If you want to escape the burbs, or the busy life around Seattle- head to Silverdale! This lovely town is centrally located on the Kitsap Peninsula. I've explored the area from top to bottom, and side to side, ha! There is a lot of nature to explore, and endless trails for walking and hiking. Oh and I can't forget to mention: You will love the breathtaking views of the snowcapped Olympics, and Sinclair Inlet.
I was just a bit excited to go for a walk on a balmy, winter day! Clear Creek Trail is a big hit with residents of Kitsap County, and others who visit from out of town. It's crazy, I've lived in the west sound for over 30 years and have walked this trail, only twice! Here are some tips for visiting and facts you may be interested in.
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ARRIVE EARLYLast week on Martin Luther King day, I decided it was time for a visit again. Most of the time ,the parking here is a big pain. There is a good sized lot at the head of the trail, but is always overflowing. There is some parking available along side of the road, but I still recommend arriving early in the day. In spring and summer the trail is packed of course. It may be a good idea to wake up with the chickens, and start trekking early!
WHAT TO WEAR
As you might already know, the weather in Western Washington can be just down right crazy! There can be wind and rain one minute, and sunny and calm the next. The Kitsap Peninsula is no exception to the rule. For the 2nd week of January, it was an unusually warm day. It was a balmy 65, and calm as can be. It was however a bit mucky, and wet on the trail. A good pair of waterproof tennis shoes, layers you can peel off, and a rainproof jacket will serve you well.
BE MINDFUL OF WILDLIFE
Clear Creek trail is not heavily wooded, it's quite the opposite. However, there could be creatures lurking in the trenches, so just beware! As we know, most wildlife will shy away from humans, and only come out at night. There are isn't much to fear here, but bears and coyote have been seen. Other fun creatures you may encounter are:
- Raccoons
- Deer
- Fox
- Muskrat
- Mice
- Rats
- Birds
- Salmon
VOLUNTEER
If you live nearby, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer. Keeping scotch broom and blackberries from overtaking the place is a big problem. Trash clean up is always needed, and people to help out with the "Salmon in the classroom" program.
SALMON IN THE CLASSROOM
I'm an educator, and am so happy how this program has benefited local schools. It's exciting to see kids get excited about the environment they live in. Each year, hundreds of students in Kitsap County are educated about the life cycle of the salmon.
The program was originally started by the Kiwanis Club, but it got too big for them to handle. Now several agencies are involved to make sure this experience continues. Clean Water Kitsap, Kitsap Public Utilities, Kitsap Public Health District, and the Suquamish Tribe help out with running the program each year.
The eggs are hatched on site at each school, and the life cycle is studied in the classroom. Later in the spring, field trips are planned to release the salmon into the creek. The fish run from late September through November, this time can vary. Most of the salmon wait until their is a lot of rainfall, before entering the creek.
Types of salmon occupying the creek are Chum, Chinook, and Coho. The environment at this creek makes it difficult for the salmon to survive. It's because of the runoff from some of the surrounding areas. Luckily, many of them do manage to survive and spawn.
Types of salmon occupying the creek are Chum, Chinook, and Coho. The environment at this creek makes it difficult for the salmon to survive. It's because of the runoff from some of the surrounding areas. Luckily, many of them do manage to survive and spawn.
Where is your favorite place to hike, or explore nature?
This is an amazing post Valerie! I wish I were there right now! Happy almost weekend!
ReplyDeleteCheryl
https://www.northwestmountainliving.com
Awe thank you so much Cheryl, its a beautiful place, come back and visit..yes I am sooo ready!!
DeleteHave a great one!
Val
Nice outdoor post and topic :) I liked reading this. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you , I am happy you enjoyed it, have a great day!
DeleteLooks like an amazing place to appreciate the nature around us. Will have to keep it on my list for the next time I am in the PNW!
ReplyDeleteOh great..glad you are close enough to check it out! This area is so great for hiking!
DeleteThat looks like such a great little walk to take on a day off! It's awesome that it would be good for people of all ages too! xo, Brittany | www.theblistblog.com
ReplyDeleteYes ...a nice way to spend a few hours in nature, thanks so much Brittany!xo
DeleteI used to live in Minnesota many years ago. There were similar trails there that I liked to hike.
ReplyDeleteVery cool Willow, my good friend at Work is from Mn, have a great day!
DeleteWish I looked this fashionable while hiking but I always look like a hot mess. Great stuff.
ReplyDeleteAwe thank you Ms. Kelly, get yourself out here for a visit, so I can take you to all the cool spots around Seattle!
DeleteThe salmon hatching process is fascinating. Thanks for sharing. It must be so fun to go through it with the kids.
ReplyDeleteThanks Taryn, it is pretty cool!
DeleteThis is a nice place to spend a day in middle of nature. Looks like very peaceful.
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed, if only the sun would shine a little more often, ha ha
DeleteI'm from Washington too but have never heard of this place! Always happy to discover new PNW outings, and appreciate your great tips for visiting!
ReplyDeleteYes Kitsap is very off the beaten path, just come west 4o min from Tacoma...not hard to find.. Thanks and glad it was helpful!
DeleteI love hiking where I can see wildlife. This looks like a beautiful area that wouldn't be too hard for anyone to hike. Love that all of those groups get involved in the classroom.
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DeleteI do too, thanks so much for stopping by, the salmon spawning is an awesome
process in nature!
What a wonderful place is this,thanks share for about this i'm sure that here Mark Hutchinson wildlife will be too beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a beautiful area that wouldn't be too hard for anyone to hike. Mark Hutchinson is a very experience man which is working in wild life field from many years.
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