Rockaway Beach & Blakely Harbor, Bainbridge Island

Located along Bainbridge Island’s eastern and southeastern shoreline, Rockaway Beach & Blakely Harbor encompass two closely connected areas with distinct residential settings. Together, they offer waterfront living, hillside neighborhoods, and strong ties to the island’s maritime and industrial history.

Rockaway Beach

Rockaway Beach Road is one of Bainbridge Island’s most recognizable waterfront streets. Homes here are primarily low or no bank waterfront, with lots that tend to be narrower than in other areas of the island. In exchange, properties enjoy direct, straight-on views of Seattle, the Space Needle, Mount Rainier, and the Cascade Mountains.

The shoreline is made up of cobbles rather than sand, making sturdy footwear ideal for beach access. Residents and visitors often enjoy beachcombing, tide observation, and scuba diving in the protected cove. Water traffic is a constant presence, including ferries, sailboats, and recreational vessels traveling through Eagle Harbor and Blakely Harbor.

Public access is available at Rockaway Beach Park, located near the south end of Rockaway Beach Road. The park includes benches, picnic space, and access to the shoreline. At the north end of Rockaway Beach are Pritchard Park and the Japanese American Exclusion Memorial, which provide additional waterfront access and historical context.

Rockaway Beach is known for its morning sun and expansive east-facing views. Many homes here are oriented toward the water, making the setting a defining feature of daily life.

Port Blakely and Blakely Harbor

Above Rockaway Beach lies the residential area commonly referred to as Port Blakely, which includes neighborhoods around Blakely Harbor and Blakely Hill. This area features larger lots, often an acre or more, and homes primarily developed in the early 2000s. Properties tend to be set back from the shoreline and surrounded by trees, creating a quieter and more private environment.

Blakely Harbor itself has significant historical importance. In the late 19th century, it was the site of a major lumber mill operation that, at its height, produced large volumes of lumber daily and supported shipbuilding activity. After the mill closed, the area gradually transitioned into a residential and recreational setting.

Today, Blakely Harbor is one of the calmer bodies of water on Bainbridge Island. Residents use the harbor for kayaking and wildlife viewing, and many homes enjoy filtered water views or proximity to the shoreline.

The area also benefits from close access to Fort Ward Park, which offers forest trails, shoreline access, and a public boat launch.

The Combined Setting

Rockaway Beach and Port Blakely together provide a mix of shoreline and hillside living. Rockaway Beach offers immediate water access and prominent city views, while Port Blakely provides larger parcels, wooded surroundings, and a quieter residential feel. Both areas are shaped by their proximity to the water and their shared history along Bainbridge Island’s eastern shoreline.