Recreation

Three miles northeast of downtown Bremerton [1] on Highway 306, Illahee State Park (3540 NE Bahia Vista Dr., 360/478-6460, www.parks.wa.gov [2]) has campsites on 75 acres, with swimming beaches, a short but steep hiking trail, a boat launch, and a pier for fishing and lolling in the sun. Illahee State Park also has camping ($17 tents, $23 RV hookups) and showers year-round. Campers can also find showers at the Bremerton marina.

Hikers will enjoy the two-mile trek to the summit of 1,700-foot Green Mountain for spectacular views of Kitsap Peninsula [3], Puget Sound, and the Seattle [4] skyline. From downtown, take Seabeck Highway Northwest for two miles, turn left (west) on Holly Road, then take a left onto Tahuyeh Road for 1.25 miles to Gold Creek Road. Turn left onto Gold Creek and follow it for 1.5 miles to the trailhead on the left, before Gold Creek Bridge. Be sure to wear proper footwear since the trail is rocky and often wet.

Swim at Wildcat Lake (9205 Holly Rd. NW), where a seasonal lifeguard is on duty. Also here are bathhouses, picnic areas, and a playground.