Get Ready for BIMA’s Treasure Trek: Your Complete Guide to Finding Glass Floats

Summer is almost here and that means one thing—BIMA’s Treasure Trek is back! This year, 200 unique hand-blown glass floats will be hidden across public lands in Kitsap County. Each float is a tiny work of art inspired by Japanese fishing net floats and created by talented youth at Hilltop Artists, a Tacoma-based nonprofit.

Treasure Trek is all about adventure, exploration, and a little bit of luck. It’s a you-find-it, you-keep-it scavenger hunt for art lovers of all ages. Each float is carefully hidden, never on private property or in unsafe areas, so you can enjoy your hunt while staying safe. Whether you are a seasoned explorer or just looking for a fun outdoor activity, Treasure Trek is the perfect way to enjoy summer, discover new parks, and find a little magic along the way.

To make sure everyone has fun and stays safe, we’ve put together a complete guide. From Do’s and Don’ts to FAQs, here’s everything you need to know before you hit the trails!

Published

May 1, 2026

Do’s for Treasure Trek

Do take your time and enjoy the hunt

Finding a float is more about observation than speed. Walk the trails, take in the scenery, and let your eyes wander. Floats could be tucked behind a log, sitting in a bush, or resting on a tree branch. Paying attention to details not only helps you spot floats but also makes the experience more rewarding.

Do share your find

Part of the fun is sharing the excitement. Snap a photo of your float and post it to Instagram with #BIMATreasureTrek and tag @bimuseum.of.art. You can also email your photo to treasuretrek@biartmuseum.org. Sharing your discovery helps inspire others to get outside and explore and keeps the BIMA community connected.

Do handle floats with care

These floats are delicate, hand-blown works of art. Pick them up gently and avoid tossing or dropping them. Treat them like a tiny treasure—you can admire them, display them at home, or photograph them for friends and family. As a reminder, we are unable to replace broken floats, so be careful with yours!

Do keep it fair

If you find more than one float, take only one for yourself. Leave the others where you found them or take a photo and return it. This ensures other people get a chance to enjoy the hunt too. Treasure Trek is about community as much as discovery, so sharing the fun is part of the adventure.

Don’ts for Treasure Trek

Don’t go off-trail or enter private property

All floats are hidden on public land directly next to trails, so there’s no need to leave the marked paths. Trespassing or cutting through off-limit areas puts you and the environment at risk. Stick to trails and beaches and enjoy the hunt in spaces designed for public use.

Don’t take more than one float

Only one float per person ensures everyone has a fair chance to find one. Taking multiple floats diminishes the fun for others. If you stumble on an extra, leave it where it is so the next seeker can enjoy the discovery.

Don’t move a float from where it was found

Re-hiding floats can confuse other participants and BIMA volunteers. If you find a float and want to continue hunting, either leave your first one in place or take a photo and return it exactly where you found it. This keeps the hunt fair and fun for everyone!

Don’t disturb wildlife or sensitive areas

Floats are never hidden in wetlands or fragile ecosystems. Stay on the trails, watch where you step, and avoid disturbing plants and animals. Respecting the environment ensures parks stay beautiful and accessible for everyone.

Don’t follow volunteers hiding floats

Volunteers hide the floats in advance to make the experience fun for all. Following them spoils the surprise and isn’t safe. Part of the excitement is discovering the floats on your own, so let the volunteers do their work and enjoy the hunt naturally.

Don’t put yourself in unsafe situations

Floats are always within reach from safe paths. Don’t venture into water, climb steep slopes, rocks, or trees to grab one. Your safety is the top priority. Treasure Trek is meant to be fun and accessible, so keeping your feet on solid ground ensures every adventure ends with a smile.

Treasure Trek FAQs

How do I know when a new float drop happens?
New floats are hidden throughout June. Follow BIMA on Instagram or check the website for announcements, but keep in mind that volunteers hide floats continuously, so not every drop is announced immediately. Please be patient with our staff, as every person hiding floats is volunteering their time!

Are floats numbered or unique in any way?
Yes, every float is hand-blown, stamped with BIMA’s logo, and have a number sticker with instructions. Each is unique, so every find is a one-of-a-kind treasure.

Do I need to sign up or register to participate?
No registration is required. Treasure Trek is open to anyone ready to explore Kitsap County parks and public lands.

Can I bring kids or pets?
Absolutely. Kids love the hunt, and pets can join if the parks allow (check the park’s website to see if pets are allowed). Keep in mind one float per person, including children.

What if I find a float but can’t take it home?
You can leave it in its spot for the next hunter or snap a photo to share online. Every float can bring joy even if you can’t physically keep it.

Can I participate if I live outside Kitsap County?
Yes! Treasure Trek is open to anyone who wants to explore the parks and try their luck. The more eyes looking, the more fun for everyone.

What should I do if a float is broken or damaged?
Leave broken floats where you found them. Volunteers will collect them at the end of the month. Don’t attempt to repair or move broken floats. Floats are not replaceable, so if you break yours after you have it home, we are unable to repair or replace it.

Can I help hide floats?
Our volunteers have it covered!

Thank you to Parks Tacoma for the wonderful inspiration for our blog post! Read their post on Monkeyshine here!