STORIES

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.

Nestled in the forest outside Shelton in Mason County, the ROAM Wolfdog Sanctuary provides a home for some of the most misunderstood animals in the world—wolfdogs.

Take a hike, run, horseback ride or bike ride on an inviting trail along a wonderful stretch of the river. Admire surviving groves of towering old-growth, recovering old harvest areas, and a watershed coming back to life.

The whales are in Hood Canal! These last few weeks Hood Canal and South Puget Sound have produced a lot of exciting sightings of whales in the area.

A convocation of eagles is not a feted occasion requiring black gowns and tasseled caps. Like a murder of crows or a gaggle of geese, a convocation is the unexpected collective noun for a group of eagles.

It’s a common sight to see the “lucky” great blue heron patiently hunting on the shores of Hood Canal and South Puget Sound. Largest of the heron species, up to 4’ in height, they actually only weigh between 5-6 pounds. Here are a few things you may not have known about these iconic Northwest birds.

For dog families, it’s not a hike, camp out or road trip unless your four-legged trail buddy comes with you. While embarking on the adventure is optional, getting back healthy and whole is mandatory! Washington State Parks has some tips to leave you with only good memories when you visit.

Starfish, or sea stars, are some of the ocean's most fascinating creatures.  They lack brains and blood, digest food outside their bodies, and can  regenerate lost limbs—sometimes even growing a new starfish from a  single severed arm. In the colorful, thriving world of the Salish Sea, starfish stand out for their beauty and vital role in the ecosystem.

Ahh... road trips –there’s nothing that holds more appeal than the classic road trip – discovering new places, trying new things. Getting away from it all is as easy as heading to the South Sound via the Tacoma Narrows Bridge or by catching the Bremerton ferry for the 22 minute drive to Belfair, WA at the head of Hood Canal.

Celebrate Hoodsport with caroling and events throughout town, December 14. Stret booths begin to open around 3 PM and caroling begins at YSS dive 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 6-7.

With OysterFest the first weekend of October, we know its a great time to harvest oysters! Many of Washington’s public beaches are open year-round, and all you need is to check the tides and open beaches — grab your bucket, gloves, shucking knife, shellfish license, and head out to the local beach! As Jeff heads over to Verle's LLC to pick up his license and get tips on the best beaches to visit, join local harvesters Michael and Charlotte as they head to Hood Canal’s Eagle Creek beach to fill their frying pan and demonstrate shucking techniques and a quick and easy recipe for a beachside cookout! Can’t get any fresher!