Illahee State Park

Illahee State Park: Accessible Marine Paradise with Ancient Forests and Naval Heritage

Illahee State Park in Bremerton delivers the perfect blend of accessible marine recreation and old-growth forest wonder on Port Orchard Bay. This 75-acre gem offers year-round camping, excellent shellfishing, and easy access to some of Kitsap County’s last remaining old-growth timber, including one of the nation’s largest Pacific yew trees that has stood sentinel for 400 years. Whether arriving by land or sea, visitors discover a welcoming park where ancient forests meet Puget Sound waters.

Illahee State Park Fast Facts

Park Overview

Illahee State Park stands as a remarkable testament to conservation success, protecting Kitsap County’s last stand of old-growth timber while providing exceptional marine recreation opportunities. The park’s name comes from Chinuk Wawa, meaning “earth” or “country,” perfectly capturing the deep connection between land and water that defines this coastal sanctuary. Ancient Pacific yew trees, some approaching 400 years old, tower above visitors while Port Orchard Bay’s protected waters offer calm conditions for boating, fishing, and shellfishing.

The park serves both casual day visitors and serious outdoor enthusiasts, with facilities designed for accessibility and comfort. From the expansive 356-foot moorage dock jutting into Port Orchard Bay to the forested trails winding through old-growth timber, Illahee State Park provides diverse experiences within its compact 75 acres. The presence of a veterans memorial featuring naval guns from the USS West Virginia adds historical significance to natural beauty.

Activities & Recreation

Illahee State Park is one of 24 Washington State Parks with geocaches hidden within its boundaries, adding a treasure-hunt element to your ancient forest marine adventure.

Facilities & Amenities

Illahee State Park provides comprehensive facilities for both day use and overnight stays. The park features three year-round reservable covered picnic shelters with electricity, plus one small covered shelter and 90 unsheltered picnic sites with barbecue braziers available first-come, first-served. Marine facilities include the impressive 356-foot pier and moorage dock, five moorage buoys, and a boat launch, though the ramp is not recommended for trailer use.

Additional amenities include restrooms with showers, a dump station, playground equipment, volleyball court, softball field, and horseshoe pits. The veterans memorial featuring two five-inch naval guns from the USS West Virginia provides a solemn tribute to military service. Interpretive displays explain park features including the ancient yew trees, stilted trees, and WPA-era construction projects.

Camping & Accommodations

Illahee State Park offers year-round camping with 23 standard sites and one full hookup site, all reservable with first-come, first-served availability when sites aren’t reserved. The campground accommodates tents, campers, and RVs up to 40 feet maximum length, though availability for larger rigs is limited. Sites provide no hookups except for the single full-service site.

Camping amenities include restrooms with showers, a dump station, and access to all park facilities. Check-in time is 2:30 p.m. and check-out is 1 p.m., with quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Stay limits allow up to 10 consecutive days during summer months, extended to 20 days between October 1 and March 31.

Planning Your Visit

Located at 3540 NE Sylvan Way in Bremerton, Illahee State Park operates daily from 8:00 a.m. to dusk. A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to Washington state parks for day use. From Highway 3 north or south, take the East Bremerton exit at the north end of Silverdale, follow the road to Sylvan Way (about 7.5 miles), turn left and drive 1.5 miles to the park entrance.

Marine visitors can access the park via Port Orchard Bay with excellent dock facilities. Moorage fees are charged year-round from 1 p.m. to 8 a.m., with stays limited to three consecutive nights. Boats larger than 45 feet must use docks rather than buoys. A recreational license is required for fishing and shellfish harvesting, available through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

What to Bring & Know

• Pack appropriate shellfish harvesting gear and check current regulations before crabbing or oystering
• Bring fishing licenses and equipment for pier fishing opportunities
• Consider scuba diving gear as this popular dive site offers easy shore access and good facilities
• Pack hiking boots for forest trail exploration and tree identification guides to spot the ancient yews
• Remember that fires are limited to gas/propane self-contained camping stoves and portable fire pits only

Final Word

Illahee State Park offers an extraordinary combination of ancient forest preservation and modern marine recreation, making it a true gem where 400-year-old trees meet the timeless rhythms of Puget Sound’s protected waters.

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Illahee State Park in Bremerton offers marine camping, ancient Pacific yew forests, and Port Orchard Bay access. 75 acres with shellfishing, boating, and hiking trails.