North Kitsap Area

Overview

The North Kitsap Area hosts a wide range of unique communities including Poulsbo, Bainbridge Island, Hansville, Kingston, Port Gamble, Indianola, Little Boston, and Suquamish.

Poulsbo's historic Little Norway is one of the Kitsap Peninsula's favorite and most popular destination for visitors of all ages and interests. Front Street has galleries, museums, and shops in Poulsbo's growing Arts District. It has several waterfront restaurants overlooking the marina and waterfront park. Poulsbo is very pedestrian, child, and pet-friendly, and the community welcomes visitors for the day, overnight and for long, relaxing vacations.

Bainbridge Island is a beautiful place featuring quiet harbors and homes along the rocky shoreline and the densely forested hills. The island enjoys a wonderful combination of farms, wineries, hiking trails, scenic vistas, and local arts.

Hansville is located on the northern tip of the Kitsap Peninsula, affording sweeping views of Admiralty Inlet, Whidbey Island, and Puget Sound.

There is an abundance of wildlife viewing including whale watching at the right times and loads of bird watching. Fishermen enjoy catching salmon from the beach while taking in the views and watching the parade of marine traffic.

Kingston’s charming main street is lined with shops, pubs with local brews, and assorted restaurants. It hosts one of our important ferry terminals.

As for Port Gamble, the streets of this once bustling logging town haven't changed much since the 1850s. Today this very popular tourist destination is filled with unique textile, antique and gift shops, mouth-watering restaurants, and a historic theater. Many of the businesses are located in original New England-style homes that have been restored and preserved, along with the town's general store and stately church, shown above.

Indianola lies within the boundaries of the Port Madison Reservation. In 1916, it was a summer/weekend community only reached by steamboat. Today, it is a small, friendly rural village known as a haven for artists.

The Port Gamble S'Klallam Reservation is located on the northern tip of the Kitsap Peninsula on Port Gamble Bay, and its official tribal offices are in Little Boston. The tribe owns The Point Casino & Hotel and the world-famous, multi-acre botanical garden Heronswood.

The Suquamish are Lushootseed-speaking people (Puget Salish) who traditionally lived along the Kitsap Peninsula, including Bainbridge and Blake Island. Today, Suquamish Tribal members live on the Port Madison Indian Reservation in the reservation towns of Suquamish and Indianola. They own the beautiful Suquamish Resort & Casino.

The Suquamish people have lived along the shores of the Kitsap Peninsula for more than 10,000 years. Their name comes from the word for "clear saltwater." The Suquamish ancestors thrived by harvesting salmon and clams. Their robust culture is rich with art, dance, song, ceremony, and ritual continues to be a major contribution to Kitsap culture and diversity.

Due to the rural nature of the area, one of the most pressing challenges young people face is that of loneliness, anxiety, and depression.