The best walks and hikes around Belfair

The Green Mountain via Davis and Gold Creek Trail offers a diverse hiking experience, starting through lush forests of Douglas firs and ferns before ascending into more rugged terrain. You'll cross charming streams and bridges, eventually reaching a notable "timber-cut area" that provides sweeping panoramas of the Olympic Mountains and Hood Canal. The trail's varied landscape keeps things interesting, from well-maintained paths to sections with climbing switchbacks and natural obstacles.

This moderate 6.3-mile (10.1 km) hike involves a steady 1000 feet (305 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 3 hours to complete. A Washington Discover Pass is required for access, so plan ahead. The trail is generally accessible year-round, with spring and summer offering vibrant greenery, but it's always wise to check conditions and arrive early for parking, especially on busy days.

What makes this route stand out is its blend of natural beauty and a satisfying challenge, culminating in summit views that can include Mount Rainier and the Seattle skyline. The area also holds historical significance, with evidence of Native American presence and early logging roads. It's a shared-use trail, popular with hikers, horses, and dirt bikers, offering a dynamic outdoor experience in Kitsap County.

The Twanoh State Park Loop offers a delightful and accessible forest experience, tracing the gurgling Twanoh Creek through a vibrant ecosystem of mature Douglas firs and cedars. You'll wander through wide expanses of ferns, ascend through multiple forest levels, and even catch occasional peekaboo views of the Hood Canal. It's a diverse journey that feels much more secluded than its location suggests, perfect for a quick nature immersion.

This easy 2.0-mile (3.2 km) hiking route involves 374 feet (114 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking just under an hour to complete. The trail's footing is well-maintained, making it a good option even in winter. Parking is readily available at Twanoh State Park, and no special permits are needed, so you can easily plan a visit any time of year.

Twanoh State Park holds historical significance as one of Washington's oldest state parks, featuring remarkably preserved Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) architecture. The trail itself provides a unique opportunity to observe salmon spawning in the fall along Twanoh Creek and explore a forest with large trees spared from 1890s logging. It's a quiet gem, despite the park's popularity, offering a peaceful escape.

The Theler Wetlands Trails offer a serene and picturesque journey through diverse ecosystems, including tidal wetlands, salt marshes, and forested areas. You'll wander along flat, well-maintained paths and boardwalks, with highlights like the Union River Estuary and observation decks providing panoramic views of the wetlands and Hood Canal. This easy 2.5-mile (4.0 km) hike, with only 27 feet (8 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 1 minute, making it a perfect, family friendly outing for wildlife viewing.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trails are suitable for hiking year-round. While the paths are generally accessible, some sections can become muddy after rain, so waterproof footwear is recommended. The Theler Wetlands Trails parking and access are convenient, and the entire preserve is ADA accessible, welcoming visitors of all mobility levels.

Beyond the scenic beauty, the Theler Wetlands are a haven for biodiversity, considered one of Washington's best birdwatching sites, especially for seasonal wildlife viewing. You might spot herons, eagles, and various waterfowl, alongside deer and otters. The Salmon Center and interpretive signs along the Sweetwater Creek Trail also offer educational insights into estuary ecology and salmon conservation.

The Overland OHV Loop Trail offers a unique opportunity to explore remote, rugged landscapes, often featuring panoramic vistas from high points. You'll traverse varied terrain, from dirt roads to rocky sections and even sandy or muddy stretches, passing through ancient canyons and potentially a sea of saguaro cactus, depending on the specific location. It's a demanding route that rewards hikers with a sense of adventure and a desire to get off the beaten path.

This difficult 25.4-mile (40.8 km) loop, with 1540 feet (469 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 10 hours and 55 minutes to complete. Since these are shared-use trails, be prepared for motorized traffic and conditions that can change rapidly, such as becoming slick after rain. While specific parking and access points vary, you'll generally find trailheads in remote areas, so plan your logistics carefully and consider the best season for your visit.

What makes the Overland OHV Loop Trail notable is its ability to connect diverse geographical features and provide access to vast, undeveloped areas that might otherwise be unreachable. These routes embody the spirit of self-reliant adventure, offering opportunities for dispersed camping and excellent stargazing due to minimal light pollution. It's an experience for those who appreciate the journey as much as the destination, exploring landscapes often rich in geological history.

The Green Mountain via Gold Creek Trail offers a delightful escape into lush forest and panoramic vistas, all within a manageable timeframe. You'll wind through towering firs and hemlocks, with the forest floor carpeted in ferns, before ascending to viewpoints that reveal the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. The trail's diverse terrain, from well-maintained paths to steeper sections near the top, provides a varied and engaging experience for hikers.

To plan your visit, remember that a Discover Pass is essential for parking at the trailhead within Green Mountain State Forest. The trail is accessible year-round, rarely experiencing snow, which makes it a reliable choice for a quick outdoor adventure. While generally considered an easy hike, the 1.9-mile (3.1 km) route with 828 feet (252 metres) of elevation gain will give you a good workout in about 1 hour and 3 minutes.

This trail is a standout for its stunning vistas, offering glimpses of the Seattle skyline and Cascade Range from its 1,588-foot summit on clear days. It's also a hub of biodiversity, with opportunities to spot black-tailed deer and various bird species. The multi-use nature of the Green Mountain State Forest means you might encounter other outdoor enthusiasts, adding to the dynamic atmosphere of this popular Washington hiking trail.