You probably don't need any urging – just enjoying one of the many parks and beaches or watching the wildlife in the water is enough for most visiting Hood Canal. But just in case you need a few ideas here's a couple MORE to inspire you – Check out things to do for even more great suggestions.
#1. Hit the Beach
Hood Canal to Hope Island, it’s surprising how many beach access options there are. Pack a picnic, you’ll want to explore a while.
#2. Take a Hike
From a quiet city trail behind Shelton, forest walk at Twanoh State Park Trail (2.3 miles EASY) or Theler Wildlife Refuge (3.5 miles) where boardwalks over wetlands reveal flora and fauna. Here’s a list of great hiking spots around the Canal. Need a map? Try this link.
#3. Catch a Drift
Area lakes are stocked with trout and steelhead each Spring. Stop in at Verles for all the tips and tools. Fishing is the universal excuse to relax. Salmon season starts on Hood Canal and South Puget Sound in July and area lakes are stocked with trout and steelhead each Spring. Get your license at these local locations or online.
#4. Dive in the Canal
Giant octopi, friendly & curious wolf eels, and swarms of ancient rock cod add to the wonder of scuba adventures in Hood Canal. Scuba lessons, rentals (including air), and charters are available. The newly opened YSS diving in Hoodsport offers a whole series of certifications to "get your feet wet."
#5. Take the Leap
Views of the fjord and the Olympics and a seven minute free fall from 13,000 feet will change your perspective. Tandem flights $185-$215. Call Kapowsin Air Sports (360) 432-8000.
#6. Fly a Kite
Pick an afternoon low tide on Hood Canal and take advantage of the winds. The Port of Shelton (Hwy 101) has plenty of open fields.
#7. Dip your Paddle
Hood Canal Adventure has kayaks for rent by the hour, day or week, and they'll deliver to your home or rental! and recently Mike’s Beach Resort teamed up with a local kayak company in Lilliwaup — learn more here.
#8. Low tide wonders
The Canal and South Puget Sound expose amazing creature wonders at low tide. Spring is an especially amazing time to make discoveries – remember to replace your rocks carefully after flipping — that’s someone’s home!
#9. Find a Fall
The waterfalls are delightful year round —and it’s fun to swim in the pools in warmer weather. Some waterfalls and rivers can be very dangerous with undertows; be aware of hazards and watch children or inexperienced swimmers.
Our favorites:
Downtown Shelton diner on Railroad Avenue, next to the Shelton Inn. Home cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with plenty of parking.
Lakeside restaurant and lounge on Pickering Road near Shelton, with a full breakfast menu and beach dining in summer.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner specializing in clams, oysters and razor clams. Banquet room, full service lounge, pool table, pull tabs.
Fresh pastries, sandwiches and Batdorf & Bronson coffee in a tiny downtown Shelton café. Eat in or take out.
Small-batch coffee roasted on site in Shelton, with a drive-thru, indoor seating and an outdoor patio.
Fresh, seasonal, and local food. Irish fare is a staple on the menu and all are made fresh daily. They do our corned beef slow and low so it is always fork tender.
El Sarape is in Evergreen Square next to their popular Cantina Bar. Featuring Mexican classics, be sure to try the carne asada.
21 rotating beers & ciders on tap, 4 barrel wines by the glass, bottles of wine for purchase, along with pizza, pasta, salads & appetizers. +GF pizza options available.
A Shelton staple since the 1970’s, Ritz Drive-In offers a traditional drive-thru menu; burgers, onion rings and milkshakes. Make sure you get the special fry sauce!
Located in historic downtown Shelton, Washington, County Line Fire is the perfect spot for a night out with friends or a family gathering.
Traditional American breakfast, sandwiches and burgers in downtown Shelton. Open daily from 7 AM, one of the earliest starts in town.
A classic Shelton tavern that opens at 6:30 AM, with bar food, beer, wine and cocktails. One of the earliest doors in the county.
