Rich Passage

Location: Bainbridge Island, WA

Region: Puget Sound

Best Season: Year round

Difficulty: Beginner

Primary Bike Surface: Paved

Passes/Permits: None

Water Length: 3mi

Bike Length: 3.7 mi

Suggested Bike Route Map: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38108092

Recommended Trip Type: Lock-n-Paddle/Paddle-n-Unlock (what’s this?)

Parking: Fort Ward Park (Several parking spaces) and Point White Pier (~12 Parking spaces)

Description:

This is another great beginner saltwater river route on the south end of Bainbridge Island.  There are a few intermediate bailout points on the route, but most of the Bainbridge shoreline is private.  This route can have quite a bit of marine traffic with ferries and other boats on the water during the summer.  The bike ride has very nice views of expensive homes and the water.  There are good places to lock and stash your bike at both ends of the route.  Time the paddle for a large tide swing to get maximum current through Rich Passage.  It's also possible to paddle this route on the Manchester side.  It's roughly the same length between Manchester State Park and Waterman Pier.  Note: A Discover Pass is required for parking at Manchester State Park.

PRO Tip: During a flood tide be sure to plan to start your paddle at Fort Ward and finish at Pt. White Pier. During an ebb tide you will want to plan the paddle for the reverse direction. This is the beauty of this route depending on the tidal conditions the saltwater river runs both directions. The tip of Point White can create some eddy flows so it’s important to read the water to minimize fighting reverse currents.

Water Flow: https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaatidepredictions.html?id=9445938

References: https://kitsappeninsulawatertrails.com

https://biparks.org/parks-trails-finder/

Hazards: Wind, Cold water, Tidal currents, Marine Traffic, Vehicle Traffic

Disclaimer: While we strive to present accurate information, the earth is not static. Conditions change, information may become outdated, and some things you read on the internet just may not be true. If you run across any information that needs updated please Contact Us and let us know. You alone are responsible for your safety. Treat this information as a preliminary guide only. You must evaluate conditions and your experience level to determine your own safety. The authors of this website are not held responsible for your safety.