Park News: New Wayfinding Signs, Early Bird Registration for Trillium Trail Run, Volunteer with Halls Hill Stewards, Earth Month Unfolding
Maybe you haven’t noticed, but there is now a smattering of new wayfinding signs on the island, guaranteed to help point you to your next spring, summer or fall hike.
“Public Trail” signs now mark many of the spots where trails meet public roadways, with more signs to be erected soon. The wayfinding program is a joint effort of the Bainbridge Island Parks & Trails Foundation, City of Bainbridge Island and Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District.
Funding is by the Parks & Trails Foundation, with sign installation by the City.
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“This new wayfinding program shows the success of our work to connect the island by trails, linking parks, neighborhoods, schools and cultural areas,” says Mary Meier, Bainbridge Island Parks & Trails Foundation executive director. “We’ve added 10 miles of public trails over the past decade, with more on the way. These signs empower islanders and visitors alike to access enjoy their public trail system.”
With nearly 50 miles of public trails on Bainbridge Island, a good hike shouldn’t be too hard to find no matter where you are.
Geographically, this is true – but the trails vary widely, from short connections within neighborhoods (like Koura-to-Yukio and Alder-to-Dingley) and between neighborhoods (Old Mill Trail, Finch-to-Weaver trail), to additional entries into parks (McRedmond Trail into Grand Forest East, or Gordon Drive into W. Port Madison Nature Preserve), to still longer, purpose-built hiking trails (the Forest-to-Sky and Blakely Hills trails).
“Very few trailheads have had signs easily visible to passing motorists and bicyclists,” Meier notes. “Many may not know about the trails they are passing by, especially narrow, less-conspicuous paths that wind off into the woods.”
“The new wayfinding signs – consistent in design, and easy to see – will point the way to the many miles of public trails enjoyed by countless residents and visitors alike each year.”
Most will be “Public Trail” and “hiker icon” signs at trail-meets-road locations, so passing motorists can watch for walkers leaving or entering the trail. Miscellaneous “To Trail” directional signs are also planned, with a third round of signs in 2027.
Support the Bainbridge Island Parks & Trails Foundation’s “Trails Connect Bainbridge Island” campaign with a gift today. Your gifts will help us complete two more trails this year – the Lost Valley Trail (nexus of a cross-island route from Winslow to Gazzam Lake) and the Waypoint Woods Gateway Trails. See www.biparksfoundation.org/build-trails.
Early Bird Registration is Now Open for Trillium Trail Run 10K/5K/Kids Fun Run, May 9
Run for the trails! The Trillium Trail Run 10K/5K and Kids Fun Run returns to Bainbridge Island Saturday, May 9, a benefit to acquire, build and maintain new Bainbridge Island trails.
The Trillium Trail Run is presented by the Bainbridge Island Parks & Trails Foundation.
Early-bird registration for the timed event is now open at www.trilliumtrail.run. Cost is $35 for the 10K run and $30 for the 5K, with all proceeds supporting trail projects on Bainbridge Island. The Kids Fun Run is free.
Runners and walkers will enjoy a scenic course from Battle Point Park, along the Forest to Sky Trail and over scenic Hilltop meadow and looping among the great firs of the Grand Forest.
The Kids Fun Run through Battle Point Park begins at 8:30 a.m. The 10K and 5K events begin at 9 a.m.
Race-day highlights include activities for kids, music and refreshments. Come for the race, stay for the fun.
Registration increases to $45 (10K) and $40 (5K) after April 9. Runners can also register day of race beginning at 8 a.m.
The 2026 Trillium Trail Run sponsors include Jason Shutt/Windermere Real Estate, Town & Country Markets, Bainbridge Youth Services, GoRun, Bainbridge Ultra Running Team, Fort Ward Parkrun, Bainbridge Prepares and the Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District. Businesses can become a race sponsor by contacting Mary Meier, mary@biparksfoundation.org or 206.842.4971.
Trillium Trail Run proceeds support the Foundation’s “Trails Connect Bainbridge Island” campaign, to acquire, build and maintain new trails around the island including the Lost Valley Trail, nexus of the east-west, cross-island trail route from Winslow to Gazzam Lake, and the Waypoint Woods gateway trail.
For race information, contact Heidi Urish at the Bainbridge Island Parks & Trails Foundation, heidi@biparksfoundation.org, or call 206-842-4971.
Join Halls Hill Stewards for Several April Events on Tap
Join the Halls Hills Stewards every first and third Tuesday this spring, at the Lookout & Labyrinth on Halls Hill Road. Bring your favorite hand pruners, loppers, work gloves and/or hand saw, or use the shared tools and gloves onsite. (No power tools please!) Bring water and dress and shoe appropriately.
Check out a Slew of Earth Month activities on tap in April by visiting: Earth Month Bainbridge Island – Sustainable Bainbridge
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One Comment
This is great. I can only hope that something is being done about the Grand Forest. I have gotten lost in there twice – once late in the afternoon, and came out on the exact opposite side of the park from my car and had to walk all the way around the park to get back to my car. I have no idea why the signage is so non-existent (perhaps it has been improved, as I no longer go there due to my past experience.) I have also heard this complaint from so many people.