Spider Lake In The Olympic National Forest
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.
Highlights: Old-growth forest
Distance: 2.0 mile loop; Difficulty: Easy with 250’ elevation gain; Permits: None; Season: Year round
Kid and Dog Friendly: Yes; Trailhead Amenities: None; GPS waypoint: N47 24.881 W123 25.715
Map: Green Trails Mt Tebo No. 199; Contact: Olympic National Forest, www.fs.usda.gov/olympic
Trailhead Directions: From Shelton, travel north on US 101 for 7 miles, turn left at milepost 340 onto the Skokomish Valley Rd. Follow for 5.6 miles, bearing right at a V intersection onto Forest Road 23. Continue for 9.3 miles and bear left at a junction with FR 2353. Then drive graveled FR 23 for 7 miles to the trailhead on the left.
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
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
The Fjord Oyster Bank in Hoodsport began as humble oyster bar inspiration and evolved into a legacy restaurant honoring the recipes of legendary seafood chef, Xinh Dwelley.
This clean and cozy cafe is located on Railroad Avenue in Downtown Shelton, next to the Shelton Inn. With plenty of parking, this popular local hangout is great for breakfast lunch and dinner with casual dining and home cooking.
Authentic flavors from a small city in Mexico
Family-friendly restaurant with a large menu and great views
Family-friendly microbrewery, restaurant, and arcade in downtown Shelton.
The Deli offers wines, cheeses, smoked meats, fresh sandwiches, soup, and various drinks. Olympic Bakery and Deli serves breakfast, lunch, and light dinner-style fare.
A food truck creating and frying all sorts of food.
A variety of different restaurants at the resort.
The menu includes prime rib, steaks, local seafood, burgers, sandwiches, pizza, and a full breakfast menu. The lounge offers about the largest selection of Pull Tab games in the state.
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 drinks are available at this tiny downtown cafe. Indoor dining and take-out.
Small-Batch Coffee Roaster with Drive-Thru, Indoor Seating and 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.
Japanese cuisine and dining
Full service, family-friendly restaurant offering take out as well as dine-in. Wide menu options.
Traditional Mexican along with views of the Hood Canal
Fresh local seafood, dry aged beef, world-class wines and waterfront views makes restaurant a destination in itself, outdoor patio takeout
Sandwiches, Burgers, Steak, Seafood, Full Bar. Located at the Alderbrook Golf Course and open for regular dining and private events. Scenic views of Hood Canal & Olympic Mountains.
Year-round community gathering space offering local snacks, art, gifts, and specialty grocery items located on Hood Canal within a working marina
All your favorite pizzas and calzones, plus some of their specialties and add on some Olympic Mountain Ice cream for dessert
Authentic Thai Cuisine, Family Friendly
Asian-inspired classics, eat-in or take-out available.
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.
Bob's Tavern is a bar that offers bar food, beer, wine, cocktails, and happy hour drinks. Some of their most popular dishes include fried chicken, steak bites, and “Chicken and Jo's.” Open 6:30 AM – 2 AM.
An outdoor eatery and farm-to-table restaurant focusing on shellfish grown and harvested on site. Open year round for waterfront seating.
Hood Canale's pizza and wine shop featuring local craft, draft beers and an extensive wine list from the Northwest and well beyond. Also serving wood-fired thin-crust pizza and live music on site.