One of my favorite summer day trips in Kitsap County was to Seabeck, a charming small town that truly deserves its title as a hidden gem. It's a surprisingly wonderful getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city! We hiked to the Guillemot Cove Trailhead to see the magical Stump House and then had the most amazing pizza in Kitsap County at Seabeck Pizza. And just when we thought it couldn't get any better, we topped it off with one of the most enchanted, heavenly good raspberry cheesecake ice creams I’ve ever had. Let’s go!
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Travel Tips
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How to get there
From Kitsap County
- It's less than 30 minutes from Bremerton and Port Orchard, and just a 15-minute drive west of Silverdale.
From Seattle
- You can take a ferry from downtown to Bainbridge Island, enjoying beautiful views of the Puget Sound. The ferry ride is about 35 minutes. After you arrive on the island, it’s about a 45-minute drive to Seabeck. Alternatively, you can drive through Tacoma, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Both routes offer a scenic trip to this lovely spot.
Fun Facts and Travel Tips:
- Fun Fact: Seabeck was once a bustling mill town in the late 1800s, known for its lumber production.
- Travel Tip: Bring bug repellent and plenty of water, especially in the summer months.
- Fun Fact: The area offers stunning views of the Olympic Mountains across the Hood Canal.
- Travel Tip: If you love photography, bring your camera—Seabeck is a paradise for capturing nature and wildlife.
Guillemot Cove Trailhead to the Stump House
- Address: 19484 NW Stavis Bay Rd, Seabeck, WA 98380
- Length: 2.5 miles, roundtrip
- Elevation: 360 feet
- Duration: About 2 hours
- Type: Out & back, Loop
- Parking: Limited
- Admission: Free, no need for a Discovery Pass
- Facilities: No restrooms available
The Guillemot Cove Trailhead is situated within the Guillemot Cove Nature Reserve. It offers several natural walking trails and beach access, perfect for bird watching, as the area is home to various seabirds and wildlife. Be sure to arrive early, as parking is very limited. We visited on a Saturday in August and managed to find a spot at 10 AM. A kind family noticed us preparing for our hike and generously shared their bug repellent with us, which was incredibly thoughtful.
Main Access Trail
The Main Access Trail is located across from the parking area. You can choose between the Sawmill Trail, a rugged dirt road with a smaller path, or the Big Trail, which is wider and paved, making it easier for kids.
Look out for the Pigeon Guillemot
Look out for seabirds, like the black and white pigeon guillemot, the namesake of the cove. Although we didn't spot any, we did see a tiny mouse snacking on something.
The Legend
Legend has it that the Stump House in the area was originally built by an escaped convict named Dirty Thompson.
The Boardwalk
The Boardwalk
The boardwalk leads to the beach, and you can also take the path to the Stump House. We chose to see the enchanting Stump House Trail.
We stopped at the boardwalk for snacks and to give our kids some time to roam around.
On the return trip, we decided to take the Sawmill Trail, which has a more rugged terrain with tree roots, so it's important to remind kids to take it slow.
The Magical Tree House
The stump house seemed like something straight out of a storybook. It felt unreal, as if a giant lived there and had just stepped out for errands, or maybe magical fairies called this tree home! The child in me was captivated, and I shared that excitement with my little one, whose eyes lit up with curiosity and excitement. We talked about the stump house all the way home and even more at bedtime. I loved this hike and discovering this amazing spot at the end. It’s one of my favorite hikes in Washington so far!
On the return trip, we decided to take the Sawmill Trail, which has a more rugged terrain with tree roots, so it's important to remind kids to take it slow.
The Magical Tree House
The stump house seemed like something straight out of a storybook. It felt unreal, as if a giant lived there and had just stepped out for errands, or maybe magical fairies called this tree home! The child in me was captivated, and I shared that excitement with my little one, whose eyes lit up with curiosity and excitement. We talked about the stump house all the way home and even more at bedtime. I loved this hike and discovering this amazing spot at the end. It’s one of my favorite hikes in Washington so far!
The Best Pizza in Kitsap County!
- Seabeck Pizza
- Address: 15376 Seabeck Hwy NW, Seabeck, WA 98380
After our hike, we drove just 10 minutes to what felt like the tiniest town ever! We stopped at Seabeck Pizza, where we ordered “The Works” pizza, which was incredibly delicious—even the crust was irresistible! Their raspberry cheesecake ice cream was phenomenal, too. It's a walk-up pizzeria where you order, pay, and wait for your pizza. At the back, near the marina, there are some benches and tables where you can enjoy your pizza while admiring the water. We saw an unfortunate crab by the shore and a few anemones clinging to the boardwalk. The kids loved spotting the sea creatures.
Seabeck turned out to be my favorite summer day trip away from the city. If you love nature, food, or just want a peaceful getaway, Seabeck has it all. With beautiful trails and tasty local food, it's a trip you won't forget. I highly recommend planning a visit to this charming town to create your own unforgettable memories. Don't miss out on discovering one of Washington's best-kept secrets!
Please be patient; we'll update soon with photos.
Bonus Tip: Use a Travel Packing Checklist
This is my ultimate secret to making travel hassle-free: I use a Travel Packing Checklist. It ensures I don’t forget essentials and prevents frantic last-minute shopping trips for things I already own but left behind. I didn’t realize how much I needed this notebook; it truly keeps my journeys organized and stress-free. Check out Flying Starfish Studios for unique journals, notebooks, and planners.
Here's another special Packing checklist designed for families. It includes packing lists for babies and kids to ensure nothing is overlooked!
Have fun and be safe ^__^
Explore Washington:
- Seattle: Discover the Vibrant Capital of Washington
- Leavenworth – The Bavarian Village That Brings a Touch of Europe Right Here in the U.S.
- Poulsbo - Discover Washington’s "Charming Tiny Slice of Norway"
- Port Orchard - Charming Waterfront: A Perfect Weekend Getaway from Seattle
- Cherry Blossoms - Discover Less Crowded Spots in Seattle
- Oscar the Bird King - Meet His Royal Majesty on Vashon Island
- Pia the Peacemaker - Explore Bainbridge Island, try Washington's first coffee roaster!
- Frankie Feetsplinters - Located at the National Nordic Museum in Ballard
- Bruun Idun: Found in Lincoln Park, West Seattle.
- Jakob Two Trees: Located along the Rainier Trail in Issaquah.
Do you want more adventure?
- For my next adventure, we're hunting for the Best Asian Foods in Kitsap County, Washington.
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