You know that local watering hole that every small town has? Well The Cabin Tavern is it! Come on in
A longtime family-owned Shelton staple for breakfast, lunch and milkshakes, right downtown.
Uptown Shelton diner near the shopping district. A full menu all day, but locals know it best as a breakfast hangout.
Authentic Mexican cuisine at their Shelton location. Serves vegetarian dishes · Has kids' menu; open daily 11 AM - 7 PM.
Burgers & Sandwiches, Wraps, and Appetizers. Dart Boards, Pool Tables, CornHole, Trivia with Tap TV, Jukebox, & Pull Tabs
#10. Get a new View
Soaring 420 feet above the Skokomish River, the High Steel Bridge (1929) is the highest steel truss arch in Washington. Follow Skokomish Valley Rd from U.S. 101 to bridge.
#11. Launch a Boat
Take the boat out and explore the islands and passages from Case Inlet on South Puget Sound, Hope Island near Arcadia Point Boat Launch and, of course through all the waterways and the Canal! Check out this list of boat launches and water access under fishing.
#12. Dine waterside
Our restaurants are back to normal with many having dining indoors and other offering take-out or curbside. Try the Hook & Fork at the nion City Market for fresh oysters and a changing seasonal with a GREAT view!
#13. Slurp!
Hama Hama Oyster Co., north of Lilliwaup, is open year round. Eat oysters – raw, baked and grilled, or try the crab cakes! The views alone will excite you.
The Taylor Shellfish retail store, South of Shelton is open daily for clams, oysters, geoduck and mussels – all harvested fresh in local waters!
#14. Pick a Peak
The Olympic National Forest and the Olympic National Park offer great climbing for all skill levels. Up for a challenge? Try the less visited but fulfilling Wagonwheel hike.
Beach with an expansive view of the Olympics; excellent photography destination. Lots of ripe berries in late summer. The northeastern boundary of state tidelands is marked with tires and posts installed by the neighboring private tideland owner.
Spectacular views of the Mt. Skokomish and the Brothers ranges; interpretive signage. Trail passes Hamma Hamma Cabin built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (1930s).
Trail follows park boundary, circles campground, access to beach below eroded bluffs. NO fee.
Waterfall with wading pond reflections are visible from trailhead. Follow a wooded trail that runs above the falls and continues up a gentle ravine, then return on same route. Parking at end of Sixth St, beyond Laurel. Falls are visible from street.
Trail follows extensive concrete fish ladder. In summer, wade among the small waterfalls created by the ladder. Educational kiosk, covered shelter, and railroad trestle span the creek.
Popular forested exercise course for joggers and walkers with wide, well maintained trails. Parking available
Hike across a broad, high summit at the northeastern edge of the Olympics and savor dazzling wildflowers and sweeping views that include snowy Mount Baker, the lofty, jagged eastern Olympic Mountain front, Puget Sound, and the Seattle skyline shimmering before Mount Rainier.
A classic hike in the Olympic rain shadow, Marmot Pass is often kissed with sunbeams while nearby ridges swirl with clouds. And while a small population of marmots wander this high country—hikers are abundant. Plan your hike for mid-week and be a good steward of this beautiful but fragile destination.
Well-known for its campground and excellent fishing and shell fishing opportunities, the park also contains nearly five miles of hiking trails. An excellent 3.6 mile loop can be made by following the Maple Valley and Steam Donkey Tails.
Duckabush River Trail travels near and along the river for more than 20 miles terminating at Marmot Lake in the heart of Olympic National Park. That’s a long journey primarily reserved for backpackers. Day hikers however should be content heading up this trail for just a few miles.
Murhut Falls are tucked away in a narrow, green valley. They stayed hidden until a new, simple trail was made. This waterfall has two levels and drops 130 feet. Now, it's a popular spot for hikers on the Olympic Peninsula. The trail begins on an old logging road, where the falls were found due to past logging.
It’s one of the hardest and meanest trails in the Olympic Mountains. The trail to the Mildred Lakes was never officially built and includes steep sections up rocks, roots, and ledges.
