The Illahee Preserve, a Kitsap County Heritage Park, spans nearly 600 acres of ecologically rich, undeveloped land in the heart of East Bremerton—one of the most densely populated areas in the county.

More than five miles of forested trails wind through towering conifer stands, offering visitors a peaceful escape into nature. The Preserve’s landscape features deeply incised ravines, wetlands, and pristine riparian corridors that support a diverse range of wildlife. At its heart flows Illahee Creek—one of the last relatively undisturbed salmon-bearing streams in central Kitsap—home to native cutthroat trout and coho salmon. This rare, nearly self-contained watershed is sustained by groundwater-fed base flows and natural stormwater filtration, making it one of the region’s most valuable hydrological treasures. For over 30 years, Kitsap County, the Illahee Forest Preserve, and a dedicated community have worked together to protect and preserve this remarkable natural sanctuary.