Port Madison Neighborhood

Port Madison is a picturesque, deeply historical waterfront enclave on the northeast tip of Bainbridge Island. Often described as having a charming New England port-town feel, it is rooted in maritime tradition, shaded by old-growth trees, and defined by its sheltered harbor and friendly, tight-knit community.

Once the site of a booming 19th-century sawmill and Kitsap County’s first county seat, Port Madison today is primarily residential — but its history lives on in its architecture, shoreline, and community institutions.

Homes here range from historic waterfront cottages with docks and buoys, to modern homes tucked into forested lots. Many residents value the peace and privacy of back roads, while also enjoying direct access to the water.

Neighborhood life in Port Madison is anchored by maritime activity. The Port Madison Yacht Club is a highlight for boating enthusiasts, and the sheltered bay makes it an ideal place for kayaking, sailing, and paddleboarding.

At the same time, it’s a community built on cooperation and heritage. The Port Madison Water Company, a nonprofit cooperative dating back to 1929, manages water infrastructure, forest land, and even a community dock — giving residents a shared stake in preserving their shoreline and natural surroundings.

Living in Port Madison feels like stepping into a quiet harbor retreat: low-traffic roads, a genuine sense of belonging, and a daily rhythm shaped by the water and the trees.

📍 Points of Interest in & Around Port Madison

• ⛵ Port Madison Yacht Club — A longtime boater’s hub nestled in the protected inner harbor.

• 🛶 Hidden Cove Park — A 6.1-acre waterfront park with shore access, small trails, and a 220’ dock.

• 🏕️ Fay Bainbridge Park — Nearby camping, beach access, and shoreline views perfect for relaxing or kayaking.

• 🌲 West Port Madison Nature Preserve & Trails — Quiet, forested paths for walking, wildlife-watching, and peaceful reflection.

• 🏛️ Historic Roots — The neighborhood’s history as a sawmill town and early county seat is visible in its heritage and layout.

• 📜 Community Dock & Forest Land — Maintained by the Port Madison Water Company, fostering a strong sense of ownership and stewardship.

🎒 Schools Serving Port Madison

Port Madison is part of the Bainbridge Island School District (BISD).  Here are the likely schools for families in the area:

• Elementary (PK–4):

  • x̌alilc (Halilts) Elementary School

  • Captain John Wilkes Elementary School (depending on exact address)

• Intermediate (Grades 5-6):

  • Sonoji Sakai Intermediate School

• Middle (Grades 7-8):

  • Woodward Middle School

• High School (Grades 9-12):

  • Bainbridge High School

  • Eagle Harbor High School — alternative / independent-study option via the Commodore Options program. Wikipedia

Port Madison is a timeless waterfront community combining rich history, maritime tradition, and a warm neighborhood spirit. Whether you’re drawn to boating, beach walks, or simply the peaceful charm of tree-lined paths, this enclave offers both serenity and connection. With shared community infrastructure (like the Port Madison Water Company), a distinctive heritage, and close proximity to parks and schools, it’s a place where life moves at the gentle, natural rhythm of the bay.