A great alternative to the oft-crowded Lena Lakes, the Elk Lakes are a perfect destination for hikers, young and old alike and those just seeking a little solace. The hike described here is the longer way following a remnant of a trail that once traversed the entire Jefferson Creek Valley. If your intent is to get to the lakes, then begin your hike from the upper (main) trailhead.
The Lena Lakes are located above the Hamma Hamma valley. Despite having the same name, the two lakes have distinct differences. The lower lake is a simple, family and pet-friendly walk through old, tall trees in Olympic National Forest. The upper lake is a tough climb to a beautiful high area in Olympic National Park. The lower lake is usually crowded, while the upper lake offers more solitude. Access to both lakes is the same.
The Lena Lakes are located above the Hamma Hamma valley. Despite having the same name, the two lakes have distinct differences. The lower lake is a simple, family and pet-friendly walk through old, tall trees in Olympic National Forest. The upper lake is a tough climb to a beautiful high area in Olympic National Park. The lower lake is usually crowded, while the upper lake offers more solitude. Access to both lakes is the same.
Subalpine lakes tucked in the high serrated divide separating Olympic National Park from the Mount Skokomish Wilderness. To reach the two lakes, most of the trail is easy or moderately steep, making it doable in a day for experienced hikers. Runners and strong hikers can make it in a day. Beginners might consider camping overnight at the lakes.
The trail starts off easy on an old road, crossing a flowing creek. Then it gets steep quickly with sharp turns, climbing nonstop through switchbacks. Pass by salal and young trees, with some big ancient firs still standing from past fires.
The trail starts off easy on an old road, crossing a flowing creek. Then it gets steep quickly with sharp turns, climbing nonstop through switchbacks. Pass by salal and young trees, with some big ancient firs still standing from past fires.
This easy hiking loop around Big Creek crosses over several bridges and leads to hidden waterfalls. It's best to hike after heavy rain. The Mount Rose Trail Crew built the loop over twenty years ago using old logging roads and new paths. The trail starts at Big Creek Campground and is maintained by the volunteer crew. One of the highlights of the hike is the well-built bridges.
Hoodsport Trail Park is a small park located between Hood Canal and Lake Cushman. It offers about two miles of wooded trails with loops and connections. The trail system can be a bit confusing, which adds to the adventure for hikers also exploring Olympic National Park and Forest nearby.
Church Creek Trail is named after Frederic Church, a member of an 1890 expedition across the Olympics. This trail offers a lightly traveled route through old-growth forests with majestic trees.
Pine Lake is surrounded by old-growth forest, despite being in a previously heavily logged area. An old logging road now serves as a quiet hiking trail to the lake, often free of crowds.
Spider Lake is a narrow lake in a valley with old, tall trees. The trail around the lake used to be longer with ancient trees, but most were cut down. Now, the trail is shorter but has been fixed up, and the trees on the hills are growing back.
Schafer State Park is located on the East Fork Satsop River in the far southwest of Mason County. Despite being away from cities, it was active starting in 1872 when the Schafer Family from Wisconsin settled here. Their sons Peter, Albert, and Hubert began logging in the 1890s.
This park was once a farm by Lake Isabella in Washington. It has over 4 miles of trails through pastures, orchards, and woods. You’ll see deer around the 182-acre property. Delight Park Road cuts through the middle of the park.
The Bayshore Preserve is on a small land in Oakland Bay. It used to be a golf course but has been restored to its natural state by the Capitol Land Trust, Squaxin Island Tribe, and other partners. The preserve is crucial for wildlife and has cultural significance as it used to be a Squaxin Island Tribe village with a large longhouse.
McMicken Island in Case Inlet can be reached without a bridge or ferry. During low tide, a sandbar appears, connecting the island to the mainland. You can hike the island's half-mile trail, picnic in a small meadow, and explore its rocky intertidal zone. But watch out for rising tides to avoid getting stuck.
