View and print a map and guide to Poulsbo’s City Parks

Centennial Park Arboretum

Centennial Park was dedicated in 2008 in celebration of the city’s first 100 years. In 2018, community volunteers and organizations including Western Washington University Huxley College of the Environment spent many hours improving the site by building soft surface trails, restoring riparian habitat along 400’ of Dogfish Creek, and creating new interpretive signage. This park is the site of a former nursery, so many unique and beautiful trees were already flourishing in the park. The Poulsbo Tree Board worked with others to enhance the Centennial Park Arboretum in 2019-2020 with the planting of an additional 17 trees and tree identification signage.

We invite you to enjoy the walk, and hope that your appreciation of trees in the community will be enhanced. The value of trees is endless, and everyone profits from the beauty and benefits that they bring.

Funds for this project were provided by the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program, administered through the State of Washington Department of Natural Resources Urban and Community Forestry program; and the City of Poulsbo.

Click here for the map for the Self-Guided Tour of the Centennial Park Arboretum

Poulsbo’s Fish Park 

Our mission is to reserve Poulsbo’s Fish Park as a reflective place to provide quiet public enjoyment of the rich native plant and animal habitat as a reminder of our natural heritage.

• Fish Park Brochure and Trail Map
  • A 40-acre nature park in the city with 13 different trail offerings
  • What can I expect to see while visiting the park?
    • Trails: Please stay on trails, enjoying 2 miles of gravel and boardwalk. Trail signage takes you on different loops throughout the park (see map).
    • Bridges: One concrete and five wooden pedestrian bridges will take you to different parts of the park and up to Viking Avenue or Bond Road.
    • Viewpoints: Six viewing platforms provide for unique views of the Liberty Bay estuary and Dogfish Creek.
    • Wildlife: Different kinds of wildlife live or pass through the park, including birds, mammals, bats, fish, and reptiles.
    • Interpretive Signage: 14 educational signs outline a variety of topics at the park.
  • Poulsbo’s Fish Park is a nature park in the middle of a growing, busy city. Using grant funds, this project began in 2002 with the purchase of 13 acres for just over $1 million dollars. The ongoing development has been successful using city dollars, state and federal grants, the Suquamish Tribe, property donations, various service clubs, and extensive volunteer support. The Poulsbo Fish Park citizen steering committee continues to plan and fundraise for future park development. Their time and commitment to the project is never-ending. Four property donations have added 21 acres to this open space park, and property purchases through grants on the east side of the estuary in 2011 and 2014 have expanded this park into a 40 acre urban nature park on both sides of the estuary.

Volunteer!

Please join members of Poulsbo’s Fish Park Steering Committee to do needed park tasks.  These stewardship activities add value to our community, both in commitment and matching time for state grants.  These events are great for the whole family, school groups or church groups. Dates and times vary. If you would like to be added to the monthly notification about these opportunities, please send your email to: Rachel at rcornette@poulsbo.gov.

The Poulsbo Pump Track is OPEN and ready for YOU!  Located at 20503 Little Valley Road in Poulsbo, the track is home to a variety of rolling hills, jumps and fun.  All age and ability levels from beginners to advanced will enjoy this track using a mountain, dirt, BMX or any other kind of non motorized bike you have. Pump tracks are compact looping trail systems made up of small dirt hills and curves. Once in the loop, bikers only have to pump their handlebars to maintain their momentum through the course. This is a free course, operated by the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance.

Click the link to read the annual report from the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance:

• 2017 Pump Track Report
• 2018 Pump Track Report

Poulsbo Parks and Recreation has two gardening experiences for gardeners at Raab Park!

The 54 plots at the Raab Park Community P-Patch are available for rent beginning March 1 of each year.

The WSU-Kitsap Extension Office and Master Gardener volunteers maintain and provide the Children’s Demonstration Garden at Raab Park. The Monday summer program runs June-August.

Raab Park Community Garden (P-Patch)

 

The goal of this program is to provide community organic gardening space for the public. The P-Patch has 54 sunny garden plots available for rent each year in three sizes. Information and resources on organic gardening are provided as well as many hand tools and gardening implements. Produce may not be sold, but may be shared or donated to a food bank. If you are a new gardener, EMAIL or call Poulsbo Parks and Recreation at (360) 779-9898 to be added to the waitlist after January 3. Returning gardeners will have until February 28 to reserve their plot. Those on the waitlists will be called within the first two weeks of March to have their plots assigned.

