Few places in the world offer such stunning scenery and easy access to paddling as does the South Puget Sound and Hood Canal region. Sea kayakers can explore seemingly endless miles of pristine saltwater shoreline, cruise the reaches of Lake Cushman in the foothills of the Olympic Mountains, or glide with the gentle currents of the Skokomish and Tahuya Rivers.

At high tide, kayakers can launch at Belfair State Park and paddle northward to explore the easy flowing curves of the Union River estuary. Oyster beds flourish just beneath the surface. Heron, bald eagles, owls, and many migratory birds frequent this unique area.

A multi-day trip on the Cascadia Marine Trail, one of the premier water trails in the US, provides breathtaking views and several options for overnight stays at marine-access parks and Washington Water Trail campsites. Jarrell Cove State Park also serves as a base for exploring the cold, clear waters of Puget Sound and several nearby parks accessible only by boat.

Hood Canal and Puget Sound Tide Information HERE.

Watch this great video on Hood Canal businesses that offer kayaking, biking, fishing and more. Kayak rentals are available locally at:

Mike's Beach Resort in Lilliwaup
Rest-A-While Marina in Hoodsport
Lake Cushman Resort
Hood Canal Adventures in Union
North Bay Kayak & Water Sports in Allyn

Early morning launch of "Puget Sound Challenge," in May, 2009. Nearly 100 kayakers departed in calm, eerie waters wrapped in fog from Belfair State Park, north Mason County, at the far end of Hood Canal.

Belfair State Park--early morning launch in fog.

A pair of "Puget Sound Challenge" kayakers glide out from the beach at Belfair State Park, on their way south along Hood Canal.

Nearly 100 individual kayaks took part in the early-summer launching of the first annual "Puget Sound Challenge."

Preparations before the launch at Belfair State Park. The beach is beautifully angled and the waters calm and clean this particular morning.

Pointing his kayak towards Union and other points south, a kayaker pushes off from the shallow beach at Belfair State Park, in north Mason County.

Early morning launch of "Puget Sound Challenge," in May, 2009. Nearly 100 kayakers departed in calm, eerie waters wrapped in fog from Belfair State Park, north Mason County, at the far end of Hood Canal.

Belfair State Park--early morning launch in fog.

A pair of "Puget Sound Challenge" kayakers glide out from the beach at Belfair State Park, on their way south along Hood Canal.

Nearly 100 individual kayaks took part in the early-summer launching of the first annual "Puget Sound Challenge."

Preparations before the launch at Belfair State Park. The beach is beautifully angled and the waters calm and clean this particular morning.

Pointing his kayak towards Union and other points south, a kayaker pushes off from the shallow beach at Belfair State Park, in north Mason County.