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Peninsula in the U.S. state of Washington
Photo: Lumpytrout, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The out-of-the-way Key Peninsula is the southernmost extension of the larger Kitsap Peninsula in Washington state, southwest of Purdy. It gets its name from its key-like shape. The small communities of Key Center, Vaughn, Home, Lakebay, and Longbranch serve the 16 mi of homesteads, forests and coves. The population of the Key Peninsula is about 20,000 people.
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Dedicated to learning about and preserving the local history of the Key Peninsula and its maritime and farming past. They also offer an auto tour of the area.
This park has a small historical marker in front discussing Homes anarchist past. It has generous play equipment and swings and the picnic shelter, which was sponsored by the Key Peninsula Lions Club, was constructed mostly by lumber that was milled from trees harvested from the local Volunteer Park.
The Key Peninsula Civic Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the welfare of the Key Peninsula community and citizens, and encouraging civic consciousness through active participation in constructive projects that will improve the community.
Kids summer camp offers everything from archery to arts and crafts
A 122-acre marine camping park with 3,000 feet of saltwater frontage on southeast Kitsap Peninsula. Aside from the natural beauty of park and surroundings, the area is an excellent place for fishing, boating and crabbing. Provides a boat launch and water trail campsites, 5 buoys and 500 feet of dock footage.
This 152-acre marine and camping park is a small peninsula that sets on the shores of Mayo Cove and Carr Inlet and offers a wide variety of water activities. Impressive stands of fir and cedar share space with ferns, rhododendrons, wildlife and birds. The name honors Dr. Stephen Penrose, a Pennsylvania native who served as president of Whitman College in Walla Walla from 1884 to 1934. For many years, Dr. Penrose and his family spent their summers vacationing on what is now park property. A prominent church and educational leader in the Northwest, Dr. Penrose was a firm believer in outdoor recreation for children. A self-guided interpretive trail called "A Touch of Nature" was built by Eagle Scouts in 1982 and renovated by a second group of Eagle Scouts in 1991. The trail is located in the day-use area, and extends for 1/5 mile.
10-acre marine park with 2,600 feet of saltwater shoreline. There are 2 mooring buoys on the west side and 1 on the east side of this remote island accessible only by boat between Anderson Island and McNeal Island, there are also trails and the area is known for the many seals that come to sunbath. The park was named after Harry Eagle, a member of the Wilkes Expedition. The island does not have restrooms or potable water, and no camping or fires are allowed.
224 acres of park, open space and conservation land. Rocky Creek has over 3 miles of walking (non-motorized) trails, 2 benches, Trailhead Kiosk, and three parking spots available at the trailhead. The property consists of woodlands (mixture of Fir, Hemlock, Alder, and Cedar), wetlands, two streams (Glee Creek and Rocky Creek, as well as various plants and wildlife.
Lakebay was named after the close proximity of this lake and nearby Mayo Cove. There is a public water access along Sanford Ave KP S.
This 58-acre site offers a circle trail with mid-point access to a stretch of beach along the Puget Sound with views of Mount Rainier. The park includes an improved walking trail, picnic area and walking access to saltwater beach on Carr Inlet.
This tranquil clear waterway separates Penrose State Park from the mainland. Its many sandy beaches and nearby spit are best explored by boat but a drive along Lorenz Rd KP S gives ample views of the cove, the interesting regional architecture and nearby Von Glendern Cove on the drive back to Home.
This 20-acre park includes softball fields, picnic shelter, skate park, soccer field, horseshoe pits, walking trail, restrooms, 9-hole disc golf course, and some camping.
Composed of three parcels totaling 39 acres. The property was purchased with funds from Pierce County Conservation Futures and Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office Salmon Recovery Funding Board. Two of the three parcels have over 600 feet of shoreline access to Taylor Bay.
50 mile historical route that connects almost 120 points of interest on the Key Peninsula that was assembled and curated by the Key Peninsula Historical Society. Brochures are available for free from the Key Peninsula Historical Society in Vaughn.
A 40 mi marine trail with 14 legs between 15 points of interest around the Key Peninsula.
A local destination restaurant serving up large burgers and even larger fries.
Built as a resort, this turn of the century facility offers Victorian ambiance throughout overlooking a quiet bay.
This , 8-bedroom lodge is available to rent as a group and has all the amenities for a family vacation.
Remodeled 1890s homestead right across from the Longbranch marina with an amazing view of Mt Rainier and Puget Sound and featuring Italian food.
Summer camp, family camp, outdoor and environmental education, conference and retreats
This grocery store is a busy hub of Key Center.
Restock and resupply your basic needs here, not huge but there are not a lot of choices on this end of the peninsula.
By boat
This is an excellent area to explore by boat. Vaughn Bay's gentle waters are protected by a spit, inlets at Home and Lakebay are interesting to explore, and there are several islands nearby.
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Tacoma · Regional · TIW
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