Washington gives service members quick escapes that fit real military life. Tight schedules. Short notice. Kids in tow. Budgets that matter. This guide covers smart weekend plans for military families built around JBLM, Naval Base Kitsap, Naval Station Everett, and NAS Whidbey Island.
All details below are based on official information from:
- National Park Service https://www.nps.gov
- America the Beautiful Military Pass https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/veterans-and-gold-star-families-free-access.htm
- Washington State Parks https://parks.wa.gov
- WSDOT Ferries https://wsdot.com/ferries
- MWR / Community Recreation pages at each base (linked below)
How to Plan a Military Family Weekend in Washington
Military schedules change fast. That means trips should be close, flexible, and simple to exit if recall happens.
Use your America the Beautiful Military Pass for eligible federal lands:
https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/veterans-and-gold-star-families-free-access.htm
Check Washington State Parks for statewide camping/trails:
https://parks.wa.gov
Check ferry conditions before every trip:
https://wsdot.com/ferries
JBLM: Fast Trips for Unpredictable Schedules
JBLM soldiers often have early Monday PT and shifting weekend duties.
Useful JBLM links:
MWR Northwest Adventure Center Rentals
https://jblm.armymwr.com/programs/northwest-adventure-center
JBLM Outdoor Recreation
https://jblm.armymwr.com/categories/outdoor-recreation
Olympia: Easy Wins for Tired Families
Drive: 20–25 minutes
Why it works for military families: Fast return to base, simple parking, low cost, stress-free with kids.
What to Do
- Walk the Percival Landing boardwalk. It’s flat and stroller-friendly.
- Stop at the Hands On Children’s Museum for indoor play when weather shifts.
- Visit Nisqually Wildlife Refuge for a mellow, scenic walk with eagles, herons, and wide-open wetlands.
- Grab lunch at the Olympia Farmers Market (Fri–Sun, seasonal).
Weekend Plan
Saturday: Nisqually walk, lunch at the market, coffee on the waterfront.
Sunday: Short play morning downtown, then easy reset at home before Monday PT.
Hood Canal: Quiet Weekends for Reset
Drive: 60–90 minutes
Why it works: Quiet, lots of space, year-round camping, great for post-deployment calm.
What to Do
- At Dosewallips State Park, watch elk near the day-use area. Walk the shoreline or the forest trail.
- Twanoh State Park offers warm summer water, a large grassy area, and calm swimming spots.
- Explore Hama Hama Oyster Saloon for a relaxed outdoor meal.
- Paddle the flat, protected water. Rentals available through JBLM MWR.
Weekend Plan
Saturday: Dosewallips hike and picnic, shoreline exploring.
Sunday: Easy paddle or beach time at Twanoh. Drive home early to beat traffic.
Mount Rainier: Big Views That Fit a Short Weekend
Drive: 1.5–2 hours
Why it works: Military pass covers entry. You can see a lot without major mileage.
What to Do
- Paradise area for summer flower meadows and short trail loops.
- Narada Falls for a quick out-and-back viewpoint.
- Longmire for forest loops that work even in shoulder seasons.
- Photo stops every few minutes along the Nisqually corridor.
Weekend Plan
Saturday: Paradise loop hike, lunch at the Jackson Visitor Center, sunset stop at Ricksecker Point.
Sunday: Short Longmire nature trail and a calm drive home.
Check park conditions here:
https://www.nps.gov/mora
Naval Base Kitsap: Waterfront Weekends for Sailor Schedules
Useful Kitsap links:
NBK Bangor/Bremerton Community Recreation & Rentals
https://www.navylifepnw.com/programs/f0c9f98f-62d4-4c34-8b26-4f87d91aff50
Pacific Beach Resort & Recreation Area
https://www.navylifepnw.com/programs/cdca833a-c910-4c15-94fa-0fd6670f3d2a
Poulsbo: Low-Key Nordic Waterfront
Drive: 15–25 minutes
Why it works: Close to Bangor and Bremerton. Easy for duty changes.
What to Do
- Walk the historic waterfront and feed ducks on Liberty Bay.
- Visit SEA Discovery Center for hands-on marine life displays.
- Grab pastries at Sluy’s Bakery.
- Hit Fish Park, a quiet wetland trail system perfect for short windows.
Weekend Plan
Saturday: SEA Discovery Center then bakery run. Afternoon on the waterfront.
Sunday: Fish Park hike and coffee before heading back for duty.
City visitor info:
https://visitpoulsbo.com
Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park
Drive: 20 minutes
Why it works: Huge forest network. Loops from 1–10 miles. No pressure if you need to cut a trip short.
What to Do
- Try the Beaver Pond Loop for wildlife and mellow terrain.
- Mountain bike the central trail network if you have older kids.
- Visit the historic town of Port Gamble for snacks and shoreline views.
Weekend Plan
Saturday: Family loop hike, then a walk through Port Gamble.
Sunday: Short morning ride or picnic at the bluff.
Park details via Kitsap County:
https://www.kitsapgov.com/parks/pages/portgambleforestheritagepark.aspx
Bainbridge Island: Beaches and Art
Drive: 40–45 minutes
Why it works: Art, beaches, and small-town calm without big travel days.
