SILVERDALE
Silverdale is known as a major retail hub, but has it roots in farming and marine activities which are still found in Old Town Silverdale and at the Port of Silverdale. Silverdale is the region's new medical district, with the opening of new additions to the St Michael's Medical Center.
Discover Old Town Silverdale and the Regional Retail and Medical Hub of Kitsap County
History
Loggers settled the town of Silverdale in 1887, but it was farming that drove the economics of the region through the 1930’s. Silverdale was known for its huge egg and chicken business, with the port shipping goods down the coast. Historic Old Town Silverdale has a 1920’s bank building that was home to a bank robbery in 1932. Silverdale had a fairly quiet history until investments were made to save and build out the Port of Silverdale wharf and dock in the mid 1960’s. Most of the valley was pasture until 1985, when the Kitsap Mall was developed. It’s growth continues today, spurred by its central location on the Kitsap Peninsula, freeway access, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Recent growth includes The Trails at Silverdale mall area and St Michael's Hospital expansion (previously known as Harrison Hospital Silverdale).
Vibe
Silverdale is known as a regional shopping and medical hub, but its heart lies in its farming and marine activities. Situated in a valley between Bucklin Hill and Anderson Hill, and Dyes Inlet to the south, and you can find views of the Olympic Mountains and even Mt. Rainier. Old Town Silverdale showcases historic buildings still in use and the Silverdale Waterfront Park complete with kitchen shelter and playground. Whaling Days in August and the Silverdale Rotary Duck Race and Turkey Trot events bring out the community and visitors alike. Silverdale also has a Fourth of July fireworks even over Dyes Inlet. The north end of the valley has the Silverdale Skate Park and Clear Creek Trail system. Silverdale is home to the brand new Central Kitsap High School and Middle School complex, complete with new sports fields and tennis courts, and a partnership with an onsite Kitsap Count Regional Library.
Activities and attractions
Silverdale offers an amazing variety of restaurants, cafes, pubs and breweries from large chains to small local businesses. Monica’s Café and Bakery, Kettlefish, Cash Brewery Company and the Yacht Club Broiler are a few local restaurants in Old Town Silverdale. Old Town Silverdale is also home to a multitude of hair salons, art and photography studios. You can find large retailers including Costco, Home Depot, Lowe's, and Best Buy. The Kitsap Mall and The Trails at Silverdale Mall offer chain and boutique stores.
Beyond shopping and restaurants, Silverdale has an ideal location for human powered boating activities on Dyes Inlet as well as power boats. Kayaking, sailing and rowing for youth and adults is popular at the Port of Silverdale, nearly year-round. Kitsap Sailing Foundation offers youth learn to sail and high school team sailing programs. Kitsap Rowing Foundation offers youth and adult rowing programs with a variety of rowing shells. The Silverdale Waterfront Park, Clear Creek Trail and Old Mill Park offer outdoor relaxation, viewing of wildlife and walking and biking activities. The Ross Fields are home to youth baseball. The Kitsap Mall, Trails at Silverdale Mall, Defy Silverdale Trampoline Park, and Kitsap Great Escape are popular activities for youth and teens.
