BOARDWALKS, BEACH AND MOUNTAIN VIEWS

Hawley Cove Park on the north shore of Eagle Harbor near the Winslow Ferry Terminal offers some of the best views among Bainbridge waterfront parks. When Mt. Rainier is “out,” the site of Washington’s defining peak foregrounded by the gliding ferry is not to be missed.

The 12-acre park was created in 2002 with open space bond funding, bringing 600 feet of sandy shoreline, a quiet reed marsh and upland woodlands and trails into the public fold. In 2018, the Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District secured state grant funding to build 600 feet of boardwalks, improving access at both ends of the park.

The Parks Foundation played a key role throughout the project. The boardwalks were constructed using a sophisticated anchor-auger machine, purchased by the Parks Foundation with support from Rotary Club of Bainbridge Island and gifted to the Park District. The machine allowed the Park District crew to build the boardwalks without disturbing the marsh, an environmentally sound method.

The Parks Foundation also raised $20,000 to fund extra viewing platforms and benches along the boardwalk route, allowing walkers to pause and contemplate the marsh setting and enjoy the birdsong.

Together, the improvements now link the Wing Point and Hawley neighborhoods with a safe non-motorized trail connection, while affording safe year-round access to Hawley Cove’s driftwood beach, expansive tide flats and the spectacular shoreline views.