What to Do
- Walk the beach at Fay Bainbridge State Park.
- Explore the Bainbridge Waterfront Trail downtown.
- Visit Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (free).
- Grab ice cream or lunch along Winslow Way.
Weekend Plan
Saturday: Fay Bainbridge beach day, picnic, museum visit.
Sunday: Slow morning in Winslow, quick ferry watch with kids.
Naval Station Everett: Close, Quick, No-Stress Trips
Useful Everett links:
Naval Station Everett MWR / Community Recreation
https://www.navylifepnw.com/everett
Mukilteo: Ferries, Beaches, Lighthouses
Drive: 10 minutes
Why it works: Very close to base. Great for same-day leave windows.
What to Do
- Spend time at Mukilteo Lighthouse Park. Wide beach, good views, plenty of room.
- Walk the waterfront trail near the ferry terminal.
- Grab fish tacos or clam chowder at Ivar’s.
Weekend Plan
Saturday: Lighthouse Park beach session, kite flying, snack stop.
Sunday: Short morning walk and coffee before reporting in.
Mukilteo Lighthouse Park
https://mukilteowa.gov/parks-and-recreation/
Skykomish Valley
Drive: 45–60 minutes
Why it works: Short hikes, fast exit routes, gorgeous river scenery.
What to Do
- Hike Heybrook Ridge for a quick climb and lookout views.
- Try the Iron Goat Trail (flat and historic).
- Explore river pullouts for skipping rocks and picnic time.
Weekend Plan
Saturday: Iron Goat Trail or river day.
Sunday: Quick Heybrook morning hike if duty schedule is light.
Check US-2 travel alerts:
https://wsdot.com/travel/road-conditions
Deception Pass: Big Scenery Without the Long Drive
Drive: ~1 hour
Why it works: Tons of variety in a compact area.
What to Do
- Walk the bridge viewpoint.
- Visit North Beach or West Beach for tide pools and driftwood.
- Short hikes like Lighthouse Point and Rosario Head.
Weekend Plan
Saturday: Bridges + beaches.
Sunday: Small hike, stop for lunch in Oak Harbor, head home.
Deception Pass State Park
https://parks.wa.gov/find-parks/deception-pass-state-park
Looking for some tips and advice for hikding during the winter? Start with our Washington Winter Trails guide. See you on the trail…..
NAS Whidbey Island: Island Adventures
Useful Whidbey links:
NAS Whidbey Outdoor Recreation / Community Rec
https://www.navylifepnw.com/whidbey
Fort Ebey State Park
Drive: 10–20 minutes
Why it works: Very close to base housing. A top local reset spot.
What to Do
- Walk the Bluff Trail for huge views.
- Explore the WWII bunkers.
- Beach time on the west shore for sunset.
Weekend Plan
Saturday: Bluff hike, bunker visit, evening on the beach.
Sunday: Slow picnic and kite flying up on the bluff.
Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve
Drive: 10 minutes
Why it works: Short, stunning, and safe for most kids.
What to Do
- Do the bluff trail out-and-back for views of the Olympic Mountains.
- Visit the historic Jacob Ebey House.
- Walk Coupeville’s tiny, cozy waterfront afterward.
Weekend Plan
Saturday: Bluff trail + Coupeville ice cream.
Sunday: Explore Prairie Overlook or the Reserve’s cultural sites.
NPS info page:
https://www.nps.gov/ebla
Langley
Drive: 20–30 minutes
Why it works: Perfect post-deployment energy. Quiet and walkable.
What to Do
- Stroll the waterfront and look for gray whales (seasonal).
- Visit local shops and small galleries.
- Relax at Seawall Park with coffee.
Weekend Plan
Saturday: Waterfront walk, whale watching, shops.
Sunday: Breakfast in town, drive home relaxed.
City visitor info:
https://visitlangley.com
Anacortes
Drive: ~1 hour
Why it works: Tons of short hikes and paddling options that fit small windows.
What to Do
- Visit Washington Park for a scenic loop road and beach stops.
- Hike Sugarloaf or Mount Erie for big views in under two hours.
- Rent kayaks for Bowman Bay or Burrows Bay (confirm hours ahead).
Weekend Plan
Saturday: Washington Park loop + picnic.
Sunday: Short summit hike or paddling session.
Local kayak rental options can be found here:
https://www.anacortes.org/outdoor-recreation
Looking for some family ski adventures? We check out what Oregon has to offer before you hit the slopes.
Gear, Passes, and Rentals for All Bases
America the Beautiful Military Pass
https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/veterans-and-gold-star-families-free-access.htm
Washington State Parks Discover resources
WSDOT Ferries
Before you go…
Sometimes a short, simple weekend trip is just what the family needs. You do not have to make it some week long, activity packed event. It can be just a simple stroll on the beach, a ferry ride or checking out Snoqualmie Falls. Keep things simple and stay close. Check official park and MWR sites before leaving. Time is precious for mlitary families so make the most of the time you get and enjoy the outdoors.
