Birding in the Pacific Northwest is more than checklists and binoculars. From wetlands and estuaries to forest trails along Hood Canal, this guide explores how modern birding blends technology, community, and quiet observation—highlighting local places in Mason County where birds and birders naturally gather.

In winter, the tides along Hood Canal feel different. King tides push water higher than usual, low tides arrive before daylight, and currents move faster through familiar stretches of shoreline. Knowing how and why these tides shift can make winter outings safer and more rewarding.

Drop beneath the surface of Hood Canal and the noise of the surface fades away. In the cold green water, sea anemones reveal themselves not as simple flowers, but as hunters, shelter, and the steady framework of the underwater world.

Learn how to stay safe around trees while hiking or camping. Understand wind, weather, and tree hazards, recognize warning signs, and plan ahead for forest safety.

Winter in Mason County is slower — and that’s the point. Cozy stays, quiet forests, Hood Canal views, and holiday traditions like Festival of the Firs make it an easy winter escape. From waterfront cabins to warm resort stays, this is a season made for slowing down.

America 250 Mason County has spent 2025 honoring the signing of the Declaration of Independence and building momentum toward July 4, 2026—America’s 250th birthday. Thanks to local partners, volunteers, and community members, history has come to life through events, presentations, and celebrations across Mason County. More activities and opportunities to get involved are ahead as the countdown to 250 continues.

This December, the historic Robin Hood Village Resort on Hood Canal will transform into a full-scale, multi-room production studio for one extraordinary purpose: bringing the magic of Christmas to local families in need. From noon on December 13 to noon on December 14, Operation Scrooge will host a 24-hour live-streamed music telethon, featuring 24 artists over 24 hours—a marathon of generosity, artistry, and community spirit.

Celebrate Hoodsport with caroling and events throughout town, December 13. Street booths begin to open around 3 PM and caroling begins at 530 PM.

Despite the rain and sleet, the holiday spirit is alive and well this week in Shelton as volunteers deck the downtown streets and prepare for the big Christmastown seasonal kick-off, Holiday Magic, December 5-6.

Planning a wedding? It’s never too soon to be scoping out locations! Hood Canal’s Mike’s Beach Resort is embracing a new chapter, with the opening of the brand-new Salish Hall, a stunning indoor event space on the waterfront, the resort now offers couples more opportunities to celebrate a local destination wedding surrounded by breathtaking views and timeless beauty.

Autumn is one of the most stunning times to explore Mason County. With crisp air, golden leaves, and peaceful waterways, every turn offers a postcard-worthy view. Whether you’re a local looking for a weekend adventure or a visitor planning a scenic day trip, Mason County’s natural beauty truly shines this time of year.

Spend enough time beneath the surface of Hood Canal, and the silence starts to speak not in words, but in motion. Everything down there moves slower in the cold except the crabs. The crabs are always busy. Always urgent. I’ve watched one spend ten full minutes excavating a hole no deeper than a coin is thick, only to abandon it and scuttle off as if remembering something more important.

While there is plenty of news coverage following the devasting Bear Gulch fire near the Staircase Entrance to the Olympic National Park, don’t give up on your plans to visit the Hood Canal region to explore the many amazing hikes and trails in the area.

Welcome to Sacred Waters Retreat, a hidden sanctuary perched above the shores of Hood Canal in Union, Washington. Formerly known as Harmony Hill, this sacred space has been a source of healing, reflection, and community for nearly four decades. With a legacy rooted in cancer retreats, grief support, yoga, and meditation, Sacred Waters continues that mission, now with open arms to the entire community.

Experience the sights, scents, and serenity of Loblolly Lavender Farm—a hidden gem in Shelton, Washington. With over 2,000 vibrant lavender plants, handmade products, and a charming on-site shop, this locally grown family farm is the perfect escape.

Tucked along the pristine shores of Hood Canal, Sunrise Resort is more than a destination—it’s a tradition. With stunning waterfront views, unmatched diving access, and deep roots in the Hoodsport community, Sunrise offers adventure, tranquility, and unforgettable memories for families, travelers, and divers alike.

Nestled between forest and fjord, The Glen is your ultimate base camp for outdoor escapes, weekend retreats, and unforgettable getaways. With 14 hotel rooms (including pet-friendly options), luxury suites, a vacation rental, and full RV hookups, you’re perfectly positioned to explore the Olympic National Park, Staircase, Lake Cushman, and beyond.

Located on the northwest tip of Harstine Island in Mason County, Washington, Jarrell Cove State Park is a peaceful, saltwater playground with forested campsites, moorage for boaters, and plenty of space to kayak, paddleboard, or unwind by the water.

Take a journey through time and trees at Schafer State Park — one of Washington’s original state parks, founded in 1924 by the Schafer Logging family. Set along the beautiful Satsop River near Elma, this park blends rustic WPA-era craftsmanship with brand-new campgrounds and cabins.

The 8th Annual Hood Canal Music and Art Festival (Hoodstock) in Union, Washington is not just a lineup of modern performances—it’s a heartfelt homage to the illustrious artist colony that has defined this region since the early 1900s.

This hike is one of the steepest in the Olympics but with a blanket of wildflowers and stunning views, it is well worth the climb! With a nod to William Shakespeare, that which we call Mount Rose by any other name would still be as steep!

This three day outdoor music festival is fun for the whole family with headliner national bands daily, workshops, kids activities and programs and event a Saturday night dance!

Gliding through the green summer currents, jellyfish seem to exist somewhere between matter and myth—elegant, translucent, and suspended in a world shaped by light and movement. Though often dismissed as pests or feared for their sting, these gelatinous invertebrates are a vital and beautiful part of the ocean’s marine ecology, especially during the warmer months

This large saltwater clam derives its common name, geoduck, from a Nisqually word which is said to loosely translate as “dig deep.” Don’t let their awkward looks deter you. Prepared right, this misunderstood bivalve is versatile and utterly delicious.

In this feature, Explore Hood Canal visits the Mason County Historical Society Museum in downtown Shelton to explore “More Than a Building,” a powerful exhibit on the early schools of Mason County. Featuring insights from curator Liz Arbaugh, this video reveals how schools were the heart of tiny communities—from tribal lands to logging camps.