Description
The Grand Forest encompasses 240-acres across three parcels, with approximately 8 miles of trails in an understory of largely second growth forest which was previously a DNR (State of Washington Department of Natural Resources) tract. Interior to the Grand Forest is the Hilltop parcel, being conveyed to the District has part of multi-year grant and Bainbridge Island Land Trust fund-raising campaign. The Grand Forest was purchased through a local bond and grant funds in 1989.
The Grand Forest is a popular destination for trail users on Bainbridge Island. It has a canopy of lush firs, cedars and maples and a few giant conifers. Trails are relatively flat with few inclines and a trail surface of dirt, mulch and gravel. There is no wheelchair accessibility, currently.
Approximately 10 parking spaces are located at the parking area at Miller Road and the West Grand Forest and eight spaces are located at the East Grand Forest, Mandus Olson Road.
The West Grand Forest (121-acres) is a trail user destination with the “Main Trail” loop being a flat 1.5-mile walk with wood bridge over Issei Creek and a small pond on the eastern boundary shared with Hilltop. The rock cairn off the Ron Williamson Trillium Trail (1 mile) is also a popular stopping point. Forest to Sky Trail, McRedmond Trail and Hilltop Trail are three connecting pathways that lead from West Grand Forest to East Grand Forest. The Forest to Sky Trail is the longest (1 mile) and leads from West Grand Forest to Battle Point Park.
The North Grand Forest (39-acres) is a separate non-contiguous park parcel with similar terrain and forest canopy. For more information and partnership cooperation on the Heart of the Forest, a Bainbridge Island Land Trust non-profit campaign to link the two park tracts, see http://www.bi-landtrust.org/news.asp.
Location
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