The P-Patch common spaces are managed entirely by volunteers. Volunteers are also needed during the summer to do vacation watering. Please let staff know at registration if you are able to help with these tasks.

Raab Park Youth Garden

The Raab Park Youth Garden is a partnership between the City of Poulsbo Parks and Recreation and the WSU-Kitsap Master Gardeners. The Garden began in 1997 through the combined efforts of both partners and funding from local service organizations and grants. The continued improvement of the garden and success of the children’s program is supported by the work of WSU Master Gardeners, the Poulsbo Garden Club, the Master Gardener Foundation of Kitsap County, Suquamish Tribe, Poulsbo Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs, Home Depot, Valley Nursery, and community volunteers.  The purpose of the garden is to involve children, families, and the public in learning about sustainable gardening. In addition to participating in crafts, learning, and fun, the food harvested by the children goes to Fishline Food Bank.

Veterans Plaza at American Legion Park

Poulsbo Post 245 passed a major milestone with the completion of the Veterans Plaza in August 2019.  The Plaza was built on the site of a former small parking lot above American Legion Park.  The land for this park was donated to the American Legion by Selmer Myerboe, a World War I veteran and serves as the city’s waterfront park in downtown Poulsbo The Plaza evolved from a concept drawing to reality in a little two years.  In 2017, members of the post debated ideas to celebrate the American Legion Centennial and a plan and design for the plaza was developed.  With the endorsement of the mayor and city council, the park moved forward.   Funds for construction were raised by the sale of engraved pavers.

Many people and entities lent a hand donating time and resources including Post members, volunteer Active Duty military members and members from the Noon Lions Club as well as local contractors.  Donor bricks are still available by visiting https://www.bricksrus.com/order/americanlegionpark/  – Dan Phillips, Past Commander, Poulsbo Post 245

Poulsbo Pollinator Project

The Poulsbo Pollinator Project (P3) launched in spring 2024 as a collaborative effort between Poulsbo Parks & Recreation, Hilder Pearson Elementary’s Anchored 4 Life Club and student leadership team, and the Poulsbo Rotary Club. The first community planting took place at Veteran’s Plaza in American Legion Park along Front Street in April 2024. With support from Crown Bees in Woodinville, students also installed four Orchard Mason Bee houses, which they maintain annually.
Fall planting parties in late 2024 expanded the pollinator corridor with help from the Poulsbo Garden Club, Poulsbo Rotary, and community volunteers. These efforts introduced mostly native, pollinator-friendly plants into city parks.

Hundreds of plants were added in 2025 and will take time to establish. These areas will continue to grow and fill in, with future plantings enhancing pathways and expanding existing and new locations. For an established pollinator habitat, visit the Raab Park WSU Master Gardener Learning Garden.

Over the next year, explore these pollinator-friendly spaces:
• American Legion Park (Front Street)
• Waterfront Park Pollinator Pathway (near the renovated picnic area)
• City Hall Pathway

For more information on the project and for a list of resources on how you can support the effort in your own backyard or balcony, click HERE

The Urban Paths of Poulsbo Plan was conceived as a trail plan to connect neighborhoods, parks, shopping and schools, and then link to regional trail systems leading from the city and into Kitsap County and beyond. Urban Paths of Poulsbo highlights the need for non-motorized options with the community. The plan was originally developed from 2009-2011 and adopted in 2012.

Under the leadership of the Poulsbo Park and Recreation Commission, the Urban Paths of Poulsbo was updated in 2018 and presented to the Poulsbo City Council in October. The final plan was adopted as part of the 2019 Comprehensive Plan updates.

