Stottlemeyer Trail (or StottlemeTer as the new sign says...) Poulsbo, Washington - Kitsap County Trails

We're trying to figure out why the road is now called Stottlemeter instead of Stottelmeyer, but that's a whole other story. The trails are in Poulsbo, about 15 minutes from the Kingston ferry (by car). Or you can just ride off the ferry, follow the main highway.

Here's a link with a map.

Basically, from the Kingston ferry, just go straight on highway 307 which eventually turns into BOND Road. Take a RIGHT on Stottlemeyer (the sign says STOTTLEMETER currently- 8/15/09) and drive up a bit until you see a parking area on the left. Many times there will be horsetrailers here as horse use this area a lot (watch out for their droppings, bikers). Park your car and the trail begins just up a tad on your right.

Right up the hill and you will see trails beginning on your right. I recommend skipping the first one or two and going up a bit higher.

There is obviously some uphill riding needed, but it's a good trail for both beginner and intermediate. A few bikers have built jumps and trick logs, just look for them as you take the trails, but you can pretty much choose your own difficulty. We've taken our 9 year old daughters here (who have gear bikes) and they too fine.

A few days ago my bike partner and I got completely lost on the trail and ended up taking this steep trail down and winding up in someone's backyard on a private street. We followed the street down to the Big Valley Road, then had to ride up Sawdust Road onto Stottelmeyer to get back to our car. Of course, it was raining, a huge downpour, by the time we returned, so as residents of this area who have ridden this trail before, we suggest bringing a GPS so you don't get lost or just staying on the main dirt trails and avoiding anything that looks too overgrown.

Other things-- bring snacks, a cellphone (there is service for Verizon in these trails if you need help or assistance), and put a "bear bell" on your bike. You can get them at REI for $3 . You can just attach it to your bike. While we have never seen a bear while riding the trails, we have seen their droppings and having lived in Kitsap for 12 years, I've seen bears in my own neighborhood and around so we know they are out here. They don't want to hurt you (I've been up close two a couple bears that I've wandered upon during walks), they just don't want to be surprised by you so it's a good thing to have.

Other things, this trail requires a mountain bike, road bikes would have a terrible time here.

Bring a long sleeve shirt if you get into a place where the trees and bushes are a little too much on the trail.

Watch out for stinging nettles--actually, this is good advice for any place you bike in the Northwest. I've been stung by stinging nettles on my hands and legs more than I want to admit.

Other than that, have fun. This was one of the trails I really learned how to mountain bike on. And if you're in Poulsbo, Kingston, Indianola, Bainbridge Island, or Silverdale, it's easy to find and get to if you want to get out and do some riding. Plus, all the roads around it are gorgeous country settings in case you happen to ride your way out of the trails onto the main roads. Oops. I hope you don't.


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