Blake Island All Day: Salt, Eagles and Prohibition Echoes off Bainbridge

BAINBRIDGE ISLAND HIKING FIELD GUIDE

Blake Island All Day: Salt, Eagles and Prohibition Echoes off Bainbridge

A 6-hour, family-friendly outing from Bainbridge Island that mixes coastal hikes, beach time and living history on state park land.

Blake Island All Day: Salt, Eagles and Prohibition Echoes off Bainbridge.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Bainbridge Island
Operator
Sail Bainbridge
Category
Hiking
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Blake Island sits a short sail from Bainbridge Island and unfurls as a compact world of forested trails, broad beaches and concentrated history. The island is wholly state park land and accessible only by boat; its shoreline and interiors are threaded with a network of hiking trails and dotted with buildings and artwork that recall both the region’s Native American cultures and a very real Prohibition-era past. Wildlife — from playful otters and seals to eagles, raccoons and deer — is part of the landscape, making a single day here feel rich and varied.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE LANDSCAPE

Trails that meet the sea

A tight network of hiking trails connects forest pockets to wide, walkable beaches, offering easy routes for exploration and frequent coastal viewpoints.

THE WILDLIFE

Sea mammals and raptors close at hand

The island’s beaches and nearshore waters are home to otters and seals; bald eagles and terrestrial mammals such as raccoons and deer are also commonly seen along the shore and trails.

THE HISTORY

Prohibition-era lore and Native art

Existing buildings and site artwork on Blake Island evoke the island’s role in Prohibition-era rum-running and celebrate the Native American tribes of the Salish Sea.

What the day feels like

How the day unfolds

You’ll board near Bainbridge Island for a short sail to state park shores, then spend roughly six hours ashore moving between beaches, trails and cultural sites. Expect a relaxed rhythm: beachside exploration, short inland hikes along marked paths, and time with the island’s historic buildings and interpretive artwork — punctuated by wildlife sightings along the way.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this day trip suits — and who should consider alternatives.

1
Active FamiliesAn ideal half-day adventure for families: trails and beaches are accessible to a wide range of ages, and the outing is explicitly described as for all ages.
2
Small GroupsBest for small parties — operator parameters indicate limits on group size, keeping the visit intimate and manageable.
3
Wildlife WatchersGood fit for those who want reliable coastal wildlife sightings, including otters, seals and raptors commonly seen around the island.
4
History & Culture BuffsA strong choice for visitors interested in local history and Native American cultural interpretation, with site buildings and artwork on display.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Season

Plan for a 6-hour outing; confirm seasonal schedules with the operator before booking.

What to Bring

Prepare for beach and trail conditions on state park land; bring appropriate footwear and sun/wind protection for a day outdoors.

Logistics

Blake Island is accessible only by boat; departures are from Bainbridge Island with the listed operator.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the trip?

The outing is 6 hours in duration.

Where does the trip depart from?

The trip departs from Bainbridge Island.

Who operates the Blake Island All Day trip?

The operator is Sail Bainbridge.

Is the trip suitable for children?

Yes — the trip is described as for all ages.

How many people can join a single trip?

Group size is limited to up to 6 people.

How do I get onto Blake Island?

Blake Island is accessible only by boat.