Manchester State Park Trails

A popular destination near Port Orchard in south Kitsap

Manchester State Park has almost 3 miles of trails if you include the campground loops and has something for everyone.

Many trails are level and accessible to just about anyone while others offer more variable terrain along a scenic coastline and through forest.

Wildlife sightings are common and multiple beach access points offer amazing views of Puget Sound with Bainbridge Island and even West Seattle visible in the distance

Pros

Cons

Manchester State Park Trail Map

The map series begins with an overview map of the entire Manchester State Park area. A detailed trail map follows, highlighting trails within the park. Use arrows on either side of the map to see each map in the series.

Introduction

Manchester State Park is a fee-based park, but if you make the very affordable $30 Discover Pass investment, you can visit any Washington State park as well as other state-managed lands.

Other parks and trails may be closer to you, but Manchester is worth a visit if you find yourself near Port Orchard. The drive to and from the park along windy coastal roads gives even more incentive to make the trip.

The park offers several walking and hiking options, including a recommended tour of the two campground loops.

If the scenic coastline and frequent wildlife sightings aren’t enough, military relics give you something else to look for as you explore the park. Terrain and vegetation is ever-changing as you progress through the park. Mature forest surrounds many of the trails, whereas vegetation typical in coastal areas becomes more prevalent as you skirt the rocky coast.

The interpretive trail adjacent to the park entrance, the campground loops and the main trails closer to the water are not directly connected, but a very short walk along the lightly used park road allows you to park in one spot and hike throughout the park.

The campground are can be busy in the summer and completely empty other times during the year, but the paved campground loop seems more like an extra-wide foot-path than a road and is very walkable.

The suggested route shown on the map is just one option. Feel free to walk any combination of trails that suits you.

The Wynn-Jones Preserve (also featured on this site) is only a few miles away and is worth a stop if you want to make the most of your trip to this part of Kitsap County.