Suquamish Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, hike/bike routes, outdoor adventures, where to stay, what to eat, and local customs in Suquamish – a cultrually rich destination in Kitsap Peninsula, Washington.


Introduction to Suquamish

Welcome to Suquamish – a charming destination nestled in Kitsap Peninsula, Washington! This quaint town offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural diversity, making it an ideal vacation spot for travelers seeking an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience.

Situated on the water’s edge of Puget Sound, Suquamish is an Indigenous community with a rich history. This picturesque town boasts stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and is surrounded by lush forests, tranquil bays, and sparkling waters, making it a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

In this comprehensive travel guide to Suquamish, we’ll take you through the best places to visit, hiking and biking routes, outdoor adventures, where to stay, what to eat, and local customs to help you plan your ultimate vacation.

List of Places to Visit in Suquamish

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Suquamish Museum – This award-winning museum is the perfect place to dive into Suquamish’s history and culture. You’ll discover artifacts, photographs, and stories that bring the community’s heritage to life.

  • Chief Seattle Grave – Chief Seattle, a famous Suquamish leader, is buried in a nearby cemetery. You can pay your respects by visiting his grave, which overlooks the Sound and Mt. Rainier.

  • Suquamish Tribal Government Campus – This campus houses a collection of historic buildings and monuments, including the House of Awakened Culture, which hosts events and art exhibits.

Natural Attractions of Suquamish: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Point No Point Lighthouse and Park – This beautiful park sits on the tip of the Kitsap Peninsula and boasts spectacular views of the Sound, the Cascade Mountains, and the Olympic Mountains. You can also explore hiking trails and wildlife.

  • Clearwater Casino Resort – This resort offers stunning waterfront views and plenty of outdoor activities, including beach walks, kayaking, and cycling.

  • Port Madison Nature Preserve – This lush reserve boasts over 1,000 acres of protected forests, wetlands, and estuary habitats, all of which are home to wildlife such as bald eagles, osprey, and great blue herons.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Suquamish

  • North Kitsap Heritage Park Trails - This extensive network of trails weaves throughout forests, meadows, and wetlands and offers breathtaking views of Hood Canal and the Olympic Mountains.

  • Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park Trails – This beautiful mature forest is perfect for hiking, biking, riding horses, or walking along the winding paths among the western red cedar and Douglas fir trees.

Best Things to Do in Suquamish: Activities and Tours

  • Kayak Tours - Paddle along the picturesque shores of Suquamish to enjoy unspoiled natural beauty while observing marine life such as seals, otters, and eagles.

  • Fishing Tours - The Puget Sound and its tributaries are a fisherman’s paradise with abundant stocks of salmon, trout, and steelhead. Guided tours are available.

  • Whale Watching Tours - Head out to sea on a whale watching tour and marvel at the sight of orca pods swimming in the Sound.

Week-Long Itinerary for Suquamish

Day 1: Suquamish Museum, Chief Seattle Grave and Suquamish Tribal Government Campus

Day 2: Point No Point Lighthouse and Park, and Clearwater Casino Resort

Day 3: Port Madison Nature Preserve, and Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park Trails

Day 4: Kayaking Tour

Day 5: Fishing Tour

Day 6: Whale Watching Tour

Day 7: Relax and enjoy the scenic views, food, and drink scene of Suquamish.

Food and Drink Scene of Suquamish

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fry bread – This traditional dish is deep-fried dough usually served with honey or jam. It is a staple of Native American cuisine.

  • Oysters – Suquamish is known for its fresh and delicious oysters. You can enjoy them raw, cooked, or in chowder.

Local Beverages

  • Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort Beach Rock Music & Sports - Sip on a variety of drinks at this beachfront cafe with breathtaking views of the Sound.

  • The Deli at Clearwater Casino Resort – Besides the delicious sandwiches, you can sample some local Washington state beers.

Where to Stay in Suquamish: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Clearwater Casino Resort – This beautiful resort boasts stunning waterfront views, luxurious rooms, and a wide range of amenities.

  • GuestHouse Suquamish – This charming, locally-owned bed and breakfast is perfect for travelers who want to experience Suquamish’s small-town charm.

What to Buy in Suquamish: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Native American handmade crafts – From handmade jewelry to pottery, Suquamish has plenty of Native American handicrafts made by locals.

Local Culture and Customs of Suquamish

  • Respect the culture and customs of the Suquamish people by learning about their history and traditions.

  • Avoid touching, taking, or handling artifacts or sacred items in the Suquamish Museum or any other cultural sites.

  • Take note of any customs or restrictions associated with practices during tribal ceremonies.

Best Time to Visit Suquamish

The best time to visit Suquamish is from June to September, when the weather is bright and sunny, making it an ideal time for outdoor adventures and cultural celebrations such as the Chief Seattle Days Festival.

Do’s and Don’ts of Suquamish

Do:

  • Respect the land and the customs of the Suquamish people.

  • Ask for permission and be respectful when taking photographs.

  • Participate in cultural events and ceremonies if you are invited to do so.

Don’t:

  • Disrespect the land or the Suquamish people by littering or damaging nature or historical landmarks.

  • Touch or take artifacts or sacred items from the Suquamish Museum or any other cultural site.

Safety and Health

Safety in Suquamish

  • Stay out of private property or culturally-sensitive areas.

  • Be aware of the tide schedule when exploring beaches to avoid being stranded on an incoming tide.

Health in Suquamish

  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated during outdoor activities.

  • Be mindful of any allergies or medical conditions that may require attention.

Getting to Suquamish: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Suquamish

  • Seattle-Tacoma International Airport – This airport is the closest major airport to Suquamish, located about 32 miles to the east.

  • Kitsap Airporter Shuttle - This shuttle service provides transportation from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Suquamish.

Bus Stations Near Suquamish

  • Kitsap Transit – This transit service provides bus transportation to the Suquamish area from the Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal.

Other Options

  • Ferry – The Washington State Ferry System offers ferry transportation from Seattle to Bainbridge Island, which is located just a short drive from Suquamish.

  • Car – You can rent a car from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Suquamish if you prefer to drive.

How to Get Around in Suquamish

  • Walk – Suquamish is a small town that can be easily explored on foot.

  • Bike – The town’s bike trails make biking a fun and eco-friendly way to get around.

  • Car – If you prefer to drive, rental cars are available from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

Where to Go Next from Suquamish: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Bainbridge Island – Located just a short drive from Suquamish, Bainbridge Island offers a charming small town vibe and is known for its farm-to-table dining and stunning waterfront views.

  • Seattle – A quick ferry ride away from Bainbridge Island, Seattle is a bustling city with an endless array of attractions, including the iconic Space Needle, the bustling Pike Place Market, and the historic Pioneer Square.

Conclusion

Suquamish is a beautiful and culturally-rich destination worth exploring. From the charming town’s natural beauty, outdoor adventures, food and drink scene, and cultural and historical attractions, Suquamish will be an unforgettable experience for any traveler seeking an authentic Pacific Northwest experience.

Chief Seattle Chief Seattle Chief Seattle's gravesite Chief Seattle's gravesite The Agate Pass Bridge connecting Suquamish to Bainbridge Island is on the National Register of Historic Places The Agate Pass Bridge connecting Suquamish to Bainbridge Island is on the National Register of Historic Places