Walk at Ilahee Forest Preserve

The Illahee Forest Preserve is a Kitsap County Heritage Park which includes 570 acres of preserve lands, approximately 5 miles of trails, wildlife including over 55 species of birds, portions of Illahee Creek, a fish-bearing stream with coho, chum, cutthroat and steelhead, and parts of an undeveloped watershed draining into Puget Sound. Native Americans called Illahee “a place to rest” and treasured the forest abundant with wildlife, Douglas fir, red alder, maple and western red-cedar. A 1732 fire opened the canopy allowing western white pine and western hemlock to sprout. The forest recovered but homesteads were established and timber companies clear cut most of the trees in the 1930’s, although a few 275 year old Douglas fir and western white pine remain. A 25-year local campaign led to designation as park and preserve managed by the Illahee Preserve Stewardship Committee, Illahee Forest Preserve non-profit and Kitsap County Parks and Recreation. Join WNPS hike leader Cyndy who will point out and identify many native plants you will see along the way.
Any special requirements: Walkers must pre-register with Cyndy Dillon (fieldtrips@southsoundchapterwnps.org), who will send a link to a mandatory liability waiver when you provide your email address. For the walk you will need to email the liability waiver to Cyndy or bring it to the walk. Bring water if you need it, dress for the weather and wear good hiking shoes. Restrooms are available.
Directions: From Tacoma, go west on WA-16, cross Tacoma Narrows Bridge and continue to Gorst where the highway merges with WA-3. Continue north and take WA-304E toward Bremerton shipyard, then turn east as WA-304 becomes Burwell St. Turn north on Warren Ave (WA-303) which becomes Wheaton Way and turn east on Riddell Rd, then north on Almira Drive to Illahee Forest Preserve parking lot.