sea anemones, some crabs, and some cool sea grass.
A very clean park with some great views!"
Stephanie B.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Illahee State Park is located in Bremerton, Washington. While specific public transport options might be limited, driving is the most common way to access the park. Many visitors arrive by car, and it's a popular spot for biking as well.
The entrance can be a bit confusing. It's recommended to follow the signs specifically for the pier to avoid accidentally driving through the campground first.
Driving is straightforward, and for those who enjoy cycling, it's a scenic route.
The park is situated in Bremerton, WA, offering access to the Kitsap Peninsula. It's also relatively close to other areas like Port Orchard.
While specific directions vary based on your starting point, using a GPS or mapping app is recommended. Look for signs directing you towards the park's waterfront and pier areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a Discover Pass is required for parking at Illahee State Park. You can purchase this pass online or at various retail locations.
The primary cost is for the Discover Pass, which is needed for parking. The park itself is generally free to enter for day use.
Discover Passes can be purchased online through the Washington State Parks website or at many outdoor recreation retailers.
Information on discounts or annual passes can typically be found on the Washington State Parks website, which covers the Discover Pass system.
State parks generally have dawn-to-dusk hours for day use, while campgrounds have specific check-in and check-out times. It's best to verify current hours on the official Washington State Parks website.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Illahee State Park offers a variety of activities including camping, hiking on forest trails, birding, watersports, fishing, and beachcombing. +1
Yes, the park has a bayside beach. Its accessibility and appearance are dependent on the tide.
While the park is on the water, swimming conditions can vary. It's best to check local advisories and be aware of the tides and any potential hazards.
Yes, the park provides picnic areas and BBQ grills, making it a great spot for a family outing or gathering.
Visitors have reported seeing jellyfish, sea anemones, crabs, and various bird species. The park is a good spot for nature observation.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Illahee State Park does not have on-site restaurants. However, it offers picnic areas with BBQ grills for visitors to prepare their own meals.
Bremerton offers various dining options, from casual eateries to sit-down restaurants. You can find local cafes and seafood spots in the nearby town.
Absolutely! Bringing your own food is encouraged, especially if you plan to use the picnic areas and BBQ grills.
Yes, there are grocery stores in Bremerton where you can stock up on supplies before heading to the park.
Seafood is a popular choice in this coastal Washington area. You'll also find typical American fare and various international cuisines.
📸 📸 Photography
The bayside pier offers stunning water views, especially during sunrise or sunset. The forest trails provide opportunities for capturing lush greenery and unique tree roots.
Yes, it's excellent for nature photography. You can capture marine life at low tide, diverse plant life on the trails, and scenic water vistas.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, creating beautiful golden hour shots. Low tide is also ideal for beach photography.
Drone usage is typically regulated in state parks. It's essential to check the Washington State Parks regulations regarding drone operation before flying.
A versatile lens for landscapes and wildlife, a wide-angle lens for expansive views, and a macro lens for close-ups of marine life would be beneficial.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
Be prepared for some challenging inclines on certain paths, but the payoff is the stunning scenery and the chance to immerse yourself in nature. 🏕️ Campers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails and Beach
While many trails are well-maintained, be prepared for some sections with significant incline stairs, particularly when descending from the campground trails to the beach. The park's beach is a highlight, especially during low tide. This is when the true magic of the shoreline is revealed, with exposed tree roots creating dramatic natural sculptures and the opportunity to discover fascinating marine life. Visitors have spotted everything from egg yolk jellyfish and baby jellyfish to sea anemones and scurrying crabs.
Camping and Day Use Amenities
Beyond camping, the park is equipped for day-use visitors. You'll find convenient amenities such as bathrooms, picnic areas, and BBQ grills, making it an ideal location for family gatherings or a leisurely afternoon outdoors.
Wildlife and Nature Observation
The park's forested areas contribute to its rich biodiversity. The trails are perfect for observing plant life, and the unique exposed roots of older trees add a touch of natural artistry.
Whether you're walking along the beach or hiking through the woods, keep your eyes peeled for the natural wonders that inhabit this beautiful state park. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit