Out and About: Load up the wagon and head south

Published 1:00 pm Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Two words: family reunion. That’s what comes to mind with a visit to Long Lake County Park, on the southern outskirts of Port Orchard. This is a park that has something for everyone, from toddlers to octogenerians.

A large, well-mowed lawn stretches from the parking lot to the lake edge, with views down the length of the appropriately named lake, picnic tables and barbecues.

There is a large play area with equipment to occupy the youngest members of the family, a ball field for taking on the cousins in a game of softball, a volleyball net for the teens in the group, and several horseshoe pits for a battle of the generations.

And, of course, there’s the lake. Swimmers and splashers need to be aware that the shallow swimming area is susceptible to “swimmer’s itch,” an itchy rash that is caused by parasites in the water that are released by snails and penetrates the skin. Its preferred host is a duck, but a human will do. Swimmer’s itch can be avoided by rinsing in clean water immediately after swimming. Or by not going in the water at all.

There is also no life guard on duty so you’ll need to keep a close eye on swimmers and non-swimmers.

Just to the left of the open picnic area is a fishing pier where grownups can teach youngsters how to bait a hook in hopes of reeling in a bass, bluegill or perch.

Long Lake is reached by taking State Route 3 to SR 16 south of Port Orchard, then taking the Sedgwick Road exit. Turn left to go over the overpass, go 2.5 miles to Long Lake Road. Turn right and watch for park signs. A boat launch can also be accessed from this road, although it’s quite a ways from the park.

Long Lake County Park is open dawn to dusk, year round.

Manchester State Park

While you’re in the area, a nice diversion would be to take a drive down to Manchester State Park, which borders Rich Passage.

Now that the state has lifted the $5 parking fee state parks are back on the destination list for many locals.

The most striking feature of this park, besides the views across to Bainbridge Island and Seattle, is the gothic brick building now used as a group picnic building.

With large curved arch windows and a roof that soars two stories above the ground, the building looks like the setting for “Dracula in Kitsap.”

For picnics, submarine sandwiches would be appropriate. The building was built in 1900 by the navy and dubbed the “Torpedo Storehouse.” It housed mines which were used to arm an underwater minefield across adjacent Rich Passage as part of the harbor defense plan to protect Bremerton.

Across from the Torpedo Storehouse is a crescent of beach with the usual rock, kelp and clamshell shore. It looks like a modest beach, but a sign declares that it’s designated as part of the Cascadia Marine Trail, which stretches from Olympia to the Canadian border.

The beach is a nice spot for launching kayaks for a paddle around Rich Passage, just watch out for the Bremerton to Seattle ferry, which threads the narrow passage every hour.

There are overnight camping facilities and an interpretive trail for a short hike in the woods, but signs warn of poison oak in the area. Remember: “Leaves of three, let it be.”

To reach Manchester State Park from the north, take SR 3 to Port Orchard, go through town and stay on Bay Drive, which turns into Beach Drive, then look for the park entrance sign. Manchester State Park is just over five miles from downtown Port Orchard.

Out and About is a weekly summer feature of What’s Up. Direct questions, comments or trip suggestions to mmiller@northkitsapherald.com or (360) 779-4464.