welcome to shelton
The County Seat Of Mason
Shelton, Washington is also known as “Christmastown, USA” owing to its rich history in Christmas trees. In December, the streets light up with holiday celebrations and a historical mural of a 32’ tall Santa greets arrivals from the South. A fleet of steamboats once served Shelton. Traveling down Hammersley inlet on the tidal currents, these ships delivered supplies. Tugboats still ride these tides to deliver throughout Puget Sound. There is plenty of shopping and dining in Shelton’s downtown.
Dining
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.
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.
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 food - breakfast, sandwiches, burgers and more. CJ’s is open daily from 7AM to 8 PM.
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.
You know that local watering hole that every small town has? Well The Cabin Tavern is it! Come on in
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
see the sights!
lodging
Shelton Inn is located in downtown Shelton, Washington. With easy access to Highway 101 and Highway 3 this comfortable hotel is a central location to begin your adventures. Rooms are air conditioned and include small refrigerators, coffee maker and microwaves. Free WIFI, dog rooms available, please call hotel directly.
Escape to the Pickering Passage House, a luxury waterfront vacation rental in Puget Sound. Guests rave about the endless activities—pickleball court, kayaking, orca watching, and evenings on the covered patio around the firepit. Relax in the Nordic sauna, heated dipping pool, and cozy beds. With stunning views and something for everyone, this Puget Sound waterfront home is the ultimate getaway for families and friends.
This waterfront retreat on Harstine Island offers a peaceful escape surrounded by the natural beauty of South Puget Sound. With three bedrooms and two bathrooms, the home comfortably accommodates up to six guests and features panoramic views of Case Inlet from its large windows and expansive deck. The open-concept layout includes a cozy living area with a fireplace, a modern kitchen, and a spacious dining space—all designed to make the most of the serene, wooded setting.
Island Lakehouse is located on beautiful Island Lake in Shelton. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the private beach, outdoor spaces, bass or trout fishing and water activities in this natural spring fed lake. You can swim, ski, boat, and fish in the lake. After daily excursions, return home for tranquil sunsets, watch eagles fly, enjoy the lake, or cozy up with loved ones. Adventures abounds at Island Lakehouse and the surrounding area! Our beautifully remodeled 3 bedroom, 2 bath home is well-appointed with all the comforts of home, including BBQ, WiFi and cable TV w/ Streaming. The home has a large private lawn, multiple outdoor living spaces and a private beach for swimming or water activities.
Quiet beach getaway on scenic Harstine Island. Clean small home filled with modern amenities such as high-speed fiber GB Internet with Wi-Fi, 3 TVs with Streaming Aps, Bluetooth stereo, kitchen, Weber BBQ on deck. New solid flooring in main area and carpeted in bedrooms. Complete furbished small kitchen with oven, dishwasher, microwave, coffee pot and toaster. Large deck for outside living. Please note, there is a five-day minimum stay for all reservations.
This charming cottage in a serene setting is the perfect place to rejuvenate, unwind, and relax. It is surrounded by a beautifully landscaped property and a generous amount of waterfront. Kayaks are included at no additional charge.
This home is perfect for a family weekend, girlfriend getaway, or a couples' vacation. It comfortably sleeps 6 adults in beds and will accommodate a child or two in the portable crib and/or on the sectional sofa. The large second-floor master bedroom suite has a king bed, sitting area, 40" TV, spacious walk-in closet, and an en suite master bath with jetted tub. On the main floor are two bedrooms, one with a lovely four-poster queen bed and the other bedroom with two twin beds.
Escape to the beautifully decorated water front retreat. Shore Lane Beach House offers three bedrooms, one and 3/4 bathrooms on three levels totaling 1400 square feet. All rooms (except for one bedroom) have superb views of the water. Stay in touch if needed utilizing our high speed WiFi connection. It is a great set up for adults and kids. Send the kids to the downstairs living area to play games or watch TV in the evenings while you enjoy the view and conversation on the main floor. Kids can sleep in the bunk room with their choice of upper bunk, lower bunk, or trundle.
The completely rebuilt Beach House is situated on the sun-drenched, southern facing side of Oakland Bay just inside Hammersley Inlet with commanding views. The home is new inside and out having been rebuilt in 2007, all inside furnishings brand new as of November 2016. The Beach House features an open floor plan with two bedrooms, one bathroom, totaling 950 square feet. House is on well water. Unobstructed views from every room (back bedroom has slight view). The home sits on a 212' ft bulkhead. Low bank water front. The home is perfect for a single family or a romantic couples get away.
