Overview
Southworth is a town on the Kitsap Peninsula in the Puget Sound of Washington state. Its ferry terminal to West Seattle and Vashon Island make it a gateway to Port Orchard and the rest of the Kitsap Peninsula.
An important living source for the Suquamish Indians in the 19th century, Southworth became a vacation retreat in the 20th century for Seattle residents. Docks constructed to serve the Mosquito Fleet vessels and private boat owners at the northern end of Colvos Passage before roads were developed in the 1920s now await the large state ferries bound for West Seattle and Vashon Island.
2 sights · 2 things to do
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Southworth
Post Office
The tiny post office still has a horse tie up area which speaks to just how rural this area is.
Long Lake County Park
Public park with community center, playground and access to Long Lake.
Banner Forest
A 635-acre hiking, equestrian and biking park with a designated wetland.
Kitsap Peninsula Water Trails
The National Parks Service Named this trail as the 'Trail of the Month' in the entire USA for the month of December 2012, PDF copies of the water trails map are available
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 78°F; winter lows dip to about 37°F. Wettest: Nov and Jan. (climate data from nearby Seattle)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- BFI King County International Airport - Boeing Field, Seattle — 9 mi away. Directions
- SEA Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, Seattle — 10 mi away (major hub). Directions
There is a small craft boat launch nearby to the north at Yukon Harbor/Harper.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Long Lake County Park, Banner Forest
- Afternoon Post Office, Kitsap Peninsula Water Trails
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By ferry
Go Washington State Ferries
Connects Southworth to West Seattle and Vashon Island, all boats on this route accept walk on and vehicle traffic. Ferry lines can get pretty long in the summer season so arrive early or just plan on waiting awhile for the next ferry.
By private boat
There is a small craft boat launch nearby to the north at Yukon Harbor/Harper.
By car
State Route 160 (SR-160) is the main road to Southworth.
From State Route 16 (SR-16), a major highway through South Kitsap between Tacoma and Bremerton, turn onto SR-160 at the Sedgewick Rd exit, and proceed 7.3 miles to SE Southworth Dr. Turn right onto SE Southworth Dr.
Get around
The rolling hills and thick forests of southern Kitsap are popular not only for exploring by car but also with bicyclists and even the occasional horse, so motorists should use caution.
By bus
Place Kitsap Transit
Kitsap Transit offers transit services throughout throughout the area including pickup from all ferry terminals and connects with Mason Transit (Mason County), Pierce Transit (Pierce County), and Jefferson Transit (Jefferson County) offering connections outside of the area.
See
- Look for the family of goats that greet visitors along with the 'Welcome to Southworth' sign near the ferry terminal.
See Post Office
The tiny post office still has a horse tie up area which speaks to just how rural this area is.
Do
Sea kayaking
Sea kayaking can be a rewarding way to explore the Kitsap Peninsula's nearly 400 miles of coastline allowing the paddler a closer and slower look at their surroundings. Thick forests of majestic pine and deciduous trees and hundreds of creeks and estuaries dot the coastline.
Southworth is an excellent area to launch an adventure to Blake Island State Park. Nearby Manchester State Park has several camping spots reserved for non motorized campers such as sea kayakers. Launch from Yukon Harbor/Harper small craft boat launch just to the north of Southworth.
Organized trails offer overnight camping options and maps of appropriate lengths and scenic travel destinations. Southworth is the southernmost point on the Kitsap Peninsula Water Trails.
Sleep
Southworth does not provide any lodging. Nearby Port Orchard has a variety of convenient hotels and cozy bed and breakfasts. Camping is also available at nearby Manchester State Park.
Go next
- Manchester State Park.
- Olalla lies to the south.
- Port Orchard and the rest of the Kitsap Peninsula lies to the west.
- Vashon Island and Seattle lies to the east via Washington State Ferries.
Buy, eat, and drink
Shop Southworth Grocery
Has stood the test of time providing basic food and supplies near the Southworth Ferry Terminal since 1932. Last chance to stock up on beer and marshmallows for your camping trip.
Nearby
Blake Island
Park · 4 listings · 2 mi away
Manchester
City / town · 9 listings · 4 mi away
Olalla
City / town · 16 listings · 6 mi away
Port Orchard
City / town · 39 listings · 7 mi away
Vashon Island
City / town · 28 listings · 7 mi away
White Center
City / town · 6 listings · 7 mi away
Burien
City / town · 10 listings · 8 mi away
Bremerton
City / town · 34 listings · 8 mi away
My experience
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