For families who love the woods, Illahee Preserve is a Pacific Northwest dream. This 570 acre Kitsap County Heritage Park is all towering cedars, fern lined trails, and soft green light filtering through the canopy. It is quiet, moody, and completely different from a typical playground park, which makes for nature rich family photos you will not get anywhere else. Here is how to plan a session in the forest.
Where is Illahee Preserve?
Illahee Preserve Heritage Park is a 570 acre forest preserve at 3200 NE Riddell Road in Bremerton, managed by Kitsap County. It has a trailhead with a parking lot, no parking fee, kiosks, a picnic shelter, and interpretive signage, plus about five miles of trails.
Why Illahee Preserve is great for family photos
The forest does the work here. Tall cedars and even, shaded light mean no harsh shadows and a rich green backdrop in every direction. The Hall of Cedars and the looping trails give us a sense of depth and scale that feels like a storybook. It is perfect for families who want something natural, earthy, and a little adventurous.
What you will find at the preserve
- About five miles of forest trails, including the Hall of Cedars, with loops you can tailor from a short walk to a longer wander.
- A wheelchair friendly, flat quarter mile loop near the picnic shelter for easy access with strollers or grandparents.
- A trailhead with parking, a picnic shelter, and interpretive signage. No parking fee.
- Leashed dogs welcome, so the family pup can come along.
Best light and tips for photos here
Because the canopy shades the trails, Illahee photographs well through much of the day, though late afternoon adds a beautiful glow. Wear comfortable closed toe shoes for the trails, dress in earthy, soft tones that complement the greens, and plan for a little walking. This is a nature session, so we lean into exploring rather than posing.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a playground? No, Illahee is a forest preserve with trails, not a playground park. It is best for families who enjoy a walk in the woods.
Is parking free? Yes, the county preserve has a free trailhead parking lot.
Is it stroller friendly? There is a flat, wheelchair and stroller friendly quarter mile loop near the picnic shelter, while the longer trails are more rugged.
Current trail details are on the Kitsap County park page. See also how to plan a park day session and the Evergreen Rotary Park guide.
Ready for a forest family session at Illahee Preserve? See family sessions or reach out to plan yours.
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