Gazzam Lake Nature Preserve
Gazzam is the southwest woods: 444.6 acres of upland forest and wetlands, the island’s second-largest undeveloped tract. A 13-acre freshwater lake in the northwest corner that has stayed mostly untouched. Trails. Quiet. Wildlife. Not a swim beach, not a playground, not a walk from the ferry.
Island-wide clocks: visitor guide.
At a glance
Address
6105 NE Marshall Road. Southwest quadrant.
Size
444.6 acres. The lake itself is about 13 acres of wetland habitat.
From Winslow
A south-end drive. Not a walk. Car, or a booked ride.
How long
An hour or more on the trail. This is not a 20-minute overlook.
Maps
Park District printable maps: biparks.org.
Directions
Address and map: Gazzam Lake listing. This page is how to visit.
It is a preserve, not a beach day.
The lake is habitat. Come for woods and a quiet shoreline view. If you want to swim, that is Lytle or the dock at Hawley Cove — different parks, different water.
Lake and trails
Island residents voted in 1995 to buy the first 318 acres. Later additions (Peter’s, Close, Veterane) brought it to 444.6. Trails run the woods. The lake sits in the northwest corner. Expect roots, mud after rain, and more birds than people on a weekday. This is not a swimming hole and it is not Grand Forest’s easy 1.5-mile loop — give it a real walk.
Bring real shoes. Print the Park District map or screenshot it — cell service in the trees is not a plan.
Getting there from the ferry
The Seattle ferry lands you in Winslow. Gazzam is southwest, past Lynwood and Fort Ward. There is no tourist bus. BI Ride (cheap Kitsap Transit) is not a promise to Marshall Road. Book a taxi, Uber, or Lyft and the ride back, or bring a car.
What else that day
Natural pair: Lynwood Center for lunch after the woods, or Fort Ward if you want shoreline next. Do not add Bloedel. One outdoor thing plus food is a full south-end day.
The Explore Bainbridge app
Live ferry, map from the dock, itineraries. Free. Download it on the boat. explorebainbridge.com.
FAQ
Where is Gazzam Lake?
Gazzam Lake Nature Preserve, 6105 NE Marshall Road, southwest island. 444.6 acres of forest and wetlands. Not a walk from the ferry.
Can I swim in Gazzam Lake?
Treat it as a wildlife wetland, not a swim beach. The 13-acre lake is a freshwater habitat that has stayed largely undeveloped. Trails and quiet are the point.
How long should I spend?
Give it a real walk — an hour or more once you are on the trail. This is not a 20-minute add-on between shops.
Do I need a car?
Yes, or a booked ride. BI Ride is not a promise to this gate. Pair it with Lynwood or Fort Ward if you already chose the south end. Not with Bloedel on a short clock.