Experience the beauty of Washington’s countryside when you book this 3-bedroom, 2-bath vacation rental in Shelton! Tucked away on 4+ wooded acres, this lovely home offers an idyllic retreat for families and nature enthusiasts. Sip your morning coffee on the patio before exploring nearby attractions like the Olympic National Forest and Potlatch State Park. After the day’s adventures, prepare a delicious dinner on the propane grill and share quality time around the outdoor fire pit.
This magnificent home is your destination for a fun, relaxing and peaceful get-away. Enjoy 4600 sq ft on the Puget Sound waterfront. The views are spectacular. The upstairs living area features large view windows; the master suite includes a jacuzzi. All 6 bedrooms face the water.
Immerse yourself in nature with a quiet get-away in this charming one bedroom 3/4 bath beachfront suite on the banks of gorgeous Hammersly Inlet. Embrace the peace & tranquility of the south Puget Sound relaxing on the large deck, making smores over a fire, or kayaking in the serene bay surrounded by trees. Watch for seals, otters, birds, fish, deer, and in the spring & summer- Orca whales! Just steps away you'll find shared stairs with direct access to the 400 ft private beach.
This spacious home sleeps up to eight guests. Waterfront four bedroom/three bathroom in a 3,050 square foot two story home perfectly staged for a family vacation on the shores of Spencer Lake. Enjoy two primary en suites, spacious closets, kitchen with a pantry, mixer and two sinks.. Popular outdoor dining areas are on the deck with our 6 person umbrella table or at the gazebo in the front lawn where you have another gas fireplace to warm up to.
From comfortable newly renovated hotel rooms and stylish suites to luxurious resort amenities and hotel packages, Little Creek Casino Resort is perfect for a Pacific Northwest vacation in Mason County.
Budget friendly motel offering 24 hour front desk, room service,TV, WIFI, fridge in room and free basic breakfast. For guests with a vehicle, free parking is available.
Looking for a fun getaway cabin just steps from the beach? This three bedroom, one bath classic cabin is perched on the bank overlooking Hammersley with romantic night views of Shelton from the decks. With “beachy” comfortable decor and the beach in front, this cabin is great for families or a getaway with the girls!
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.
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.
live music and fun!
Nationally touring bands and comedians at this concert sized event facility in Kamicke, just south of Shelton.
Leane brings lots of live music to the Shelon scene with a regular lie up of live music at the Cantina. Pool tables in back offer an added fun evening out.
Shelton's high school has a first-class 700-seat theater that regularly hosts public performances.
Little Creek's Starlight Lounge is a great place to relax with friends after a day on the trails.
Comedy shows and musicians are a regular staple of this modest little corner pub. Yep, it is a log cabin, but don't let that disuade you from checking out some modern vibes inside.
Jim and Nikki support local bands and bring in a few favorites from around the area with live music on site as well as street events centered around the restaurant.
Local bands and DJs perform in the new Starlight Bar. Full gaming floor with Sportsbook. Non Smoking
One of five remaining drive-in movie theaters offering double feature films, with plenty of “scary” films and family fare.
shopping in shelton
Nicole has created a crafting oasis in her little DIY with a lot of arty help. Classes are held regularly.
Locally made gifts -- "In Shelton homes." Stop by this fun little shop to shop local and find unique gifts to suit every one.
Women's clothing store featuring curated Northwet inspired wardrobe pieces and gifts for women and children.
Looking for a favorite candy? Chances are they stock it in this sweet little shop on Shelton's main drag.
Eclectic and unusual items are artfully displayed in this reasonably priced resell store.
Museums
A collection of artifacts from timber, shellfish, farming, and early pioneer days. The museum maintains a public library of materials, including photos, tapes, letters, diaries, periodicals, and newspapers. The museum is located in the original Shelton City Hall.
Historical artifacts from the Twana people on Hood Canal. Extensive basketry collection. Open by appointment only or for events.
Detailed interpretive exhibits and artifact displays depicting the relationship between Squaxin Island Tribal members and the seven inlets of South Puget Sound. Open to the public, including library and gift shop.
Explore historical items from Shelton’s timber rail history with multiple restored engines and cabooses, as well as logging equipment on site. Follow the museum website for train rides and tours available during event dates.
Historical items from the timber history of Matlock, open during events or by appointment. The museum hosts a large collection of agricultural items and artifacts related to local legend and outlaw, John Tornow.
golf & disc golf
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.
Walks & Hikes near Shelton
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
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.
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.
