Framed by evergreen and madrona forests, immaculate sunsets and snow-capped Olympic peaks in the distance, the gentle waters of the Hood Canal just beg to be explored.

Nature lovers, grab your binoculars and camera. Birdwatchers flock to the Theler Center nature trails along the tip of this 70-mile fjord for close-up views of bald eagles, heron, kingfisher and the many migratory birds that come to nest near the grassy wetlands.

Beachcombers delight in the dozen or so parks and public access points along the canal, where oyster, clam, and mussel beds make for great shellfishing.

Power boaters and paddlers enjoy the calm, protected waters perfect for water skiing, fishing and simply cruising. In the summer, water temperatures near Twanoh State Park climb into the 70s‚ perfect for splashing around in sandals and a swimsuit.

The roadways paralleling the canal offer gentle curves and near-constant views of the Canal and surrounding lands, making for a pleasant scenic drive any time of year.

Come see for yourself why the Hood Canal area is a world renowned destination.

Getting to Hood Canal

Three main roadways lead visitors to most points along Hood Canal.

• U.S. Highway 101 runs along Hood Canal from the Skokomish Nation and Potlatch in the south to Quilcene in the north, before diverting through the forest and continuing on around the Olympic Peninsula.
• State Route 106 runs up the south shore of Hood Canal, from the Skokomish Nation and Union in the south up to Belfair, where it meets up with Highway 3.
• State Route 300 begins in Belfair and parallels the north shore of Hood Canal to Tahuya, where Belfair-Tahuya Road then traverses inland toward Dewatto Bay.

To get to the south end of Hood Canal:

• From the I-5 corridor, take exit 104 in Olympia, heading west on Highway 101. Continue northward approximately 8 miles past Shelton to the intersection of Highway 101 and State Route 106.
• From the coast and southwest Washington, take Highway 12 eastbound, continuing on as it turns into State Route 8. Exit in McCleary and follow State Route 108 for approximately 12 miles until the intersection with US Highway 101. Go north on Highway 101 approximately 8 miles past Shelton to the intersection of Highway 101 and State Route 106.

To get to the north end of Hood Canal:

• By ferry: cross Puget Sound on one of the Washington State Ferry System's car and passenger ferries. Follow State Route 20 south (from Port Townsend), then continuing south on US Highway 101. Or, from all other ferries, follow State Route 3 northbound, crossing the Hood Canal Bridge. Pick up Highway 101 as it heads south toward Quilcene.
• By road: take exit 132 (Highway 16) westbound out of Tacoma, driving across the Narrows Bridge. Continue on past Port Orchard, and take a left-lane exit onto State Route 3 toward Belfair. As you come down the hill into Belfair, a right hand turn onto State Route 300 takes you along the north shore of Hood Canal to Belfair and Dewatto. Or, continue straight for a little over a mile. Go right onto State Route 106, heading down through Union to intersect with Highway 101.

From the Hood Canal page on our Blog:

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