Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park

Port Gamble WA 98364

Size: 3,493 Acres

Region: North District

Features: Walking trails, equestrian trails, biking trails, access to water for water trails and kayaking, parking lot. This park is a pack it in and pack it out type park



Park Notices:

Stottlemeyer Trailhead Parking Lot Construction:


Exciting news for outdoor enthusiasts! Coming this February to Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park is the eagerly awaited Stottlemeyer Trailhead Parking Lot—a gateway to adventure and the perfect starting point for your next outdoor escapade.

Ample Parking Space:

Spanning across a generous 1.20 acres, the Stottlemeyer Trailhead Parking Lot offers a spacious and convenient parking solution for visitors. With 25 standard stalls, ADA-accessible spaces, and 5 pull-though spaces, we ensure that everyone can embark on their forest journey with comfort and ease.

Equestrian Trailer-Friendly Access:

Five pull-through stalls specifically designed for equestrian trailer access provide a hassle-free experience for those traveling with larger equipment.

Gateway to Adventure:

As you step out of your vehicle, you'll find yourself surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park. The Stottlemeyer Trailhead Parking Lot serves as a starting point for numerous hiking trails and nature paths, inviting you to explore the diverse flora and fauna of the region.

Sustainability Focus:

Committed to preserving the natural beauty of Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park, the Stottlemeyer Trailhead Parking Lot incorporates eco-friendly design elements. The parking lot is harmoniously integrated into the landscape, promoting sustainable practices that prioritize the well-being of the environment.

Whether you're a seasoned hiker, a family looking for a day of outdoor fun, or someone seeking a peaceful escape into nature, the Stottlemeyer Trailhead Parking Lot welcomes you to embark on your next unforgettable journey. Discover the wonders of Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park with convenience, accessibility, and sustainability at the forefront of your experience. See you at the trailhead! 


Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park - Restorative Selective Forest Thinning:


Trail sections will be CLOSED PERIODICALLY effective immediately until further notice, due to Restorative Selective Forest Thinning operations underway (map). Closures are in accordance with active work and may change day by day. Please adhere to trail closure signs for your own safety.

STAY AT LEAST 300' AWAY FROM ACTIVE LOGGING EQUIPMENT

IMPACTED TRAILS: E.T, Ewok, The Hood, Buzzcut, Climb, G1310 & G1311 (access to Lynx)

Please exercise caution when entering the park through Bayview Trailhead on weekdays between the hours of 4am and 4pm.

Large trucks will haul logs on the G1300 and G1000 leaving the park using the Bayview gate/trailhead three to four times daily.

Forest thinning is one of many forest restoration tools. Thinning selectively removes a portion of the trees in a densely packed forest to open the canopy. More sunlight will reach the forest floor to facilitate diverse understory plant communities and provide better wildlife habitat. The thinned forest will be set up to grow and develop towards a more diverse and natural ecosystem.

For more information, please e-mail parks@kitsap.gov.



Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park Framework

Kitsap County Parks is pleased to present the Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park Framework. This framework is based on input from the public, the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe, the Suquamish Tribe, focus groups, the Parks Advisory Board, the project steering committee, the Port Gamble Stewards, Kitsap County staff and County Commissioners.

View the project website for the background on this planning effort, maps and other reference materials by clicking here.

Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park Framework Documents:


2022 Timber harvesting completed at Kitsap County's Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park

Timber harvesting has been completed in Kitsap County's Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park. Rayonier will conducted the harvesting and related activities inside park boundaries. Trails within or near timber harvesting activity are now open.

Rayonier maintains timber harvesting rights for portions of the heritage park through 2042, which was integral to the county purchasing the property.

Click here for a location map of the planned timber harvest.


Informational Fliers
 
Plans

Resource Management & Recreation Development – Landscape Classification System
Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park Resource Stewardship & Public Access Plan
Forest Stewardship Plan for Ecological Restoration of Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park
Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park Management Plan Summary
Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park Land Use Map
Conceptual Site Plan for Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park Trails


​Timeline of land acquisition for Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park

December 22, 2017 – On Friday afternoon, a transaction was completed to secure more than 1,500 acres of the Port Gamble Forest from Pope Resources to add to the Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park.

This final phase of the project was fueled by donations from over 1,200 community members, as well as many local partners, foundations and champions, who came together to raise $3.5 million.  Inspired by the community effort, matching grants were provided by Kitsap County ($200,000) and Washington State ($500,000) for a total of $4.0 million in this final phase of the project.

The Port Gamble Forest property includes 65 miles of trails where already more than 20,000 hikers, birders, mountain bikers, equestrians, cyclists and runners recreate each year. At the north end of the property is a future recreational area for mountain biking. The property will be added to the Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park, which now totals 3,493 acres. Click Here for the full article.

  

February 2014 - The 453-acre “Shoreline Block” was acquired in February 2014 - A State Department of Ecology (DOE) grant was awarded, allowing for development of a Stewardship Plan and associated activities including studies, property clean-up and planting restoration.  


December 2014 - Park Planning started in December 2014. A Steering Committee has been selected.