• 2018 Updated Urban Paths of Poulsbo
• Existing Facilities Map
• UPP Priorities Map

For more information please contact:

Jeff Ozimek, Poulsbo Parks and Recreation Director
 EMAIL, 360.394.9774.
200 NE Moe Street
Poulsbo, WA 98370

Trail Typologies

 City of Poulsbo Trail Maps:

• Downtown Loop Trail Map
  • The Downtown Loop features mountain and bay views as it meanders through the historic down-town district. Climb the Moe Street Path behind City Hall for a quiet, scenic respite, take a break on Front Street to shop or grab a treat, or add the additional blue loop for more distance. The best access points are located at Lions Park, Waterfront Park, the Moe Street Path and American Legion Park.
  • Distance : 1.6 miles (orange) | 2.2 miles (with blue loop added)
  • Elevation Gain : 162”
  • Trail Type: Paved/Dirt

• School Loop Trail Map
  • The School Loop offers two options:
    • The longer loop is entirely paved. Depart from the high school parking lot heading north on Caldart, then east along Mesford. Stop, sit and listen to the birds sing in Rotary Morrow Park and head south on Noll Rd. Finish by following Hostmark back to the departure point.
    • A shorter route is possible by heading south from Mesford via the gravel trail across school grounds
  • Distance : 1.63 miles/ .94mile
  • Elevation Gain : 107ft/58ft
  • Trail Type: Paved/Gravel Trail
• Forest Rock Hills Park Loop Trail Map
  • This short family-friendly route features a playground, wooded trails with picnic facilities, and sidewalk pathways with spectacular mountain views. The access point is located at the park entrance at the north end of 12th Ave NE.
  • Distance : 0.63miles
  • Elevation Gain : 52’
  • Trail Type: Paved/Wooded Trail
• Extended Park to Park Loop Trail Map
  • The Park to Park loop is a trail that connects Raab Park and Wilderness Park. The path is half paved and half wil-derness with some challenging elevation gains through the park areas and along Caldart Avenue. Although this loop can be accessed from several points, the best trail access points are located at Raab Park or by parking at North Kitsap High School and crossing Caldart Avenue to access the Wilderness Park Trailhead.
  • For additional distance and variety add the Crossroads Rotary Trail, walk the 1/3 mile internal Raab Park perimeter trail, or visit nearby Austurbruin Park.
  • Distance: 1.56 mile
  • Elevation Gain: 239’
  • Trail Type: Paved/Wooded Trail /Dirt
• Park to Park Loop Trail Map
  • Park to Park loop is a trail that connects Raab Park and Wilderness Park. The path is half paved and half wilderness with some challenging elevation gains through the park areas and along Caldart Avenue. Although this loop can be accessed from several points, the best trail access points are located at Raab Park or by parking at North Kitsap High School and crossing Caldart Avenue to access the Wilderness Park Trailhead.
  • Distance: 1.56 mile Elevation Gain: 239′
  • Trail Type: Wooded/Dirt/Paved
    

Poulsbo’s Fish Park 

Our mission is to reserve Poulsbo’s Fish Park as a reflective place to provide quiet public enjoyment of the rich native plant and animal habitat as a reminder of our natural heritage.

• Fish Park Brochure and Trail Map
  • A 40-acre nature park in the city with 13 different trail offerings
  • What can I expect to see while visiting the park?
    • Trails: Please stay on trails, enjoying 2 miles of gravel and boardwalk. Trail signage takes you on different loops throughout the park (see map).
    • Bridges: One concrete and five wooden pedestrian bridges will take you to different parts of the park and up to Viking Avenue or Bond Road.
    • Viewpoints: Six viewing platforms provide for unique views of the Liberty Bay estuary and Dogfish Creek.
    • Wildlife: Different kinds of wildlife live or pass through the park, including birds, mammals, bats, fish, and reptiles.
    • Interpretive Signage: 14 educational signs outline a variety of topics at the park.
  • Poulsbo’s Fish Park is a nature park in the middle of a growing, busy city. Using grant funds, this project began in 2002 with the purchase of 13 acres for just over $1 million dollars. The ongoing development has been successful using city dollars, state and federal grants, the Suquamish Tribe, property donations, various service clubs, and extensive volunteer support. The Poulsbo Fish Park citizen steering committee continues to plan and fundraise for future park development. Their time and commitment to the project is never-ending. Four property donations have added 21 acres to this open space park, and property purchases through grants on the east side of the estuary in 2011 and 2014 have expanded this park into a 40 acre urban nature park on both sides of the estuary.

For more information about Fish Park or to inquire about volunteer opportunities, please contact: Rachel Cornette, Parks Coordinator at 360.394.9772. rcornette@cityofpoulsbo.com.

