Indianola (Washington)
Indianola is a community of 3,500 people (2010) on the Kitsap Peninsula in the Puget Sound region of Washington state. It lies on the north shore of Port Madison, just east of Miller Bay.
Indianola, within the boundaries of the Port Madison Reservation, started in 1916 as a summer/weekend community with the only access via steamboat.
Today this rural residential area, located between Kingston and Suquamish, remains a small and friendly community.
Get in
By boat
The Indianola dock, built when the Mosquito Fleet supplied the majority of transportation on Puget Sound, is a local landmark that's considered one of the best places in the area to watch the stars or any major celestial event since it juts hundreds of feet out into the water. No overnight moorage, but you can pull up your kayak or canoe up to the dock and head to the general store for refreshments!
Get around
Everything is walking distance from the central dock. A small community center, at the base of the community dock, includes a country store, Post Office and community center.
By bus
- Kitsap Transit, ☏ +1 360 479-6962, toll-free: +1-800-501-7433, kitsapride@kitsaptransit.com. Kitsap Transit offers transit services 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. full fare $2 and is part of the regional ORCA network system.
See
Nearby attractions include Old Man House and the Clearwater Casino in Suquamish, the historic Scandinavian town of Poulsbo, the historic lumber town and museum in Port Gamble and Kingston, star of an episode of a reality TV home show. No, you don't really need a landing craft to get to Kingston and yes, they do have indoor plumbing.
Do
Swim, fish, play on one of the best beaches in the State, crab or do nothing at all and watch the sun reflect off of the skyline of Seattle.
- One of the more interesting things in town is the annual summer festival, complete with fun run, amateur sand castle building, salmon bake, occasional talent show, and children's games.
Sea kayaking
Sea kayaking can be a rewarding way to explore the coastline around Indianola, allowing the paddler a closer and slower look at their surroundings and making Kitsap one of the most popular areas to kayak in Puget Sound. Indianola's dock is a great starting point for a regional adventure and it is one of the northern most points on the Kitsap Peninsula Water Trails and one of the many towns in the area that cater to boaters. Harbor Seals, Otters, Sea Lions, Bald Eagles and Blue Herons are common sites while the occasional viewing of an Orca or Grey Whale is not out of the question.
Kayak trails
Organized trails offer overnight camping options and maps divided into appropriate lengths through scenic travel destinations.
- Kitsap Peninsula Water Trails. The National Parks Service mamed the this 'Trail of the Month' in the entire USA for December 2012. PDF copies of the water trails map are available and Indianola is on the trail with nice access to the area and Bainbridge Island.
Buy
Some high quality local artists are in town, otherwise shopping is limited to the Indianola Country Store and the farmers market.
- Indianola Country Store & Deli, 9175 NE Shore Dr, ☏ +1 360 297-3327. Sandwiches, soups and coffee
- Indianola Farmer's Market, 20401 Indianola Rd.
Eat
You may eat what you catch, eat breakfast or lunch at the deli in the Indianola Country Store or run into Kingston or Poulsbo for the nearest dining.
Drink
Again; the Indianola Country Store. Not a long list. You may be fortunate enough in the summer to find an occasional beach party with which to imbibe.
Sleep
No lodging in town. Occasionally there are summer homes in town that people are willing to rent out.