About Bainbridge Island

Kitsap County is divided into two distinct sections: The Kitsap Peninsula and Bainbridge Island. The region's natural resources include an extensive shoreline, fish, shellfish, and timber. Bainbridge Island is primarily a residential community, which has a mix of suburban and rural neighborhoods. Downtown Winslow was incorporated in 1947, the city was annexed in 1991 and is now called City of Bainbridge Island.

If you like this climate you'll love living here. We are similar to Seattle, summer temperatures average about 70 degrees, and winter averages 42 degrees. There is approximately 28 inches of rainfall annually. We have an average growing season of 180 days. The mild climate just adds to the excellence of island living. Bainbridge Island has evolved from a history of shipbuilding, timber industry, an international shipping port, waterfront summer cottages and berry farms to a rural community of year round residents, determined to keep intact the beauty and special feeling of Bainbridge Island. Bicyclists and joggers love the quiet roads of the island and the many parks offer delightful spots to rest and take in the incredible views we have here.

• The appeal for Bainbridge is the extensive waterfront and view property on the island and its close proximity to Seattle (Bainbridge is 6 miles west across Puget Sound).
   
• Bainbridge has a population of approximately 20,000 and is about 50 square miles. The downtown core has an array of scrumptious eateries and fun-filled shops. It's a very bustling village with 4 marinas and tasteful condominiums with outrageous views of Seattle. There are 3 yacht clubs, Port Madison, Queen City and Seattle.
  
  
• Our medical facility is Virginia Mason Health Clinic. We have 20 physicians practicing on the island, 22 dental specialists and 4 assisted living/convalescent homes.
  
  
• For recreation there's a public swimming pool, 2 golf courses, tennis courts, hiking trails of the 240 acres of the Bainbridge Island Grand Forest and there's always a walking tour of the Bainbridge Island Vineyard and Winery.
  
  
• We have 3 state parks, Fay Bainbridge, Fort Ward and Battle Point.
  
  
• For the arts there's Bainbridge Performing Arts Playhouse, 2 movie theatres, music festivals, home studio and garden tours, Bainbridge Chorale, Grand Old Fourth celebration, Chilly-hilly, (a bike ride around Bainbridge Island in February) and the Farmers Market.

More than 80 percent of the Islanders commute to work in Seattle by ferryboat. The Washington State Ferry is the most unique linkage to Seattle, with numerous daily 30 minute runs from and to Bainbridge Island. We also have a very dependable transportation service called Kitsap Transit. They provide daily service throughout the city and county.

The newest addition to Bainbridge is the Puget Sound Environmental Learning Center for adults, families and kids!  Linking science, technology and the arts. 255 acres of forest and wetlands. The community can engage in hands-on projects and outdoor field experiences.  Miles of trails, a 4-acre pond, bog, marsh and streams, 109' suspension bridge over a ravine, 110' tree canopy tower. Summer programs include day programs for kids, overnight workshop for teens, and adult day and overnight programs and family adventure weekends.

The great thing about living on this island is you won't get "island fever". There's plenty to do here. For fun you could take a drive to the spectacular beauty of the Olympic National Park, go fishing or boating on the Sound, equestrian activities, a walk on the beach, go to a Mariner's or Husky game, bike around the island, walk the trails of gorgeous Bloedel Reserve Botanical gardens. 

Area History

Native Americans were the first known inhabitants of what would become Slaughter, and later Kitsap County. The Suquamish were the principal tribe of the area. The Clallam were also a presence, though less formidable than the Suquamish. They and others around the Puget Sound formed a tribal confederation that was ruled by Chief Kitsap, one of the confederation's greatest leaders. Another famous leader was Chief Sealth, for whom Seattle is named.

White explorers first came upon the area in 1792 when Captain George Vancouver in command of the HMS Discovery-charted the Puget Sound. In fact, Vancouver was met by Chief Kitsap, who helped guide the vessel to safe harbor off Restoration Point between Bainbridge and Blake Island.

At one time the largest sawmill in the world was located on Bainbridge Island at Port Blakely, the area also became prominent in the wooden ship building industry. Bainbridge received its name from Captain William Bainbridge, who, in 1812, commanded "Old Ironsides".

Between 1910 and 1930 the "Mosquito Fleet", an assorted collection of small steamers crossed the waters of the Sound, they were vital means of transporting passengers, mail and commodities between town in Kitsap County and Seattle.