Hood Canal looks like a bay but it technically isn't. It's a fjord, which is a long, deep arm of saltwater carved out by glaciers during the last ice age. The water is cold and rich, the kind of cold that is very good for shellfish, which is why Mason County has become one of the best places in world to dig clams, eat oysters, mussels and geoduck. The farms and tideflats along the canal have supplied restaurants and raw bars for decades, and recreational harvesting has been a local tradition for even longer.
For many people, above the surface, sea lions and seals blur together. Both are sleek marine mammals with whiskered faces, dark eyes, and the unnerving ability to look adorable and deeply competent at the same time. Both haul out on rocks, beaches, docks, and floating logs around the Salish Sea. Both vanish into the water with enviable grace. But spend any real time with them, especially underwater, and their differences become obvious.
Fjordin Crossin embraces an old world Scandinavian tradition of the spirit “aquavit”, with a series of unique events at the beach in Hoodsport, WA – a nordic parade, a barrel crossing, a family-friendly paddle race, drinks, vendors and food and, after the tide pushes the celebration back to the shore, the after-party continues on the streets of Hoodsport.
Cooking Around the Sound is a visceral celebration of the Pacific Northwest, bringing elevated, regionally-inspired cuisine to the rugged fringes of the Washington coast. Led by creator/chef Daniel, each dish is a tribute to the landscape, crafted on driftwood-strewn beaches and islands accessible only by kayak.
Bluegrass From the Forest returns for its 21st year bringing another weekend of national bands campground picking circles, late-night jams, and family celebration to Shelton. Book now, early bird ticket pricing is available until June 20.
There are no bridges or causeways to little McMicken Island in Case Inlet. No ferry service either. But you don’t need a kayak or boat to visit. You can easily hike to this island which lies about 0.2 mile off of the eastern shore of Harstine Island. It’s all in the timing.
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.
Tucked into the quiet beauty of Washington’s Lake Cushman region, a new retreat is inviting guests to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect—with nature, with loved ones, and with themselves. Welcome to Mountain Glory Lodge, a thoughtfully designed getaway where modern comfort meets the restorative power of the Pacific Northwest.
The Old Timer's Fair celebrates Matlock’s timber heritage with living historic display and antique swap meet booths. Attendees enjoy kids’ activities, hand-crafted items, agricultural displays, food, prizes and live music.
A parade, a pageant, logging skills competition and Paul Bunyan, 80 years ago Mason County had it's own ideas about raising awareness about fire prevention. To help combat the destructive wildfires — while also promoting the importance of forests — Mason County hosted the first annual forest festival in the spring of 1945.
Want to visit the farmers that wake up on the night tides to bring you the perfect oyster, clam or geoduck? Check out these farms on and around Hood Canal!
Nestled between forest and fjord, The Glen isa great basecamp for outdoor escapes, weekend retreats, and getaways. With 14 hotel rooms, suites, a vacation rental, and full RV hookups, you can explore the Olympic National Park, Hood Canal, Lake Cushman, and beyond.
Craig Romano has outlined 25 great hiking destinations for us on Hood Canal — Here’s five to get you started!
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.
The Easternmost peak in the Olympic Mountains, Mount Walker offers a commanding view of Dabob Bay sparkling below and the Seattle skyline shimmering across Puget Sound. The close up of massive Mount Constance, the third highest peak in the Olympic Mountains is pretty darn impressive too. But the real joy to hiking this trail is ambling through its profuse clusters of rhododendrons. Hit the trail to Mount Walker in May or June for an ascent up a purple mountain majesty!
Join the Waddington Brothers as they perform iconic Bluegrass and Western music with jaw-dropping authenticity in a live concert at Shelton High School Auditorium in Shelton, Washington on Friday, February 13, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
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.
Receiving hundreds of inches of rain annually, the Hoh, Quinault and Queets Rainforests are located on the coastal foothills of the Olympics, receiving 21+’ of snow and rain at its peaks! It’s no wonder there is a myriad of spectacular waterfalls lacing the area. Explore this sampling curated by celebrated guidebook author and avid hiker, Craig Romano. Some are small, secret, and unique, others are popular but magnificent. All are worth the journey!
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.
With a name that may instill a chill if you’re prone to arachnophobia, fear not a visit to Spider Lake. Children will love hiking along its shores looking for birds, fish, amphibians and other critters. They’ll also appreciate the well-built bridges spanning the lake’s inlet and outlet streams. And the trail with its gentle course around the lake is ideal for hikers of all ages and abilities.
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.
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.