Known for its expansive beach on Hood Canal, which boasts some of Washington's warmest salt water. Visitors mainly head to the beach or campground, so the park's trails are often peaceful. Find the trail start near a group of rhododendron bushes. The path runs alongside Twanoh Creek, leading to a delta on the beach. It eventually reaches a crossroads.
Explore Theler Wetlands at Hood Canal's edge, where the Union River meets the fjord, providing a diverse wildlife habitat. The preserve, alongside a nearby Washington DFW area, safeguards hundreds of acres supporting various animals. Walk on bridges and boardwalks to see many birds and mammals, such as eagles, ospreys, herons, swallows, deer, coyotes, and otters, along the three-mile trail.
#15. Take a Hike
How about checking out the Big Loop Trail around Lake Cushman. Or if you are feeling more adventurous — check out Mildred Lakes.
#16. Run!
The Huff in Puff trail in Shelton is a great place to start but there are lots of beautiful trail run areas too. Consider participating in many of the seasonal runs that are back on the schedule again.
#17. Sip
Stottle Winery and Hoodsport Winery in Hoodsport; Mosquito Fleet Winery in Belfair; and Walter Dacon, Shelton, all have plenty of locally made beverages to go or to sip on site.
#18. Ice cream fix
For the perfect day include a scoop or two of locally made Olympic Mountain Ice Cream. Pick up a pint of Oly Mtn. Ice Cream fix at these Hood Canal & South Puget Sound locations.
#19. Bike the Fjord
Trails in the Olympic National Forest vary from challenging to easy gravel roads. Combine trails and roads to create loops that offer a variety of forests, streams and panoramic vistas.
#20. Ride the Current
Launch a kayak at the Shelton Marina on outgoing tides and ride currents in Hammersley Inlet to Arcadia Point. Lunch at Hope Island Park and return with the incoming current!
#21. Canal views
From every spot on the road looping Hood Canal you will find inspiring and rejuvenating view of the mountains and maybe even catch a glimpse of a whale or seal.
#22. Shell Creations
Head to a Hood Canal beach for the whitest oyster and clam shells perfect for the guest room soap dish – ask before taking, but most won't mind!
#23. Find a Lake
There is no shortage of accessible and open lakes throughout the area. Lake Cushman has plenty of great swimming spots!
#24. Hole in One
From the award winning Salish Cliffs Golf Club in Kamilche, Alderbrook Golf & Yacht Club in Union, Lake Limerick, Lake Cushman Golf Course, and Lake Land Village Golf Course in Allyn – all offer majestic views of the area with plenty of space for everyone. Click here for golfing options.
9 Holes, Concrete Tees, ChainStar Targets, Dedicated disc golf, Dogs allowed, Cart friendly, Restroom available
18 Holes, Concrete Tees, ChainStar Pro Targets, Dedicated disc golf, Dogs allowed, Restroom available
18 Hole Championship Golf Course, GPS Enabled Golf Cart Fleet, Practice Range, and Short Game Area
Numerous ponds and bunkers are offset by views of the Olympics and Mount Rainier. At over 9,000 yards, this 27-hole golf course offers driving ranges, practice chipping, as well as putting greens. The clubhouse serves lunch and dinner options.
Gentle hills make this a challenging Par 72 and a fun round of golf. Facilities include Pro Shop, Cafe', Cart Rentals. Social Memberships Available.
Consistently rated as one of the top 25 courses in the Northwest for its spectacular scenery and play-ability. The well-maintained par 72 course follows the natural contour of land.
Nestled in the forest of the Olympic Mountains above Hoodsport this public 9-hole course with dual tees which plays a challenging 18 holes. It has a wide open driving range, putting green, and practice bunker.
#25. Ride the Rails
Peddle powered rail rides with Vance Creek Railriders. Opening in May, pedal the rails on the decommissioned Simpson Logging rail line for a 12-mile round trip work out! As you pedal the multi-seat "railrider" along the track you will have the opportunity to see wildlife, old growth and new forests as well as diverse meadows teeming with wild flowers, moss, and ferns.
