The Kitsap Peninsula National Water Trails Kitsap County (KPNWT) was created thanks to a three year effort by local partners dedicated to connecting the region’s 371 miles of shoreline for public accessible as well environmental, recreation and economic benefits. The Kitsap County Board of Commissions lead the effort and brought together a diverse group of partners who joined forces and in May 2014,  the Kitsap Peninsula Water Trails was officially designated part of the National Water Trails System by the US Department of Interior, the first in WA State and the only saltwater trail in the USA. Today, the Kitsap Peninsula is a major destination for all types of water-related activities and events. Below are links to articles and documents with more informaiton about the history and process of the KPNWT.

History & Background

KPNWT Designation Team

KPNWT Alliance

The mission of the Kitsap Peninsula National Water Trails Alliance (KPNWT)  is to collaborate with stakeholders throughout the region to maintain, grow, monitor and promote the KPNWT for the enjoyment of residents and visitors. Click here for more infomation about the Alliance.

Look for the KPNWT signs!

Shown above is on of the KPNWT access location sign used to identify an official KPNWT access location. Thanks to a grant from REI – Silverdale, there are already more than 40 signs posted at KPNWT locations. Alliance members are in the process of adding signs to locations in their areas and plans include adding an access ID number that corresponds with the new interactive map. Thank you REI! 

Dedication Ceremony

On May 2014, Sue Abbott, Community Coordinator, National Water Trails and US Parks, presented the official letter and plaque signed by Sally Jewel, Secretary of the US Dept. of Interior, designating the Kitsap Peninsula Water Trail part of the National Water Trail System.

Shown above during official dedicated ceremoney is Commissioner Ed Wolfe, Commissioner Charlotte Garrido and US State Representative Derek Kilmer. Shown below is Commissioner Rob Gelder and Suquamish Tribe Chairman, Leonard Forsman.