Recently folks in the north end of Kitsap were asking for itineraries to advertize to promote tourism in our area. As I thought about this request, I realized that one very special thing here is the many nature activities we have to choose from right in our own backyards.

The wonderful kayak trip we took recently was a simple paddle at high tide from the Kingston Marina to Arness Park, under the Stillwaters Fish Passage Bridge and on into the Carpenter Creek Estuary (fondly known by some as “the slough”). It was magical!

With the birds calling, and particularly the kingfishers swooping, we paddled slowly in and out of the large trees lying in the water on both sides of the channel between the east and west lobes of the estuary. There was a happy yellow dog paddling back and forth in the channel with us. Glad he or she shared the waterway, which was clearly her playground! We could see crabs, schools of perch and other kinds of fish darting in and out of the various shallows.

Entering the eastern lobe, which you can see from West Kingston Road, you could feel you were in the wilderness (except for the sounds of other kayak and paddle boarders). It was quite and there was only a hint of breeze where there had been a nice breeze in Appletree Cove. At water level, you see very different vegetation than you see from the shore. Again, fish and birds were everywhere. It was also clear that you could spend a lot of time exploring every nook and cranny if you had a mind too.

Not interested in kayaking? Well, how about a short (or long, at low tide) walk down to the beach at North Beach. This beach is just north of the Kingston ferry terminal holding area. It has a walkway down from the traffic light at Old Kingston Hotel building that descends with steps down to the beach. This beach is wide and inviting.

Poking around the rock rip rap you will discover a myriad of aquatic life — from starfish (red, purple, yellow sea stars), sea anemones and many seaweeds like Turkish Towel (a stubbly red one), to chitons, ancient creatures with their armored plates. Walking along the beach to the big rock, you will see many mussels, barnacles and other creatures. Eelgrass beds at the lower tidal area harbor young crabs, shrimp and fish. Horse clams and geoducks squirt at you as you walk by.

Another fantastic short adventure is on Twin Spits Road, 2.8 miles from Hansville core. There you will find a Nature Conservancy property called Foulweather Bluff Preserve. It is open to the public during daylight hours and includes forest, coastal brackish marsh, and beach. The preserve is on the left as you drive north.

Parking is on the dirt road shoulder and the trail access is found between two “no parking dusk-to-dawn” signs. A short winding walk through towering native western red cedars, Douglas firs, and alders leads to the Hood Canal with an expansive beach and high bluffs to explore. You can stand on the large wood along the beach and peer into the brackish marsh that you had glimpses of as you walked through the forest.  Birds abound in the marsh and in Hood Canal. This is a birder’s paradise any time of the year.

So when we have a few hours to spare, we have a lot of choices for wonderful adventures close to home!

— Contact Betsy Cooper at betsycooper1@gmail.com