#26. Motorsports
Navigate 23,000 acres of working forest, Tahuya State Forest, networked by extensive and winding trails,there's has something for every adrenaline junkie.
#27. Forage!
New amongst the many activities offered by Hood Canal Adventures is guided mushroom foraging.
#28. Glamp On
From Canal beach side glamour picnic, or an overnight trip - check out the glamping opportunities around Hood Canal!
#29. Geocache Hunt
Start at Alderbrook Resort and Spa, experience the high-tech treasure hunt as you explore the resort. Check out a clue book and a Garmin Handheld GPS and search for hidden containers leading to prizes!
Staffed office with a selection of brochures, maps, magazines, and information available on local activities
Free brochures, maps, wild side guides, and concierge information as well as locally sourced food, coffee, and gifts for purchase. Re-Opening Spring 2024!
Brochures and maps are open year-round, and volunteers are on-site from May Day to Labor Day.
The Hoodsport Visitor Information Center issues back-country permits and bear cans for safe food storage, and provides current trail and in-depth backpacking information. Chat with a ranger or pick up some local brochures and insider knowledge from the volunteers.
Caboose #700 now serves as the Chamber's Visitor Information Center. Built in the 1920s by a Simpson-affiliated railway company, it's a side-door caboose — a style once used to haul less-than-carload freight to logging camps and to carry passengers when rail was often the only way in or out.
Owned and operated by the Diocese of Olympia, the Episcopal Church of Western Washington, St. Andrew’s House exists as a retreat and conference facility
The Sacred Waters Center for Restoration and Retreat overlooks Hood Canal and the Olympic Mountains in Union, Washington. Rustic rooms and meeting spaces are surrounded by garden paths, walking, and hiking trails. It is open for events, meetings, and celebrations.
Explore seven acres of rare trees, rhododendron hybrids, azaleas, magnolias, maples, conifers, kalmias, camellias, perennials, trees, shrubs and ground cover. Sales and viewing.
2.53 acres. Parking: Pull-out parking with space for approximately 4 vehicles. Amenities: Log and bandsaw monuments, overlook benches
Built in 1920 by Mark Reed and Irene Simpson Reed, it is currently used for visiting contractors, executives, and Green Diamond interns. The home is also available for weddings and other select events on a case-by-case basis.
With its arrival in 1924, the Dalby Waterwheel was brought to the waterside town of Union by Ed and Ethel Dalby. The wheel generated enough electricity to power their home and several cabins until the 1940s. The wheel was originally part of a cable car system in Seattle. The Dalby Waterwheel is probably Mason County’s most famous and photographed historical structure.
Arguably, the single most dramatic point of interest in Mason County is the 685-foot-long steel bridge. Perched 420 feet above the cascading Skokomish River, it was originally a logging railroad bridge built in 1929. The view will take your breath away. From Hwy 101, take Skokomish Valley Road for 5 miles, right at FS #23, 2.5 miles to FS #2340, which leads to the bridge in another 2.5 miles.
Tollie is a Shay locomotive, a type of gear-drive steam engine invented in 1879 and patented in 1881. Unlike traditional rod-drive locomotives, its three cylinders power a line shaft geared to the wheels, giving it the ability to climb steep grades, navigate tight curves, and cross rough or hastily-built log spans — making it a workhorse for early logging operations in terrain other locomotives couldn't handle.
Built in 1890, McReavy House is purportedly the oldest standing structure along Hood Canal. The home has been vacant since the children of John McReavy died within a year of each other in 1969. Some claim that the abandoned Mansion is haunted. Haunted or not, the home remains part of the earliest history of Union, WA. The house is currently being restored as a museum.
#30. Read a Book!
Never out of style and great for some social distancing. Here’s a few ideas to get you going!
#31. Take a S'more Break
This should be #1... be sure to remember the chocolate, graham crackers and marshmallows -- wouldn't be the same without the S'mores!
#32. Run with the Salmon
Visit one of the many fish hatcheries on Hood Canal! Visit fws.gov for information on area hatcheries.
