Grand Forest East to Hilltop Loop
Discovered a new entrance I wasn't aware of for Grand Forest East. Park your vehicle at the normal Mandus Olsen lot, then instead of immediately entering Grand Forest, hike directly west down the hill where Mandus Olsen curves until it dead ends. There will be a green park entrance sign there (see photo).

Hike along a rarely trafficked trail, loop to the bridge, then take the Ron Williamson Trillium Trail to pop out at Hilltop's lovely grass prairie. From there enjoy the sun and the mountain views before heading SW along the dirt road trail back to the Mandus Olsen parking lot.

It's a lovely change of pace for exploring the park and can easily be lengthened to be greater than the two miles we did this morning. Route is doggo friendly, just have your pup on a leash and pick up any poop.

Here's a link to the GPS tracks: https://www.gaiagps.com/public/xjiTQ8GNhWjRBygaGRvzsgzc

Beautiful location for a nature-filled stroll. Would recommend for leisure/chill hikers and families. We walked on both East and West trails and both were very well maintained (with the exception of a few soupy spots). Lots of dogs on the trail, which was fun for our four-legged buddy. 

Highlights:
-Easy/walkable with options for long or short walks
-Dog friendly
-Plenty of parking
-Very lush, green scenery!

We had been wanting to walk the Cross Island Trail since we first heard about it so, when an easy walk and short drive were desired, we knew this was the walk.

It was decided we'd walk coast-to-coast-to-coast so we parked at the very small lot (maybe room for three cars) near Manitou Beach and started walking from east to west. The first part of the walk crosses SR305 and is easily the least enjoyable part but if you want to walk coast-to-coast it's a requirement.

After crossing SR305 it's mostly walking through the woods of the Grand Forest, a most enjoyable experience. You'll see horses, goats, and birds; walk on gravel roads, dirt paths, beaches, and wooden boardwalks; and eat apples and blackberries (in season).

The trail has few steep parts and is generally very approachable. The highlights were Hilltop (a meadow between Grand Forest East and West), the McRedmond Trail because surprisingly I had never been on it, and the feeling of accomplishment walking coast-to-coast-to-coast across an island.

Total walking time 3h17m, 9.70 miles, and 1314 feet of elevation.

this path goes across the island and you can start from either side. I chose the west side and my trail was easy and well cleared. there is a marsh area just before the meadow which contains the majority of where i saw and felt the bugs. Just past the meadow and entering the East side of the Grand Forest there will be a public restroom if needed. Farther in to the East Grand Forest is where the stretch of horse manure was found, pay attention here to avoid it. there are benches and tables scattered throughout the Grand Forest as well. 

Submitted via www.trektidings.com

I've included 3min of video highlights below..

Bainbridge Island volunteers keep expanding the trail network in this beautiful park, making it a perfect winter day hike.  I hiked the West Grand Forest Main Loop, then took the Hilltop connector trail to hike the East Grand Forest Main Loop.  My watch says that was 7 miles total.  I could have added more by heading along another connector trail to Battle Point Park and doing the loop there as well.

The West loop had giant trees and the East loop had some very cool hanging moss.  When I left at 10am my truck was alone in the trailhead lot - when I got back the lot was full.  Met friendly hikers & runners slong the way.