Map of Kitsap Peninsula

Description: This map shows cities, towns, counties, ferry routes, interstate highways, U.S. highways, state highways, main roads, secondary roads, rivers, lakes, airports, and points of interest on Kitsap Peninsula.

Description: This map shows marinas, docks, acces sites, acces sites with boat ramp, acces sites with camping, paddle routes, shore dive sites, boat dive sites on Kitsap Peninsula.

The Kitsap Peninsula is a peninsula located in western Washington State, bounded by the Hood Canal to the west, Puget Sound to the east, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the north. The peninsula is coterminous with Kitsap County and represents a significant geographic and demographic region within the greater Puget Sound area.

Geography

The peninsula covers approximately 566 square miles and features a complex shoreline with numerous bays, inlets, and harbors. Its terrain consists of rolling hills, forests, and waterfront areas. The highest point reaches approximately 500 feet above sea level. The peninsula is separated from the Olympic Peninsula by the Hood Canal and from the Seattle metropolitan area by Puget Sound.

Military Presence

Naval installations constitute a defining characteristic of the Kitsap Peninsula. Naval Base Kitsap, formed in 2004 through the consolidation of several facilities, is one of the largest naval installations in the United States. It includes Naval Submarine Base Bangor, which houses a fleet of Trident ballistic missile submarines, and Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, the Pacific Northwest's premier naval maintenance facility. These installations employ thousands of military personnel and civilian workers, making the military the peninsula's largest employer.

Communities

Bremerton is the largest city on the peninsula and serves as the county seat of Kitsap County. Other incorporated cities include Poulsbo, known for its Scandinavian heritage, Port Orchard, Bainbridge Island, and Bremerton. The peninsula also contains numerous unincorporated communities. Bainbridge Island, while technically separate, is often considered part of the greater Kitsap Peninsula region due to its proximity and ferry connections.

Transportation and Connectivity

Ferry service plays a crucial role in connecting the peninsula to the broader Puget Sound region. Washington State Ferries operates routes from Bremerton and Kingston to Seattle, and from Southworth to West Seattle. These ferry routes are essential for commuters and commerce. State Route 16 serves as the primary highway corridor, connecting to Tacoma via the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.

Economy and Demographics

Beyond military employment, the economy includes maritime industries, healthcare, retail, and tourism. The peninsula has experienced residential growth as people seek more affordable housing compared to Seattle while maintaining access through ferry service. The population of Kitsap County exceeds 270,000 residents. The area attracts retirees, military families, and commuters who work in Seattle or Tacoma but prefer the peninsula's smaller-town atmosphere and natural beauty.

Regions of Washington State