Kitsap County, Washington

Kitsap County juts out into Puget Sound, just a ferry ride away from Seattle. It’s a peninsula with plenty of coastline, and the Navy has a major presence here. You’ll even see submarines in the waters around Bremerton.

But it’s not all military. Bainbridge Island draws day-trippers and wine tasters, while other parts of the county have a rural feel with forests and farms. Outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking are also popular around the area.

The county is named after Chief Kitsap of the Suquamish Tribe, whose legacy remains an important part of the region’s history. You can also visit the grave of Chief Seattle on the Port Madison Indian Reservation. It’s a place where history and modern life mix in interesting ways.

CategoryDetails
County NameKitsap County
County SeatPort Orchard
EtymologyNamed after Chief Kitsap of the Suquamish Tribe
Cities, Towns, and CommunitiesBremerton, Bainbridge Island, Poulsbo, Port Orchard, Silverdale
Interstates and HighwaysWA-3, WA-16, WA-104
FIPS Code53-035
Total Area (Land and Water)566 sq mi (Land: 395 sq mi; Water: 171 sq mi)
Adjacent Counties (and Direction)Island County (Northeast), Snohomish County (East), King County (Southeast), Pierce County (South), Mason County (Southwest), Jefferson County (Northwest)
Time ZonePacific Time Zone (PT)
PopulationApproximately 280,000
StateWashington
Coordinates47.6477° N, 122.6413° W
Major LandmarksPuget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bainbridge Island Historical Museum, Manchester State Park

PHYSICAL MAP

Kitsap County Topographic Map

Kitsap County is shaped by water. Puget Sound surrounds the eastern side, while Hood Canal borders the west. Elevation stays modest, but the landscape is hilly, forested, and filled with hidden coves and inlets. Bainbridge Island is part of the county too, adding even more coastline.

TRANSPORTATION MAP

Kitsap County Road Map

Kitsap County has no interstates, but ferries handle a big part of the transportation. State routes weave across the peninsula, with SR 3 running north-south through the heart of the county. Although some areas feel tucked away, you’re never too far from the water. Use our zoom tool to explore the county’s mix of roads.

SATELLITE IMAGERY

Kitsap County Satellite Map

It’s mostly green around here. As you can see in our satellite image, forests dominate much of the landscape, while shipyards and towns stand out along the shoreline. Water cuts deep into the land, making the county look almost more like an archipelago than a peninsula.

OUTLINE MAP

Kitsap County Blank Map

Kitsap County has a jagged shape that looks a little disconnected. Puget Sound wraps around the eastern side, while the county is divided between the mainland and Bainbridge Island. It also includes Blake Island in the southeast. With water bordering nearly every side, the coastline plays a major role in the county’s shape.

Washington County Map

Washington map showing major cities, roads, and state boundaries.

Seattle may get most of the attention, but the rest of Washington State is where the wild truly shines. From rugged Pacific coastlines and lush forests to towering mountain ranges, Washington’s 39 counties offer an incredible variety of landscapes, communities, and outdoor adventures. Explore them all and find your favorite place in Washington.

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