My Three Favorite Jogging Trails on Bainbridge Island | Repost

I have gotten a lot of inquiries about where to run-on the island, so I thought this repost was timely.

You Really Can Run Year Round

When I moved up to the Northwest I thought I was going to have to join a gym to continue exercising. I ran in California, but I thought there was no way I could run year round up here.  In reality, I run much more regularly here than I did in California.  It has been a very cold winter, but I have enjoyed it because I think the cooler weather is great for running.  And, even though I do not like running in heavy rain (and I do try to avoid it – at all cost) there are so many windows when it is not raining, I have not had a problem running through the four winters I have lived here.  And, the scenic running spots below, make it easier to get motivated.

Battle Point Park

Battle Point Park is my favorite running course,  for several reasons, the main one being that it is FLAT.  The park has a 1.5 mile loop that is mostly paved.  I run two loops, sometimes three when have the time and the energy.  I love that the park is open and I find the bunnies, ponds, and ducks visually interesting, not to mention other joggers and dogs.  I was there yesterday and even though it was a little drizzly, I found it fine running weather.  But, since it had been raining heavily the rest of the day, the park was pretty empty.  On the weekend the park can fill up and you may have to dodge cyclists and jogging strollers, but during the week the trail is wide open.

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Fort Ward Park to Toe Jam Hill

This is another course that is flat and a little more scenic than Battle Point Park.  If you park at the boat launch at Fort Ward, you can run along the water on the paved path to the base of Toe Jam Hill and back, which is about three miles.  On this run, there are beautiful waterfront homes to look at, the Bremerton Ferry going by, and the sea lions hanging out around the salmon hatchery. Since Fort Ward is on the south end, it is also usually a sunny spot, when the skies are clear.

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Point White Pier to Treehouse Cafe’

Because I like to run and listen to music on my iPod, I usually stay off the open road, for safety. But sometimes, for a change of pace and on really amazingly sunny days, I like to run out on Point White Drive.  A great run is from the Point White Pier to the Treehouse Cafe’.  One way is 2.3 miles, and of course 4.6 out and back.  Starting at the Pier you can run to Treehouse and take a break, if so desired.   The run is scenic for the Bremerton Ferry, other marine traffic, and amazing waterfront homes.  Point White Drive is seldom busy, especially mid-day.  And on striking days, I don’t need my iPod anyway, I just soak up the local sights.

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