Centennial Park Arboretum

Centennial Park was dedicated in 2008 in celebration of the city’s first 100 years. In 2018, community volunteers and organizations including Western Washington University Huxley College of the Environment spent many hours improving the site by building soft surface trails, restoring riparian habitat along 400’ of Dogfish Creek, and creating new interpretive signage. This park is the site of a former nursery, so many unique and beautiful trees were already flourishing in the park. The Poulsbo Tree Board worked with others to enhance the Centennial Park Arboretum in 2019-2020 with the planting of an additional 17 trees and tree identification signage.

We invite you to enjoy the walk, and hope that your appreciation of trees in the community will be enhanced. The value of trees is endless, and everyone profits from the beauty and benefits that they bring.

Funds for this project were provided by the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program, administered through the State of Washington Department of Natural Resources Urban and Community Forestry program; and the City of Poulsbo.

Click here for the map for the Self-Guided Tour of the Centennial Park Arboretum

Veterans Plaza at American Legion Park

Poulsbo Post 245 passed a major milestone with the completion of the Veterans Plaza in August 2019.  The Plaza was built on the site of a former small parking lot above American Legion Park.  The land for this park was donated to the American Legion by Selmer Myerboe, a World War I veteran and serves as the city’s waterfront park in downtown Poulsbo The Plaza evolved from a concept drawing to reality in a little two years.  In 2017, members of the post debated ideas to celebrate the American Legion Centennial and a plan and design for the plaza was developed.  With the endorsement of the mayor and city council, the park moved forward.   Funds for construction were raised by the sale of engraved pavers.

Many people and entities lent a hand donating time and resources including Post members, volunteer Active Duty military members and members from the Noon Lions Club as well as local contractors.  Donor bricks are still available by visiting https://www.bricksrus.com/order/americanlegionpark/  – Dan Phillips, Past Commander, Poulsbo Post 245

The Poulsbo Tree Board advises the Mayor and City Council on issues related to trees in the city, and educates residents on the value of healthy trees and forests.

Click here to learn more about the Tree Board and their and their goals.

What is the Heritage Tree Program?

American Elm at Fish Park

The City of Poulsbo has been a Tree City since 1997 as recognized by the National Arbor Day Foundation. The goal of the City of Poulsbo Heritage Tree Program is to find and give official recognition of trees that are significant within our community, whether on public or private property. The older, more mature, trees are the most important elements in the tree canopy. The city believes that by providing recognition of these trees, citizens stay connected to the important historical events that have shaped our past and monuments that give the City its special character. The aesthetic and environmental benefit and the contribution of the trees in our urban forest is a notable element of that character.

PURPOSE

The purpose of the program is to:

• Increase public awareness of the environmental benefit of Heritage Trees, trees in general and specifically the tree canopy in Poulsbo’s urban forest.
• Reinforce that trees are one of the key components of our City’s unique character and sense of space.
• Draw attention to and educate the public about protecting unique and significant Heritage Trees.
• Encourage public participation in the identification and perpetuation of heritage trees throughout the City now and for generations to come.
• Establish a process of designating Heritage Trees located on either public or private property.
• Encourage proper maintenance, care and protection of Heritage Trees.
• Engage citizens with the purpose of the City of Poulsbo Tree Board and the urban forestry program.
• Recognize that Heritage Trees planted by our early settlers represent a portal to our past.

DEFINITION AND CRITERIA

A “Heritage Tree” is a tree or collection of trees that is acknowledged and valued for unique characteristics that set it apart from other similar trees. A Heritage Tree may be designated according to the following criteria:

• Has historical significance related to a person, place or event.
• Has attained significant size in height, caliper or canopy spread for its age and species.
• Is prominently visible to the public along roads or public places.
• Has a special Aesthetic quality for its species.
• Possesses rare horticultural value.
• Is not a nuisance, hazard or obstruction.
• This program is by owner consent. The owner, in the case of a tree on private property, must agree to the Heritage Tree designation.

• Poulsbo’s Fish Park Trail & Walking Map
• Significant Trees of Poulsbo Walk
• Downtown Poulsbo Walking Map 
• Kitsap Water Trails Information
• Downtown Poulsbo Parking Map