#33. Potlatch Brewery for a Pint
New to Hoodsport is the Potlatch Brewery. Visit their tasting room on Hwy 101 in the center of town to relax after a hike. High Steel Brewery in Shelton also has some local beers that are gaining high acclaims!
#34. Take your Dog on a Hike
Check out this list of area hikes where Fido is welcome to tag along.
Once again rebranded as “ShrimpFest,” this event celebrated the return of Hood Canal shrimp with a gastronomic celebration of seafood and music!
Hundreds of non-profits and volunteers come together to create seafood dishes especially showcasing the local oysters.
Allyn Community Association is pleased to host the annual Allyn Days Festival at the Allyn Waterfront Park on Case Inlet.
Adventurers and Seafood fans gather to enjoy salmon bake (SAT) low tide mud run, oyster shucking competition (SUN), a vendor area for shopping, a beer garden, kids activities, live music and dancing.
Ready to cross the Fjord in your non-motorized vessel in honor of Hardware Distillery’s Aquavit release? Listen for the horn to compete in a 2-mile paddle, where you earn your complimentary event bandana, Aquavit cup, and prizes. Calling all paddlers, novices, and families—this is a fun event to include the kids and create long-lasting memories on the shores of Hood Canal!
#35. Gyro on the Canal
Sunset Beach Grocery & Deli near Belfair on SR 106 is claimed as being the best kept secret and great for a quick take out menu item.
#36. For the Birds
The Theler Wetlands, Skokomish Delta, Duckabush, Dosewallips and Hamma Hamma are great places to catch glimpes of our resident and visiting avian community! Check out the local birding spots.
#37. Sleep under the Stars
Around every corner you will find a great place to pitch a tent.
#38. Roast the Beans
Urraco Coffee in Shelton roasts all their beans on site in their quaint and friendly cafe on 7th and Cota. The drive through is quick and friendly. Coffee available by the pound as well. Urraco is also serving coffee at their location on Steamboat Island and in Hoodsport at the Fjord Café.
#39. EAT MORE oysters!
Oysters have high levels of zinc that helps our bodies fight viruses. Catch your own or visit Hama Hama and Taylor Shellfish and the Fjord Oyster Bank to pick up clams as well.
Double sided drive-thru coffee stand(s) serving custom blend, muffins, house made breakfast sandwiches, burritos, bagels and more!
Family Wok & Teriyaki is a great place to visit if you're in the mood for a Chinese or Japanese meal. The restaurant is well-known for good service and friendly staff, but best known for our teriyaki chicken. Family Wok & Teriyaki offers flavorful meals at attractive prices.
Quality consistent food that taste great every single time. Delicious genuine dishes like: Pizza, Sandwiches, Salads.
Authentic Mexican food with a modern twist. Located in Belfair, Los Agaves, offers a wide array of fresh food – molcajete, burrito agave, carne asada camarones, and carnitas de puerco. Open Tuesday through Sunday at 11 AM, Tuesday - Thursday until 9 AM; Friday - Sunday until 9:30 PM.
Authentic Mexican food served in Belfair, WA.
Casual, family operated, dining open daily for lunch and dinner; extensive menu including kids’ choices and homemade chips and salsa. Open Daily 11 AM - 7 PM (Friday until 8PM).
Casey’s is a family owned and operated neighborhood bar. Bingo and friendly games on certain nights, Their menu features a huge selection of food, varieties of adult beverages. Try the loaded nachos and the fish and chips.
Belfair full service restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner serving gourmet hand crafted burgers, beer and wine, gluten-free & vegetarian options.
Famous delicious fries and shakes since 1966, Big Bubba’s is also a great place to have their famous signature burger, a monster-sized 1lb beast of Black Angus beef with bacon and cheese on a fresh Kaiser bread roll which was recently named one of the top 25 burgers in Washington state.
The Boat House accepts reservations in the dining room and the bar and outdoor patio dining areas are fully available for walk-in, first come first serve.
Northwest comfort food with fairway views at Lakeland Village in Allyn. Daily specials and a great Sunday brunch.
R&R’s Shed, also known as The Woodshed Bar and Grill, is reportedly the oldest bar in Belfair. Open daily from 11 AM, the restaurant provides take out, curbside, dine in and outdoor seating.
Bar and grill located located south of downtown Belfair.
Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, 7 AM - 9 PM.
Chinese restaurant in Belfair. Highly recommend the general chicken, fried dumplings and chicken Pho
Locally owned Allyn coffee stop pouring organic Grounds for Change coffee, with bagels and breakfast sandwiches.
#40. Get a Carve On
Stop in at the Bear in A Box, Allyn for chainsaw artwork by George Kenny and his team. Feeling like a lumberjack? Sign up to learn how to sculpt a squatch with a chainsaw! Get the details here!
#41. Hydro Savvy
Check out the first hydroelectric wheel on the fjord. Dalby Waterwheel is located on SR 106 between Cameo Boutique and Alderbrook Resort.
#42. Chuck a disc!
The Shelton Springs Disc Golf Course in Shelton just recently recieved top ratings. Visit masoncountydiscgolfassociation for details on all the local courses.
#43. Pizza Attack
In Shelton call Dominos or Westide Pizza on First Street or head up the Railroad Taproom on Railroad Ave for some authentic Italian flavors and a huge selection of brews on tap. All offer take out and you can call head to get your order prepared ahead of time.
#44. Squatch Watch
With over 22 sightings in Mason County alone - chances of catching a glimpse get higher each year. Keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready for that money shot! Learn more
Duckabush River Trail travels near and along the river for more than 20 miles terminating at Marmot Lake in the heart of Olympic National Park. That’s a long journey primarily reserved for backpackers. Day hikers however should be content heading up this trail for just a few miles.
The Lena Lakes are located above the Hamma Hamma valley. Despite having the same name, the two lakes have distinct differences. The lower lake is a simple, family and pet-friendly walk through old, tall trees in Olympic National Forest. The upper lake is a tough climb to a beautiful high area in Olympic National Park. The lower lake is usually crowded, while the upper lake offers more solitude. Access to both lakes is the same.
This easy hiking loop around Big Creek crosses over several bridges and leads to hidden waterfalls. It's best to hike after heavy rain. The Mount Rose Trail Crew built the loop over twenty years ago using old logging roads and new paths. The trail starts at Big Creek Campground and is maintained by the volunteer crew. One of the highlights of the hike is the well-built bridges.
Pine Lake is surrounded by old-growth forest, despite being in a previously heavily logged area. An old logging road now serves as a quiet hiking trail to the lake, often free of crowds.
#45. Visit Tollie
The Shelton Visitor Center is in at this historic timber train. It was recently restored by volunteers so stop by the unmanned Caboose for area maps and be sure to get your picture with Tollie the engine. A historic logging locomotive (1924) operated in Mason County for Simpson Logging. Designed by Ephraim Shay, the locomotive negotiated heavy grades and curves. Tollie is joined by Caboose No.700, a 1920s log car.
#46. What's 'Sup?
A great way to explore the canal.
#47. Experience the Fjord Spirit
Using water from the Olympics, The Hardware Distillery, Hoodsport, offers spirits in an ambient tasting room and if you want to swing by quick to pick up some great spirits — they will prepare your order in advance and meet you curbside.
#48. Watch for Whales
Each year Hood Canal and South Puget Sound enjoy visits from orcas and grays. Follow their arrivals on the orcanetwork online.
#49. Beach Walk
Gather up the family and the buckets and head to the low tide for a giant aquarium that beats any confined exhibit. You’ll et wet and muddy but will walk with memories to last a lifetime!
#50. JUST R-E-L-A-X!
We have some of the cleanest air and water in the country, friendly people and gorgeous scenery everywhere.
Double sided drive-thru coffee stand(s) serving custom blend, muffins, house made breakfast sandwiches, burritos, bagels and more!