When a Tree Falls in the Forest
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.
Trees are ever-present above us when visiting or camping in the forest. Yet, too often, we are unaware of the risks associated with trees. Trees and branches can fall at any time and at any location for lots of reasons, including weather, age, fire, damage and disease.
Avoid spending time in the forest on very windy days. If you are visiting a park on a windy day and hear trees and branches falling, leave the forest or go to an open area. Be aware of recent weather. Be particularly careful imme-diately following strong winds, heavy snowfall, or ice storm. Wind can break branches or uproot trees. Heavy snow and ice can weaken and break trees. Storm damage can take days to reveal itself and days or weeks to clean up. Avoid stopping to spend time under dead and unhealthy trees. Trees with missing needles or leaves, peeling bark, or missing limbs may be dead. Dead limbs and trees can fall without warning. Trees can have other defects that can cause them to fall such as internal rot, broken tops, weak branch connections, open cavities, or insect and disease activity. Not all defects are visible.
Be prepared and share your plans. Trees can fall and block roads or trails. Bring emergency supplies in case your adventure lasts longer than you planned.
Winter Getaways & Holiday Traditions in Mason County
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.
Winter in Mason County has a different pace. The crowds thin out, the forests go quiet, and the Hood Canal takes on a calm, moody feel that makes it easy to slow down. It’s the season for cozy stays, cold-air walks, and warm places to gather afterward.
Tucked along the forested shores of the Hood Canal on the Olympic Peninsula, Mason County becomes a low-key winter retreat. Whether you’re visiting for holiday events or just looking for a quiet escape, the area offers a mix of small-town charm, outdoor access, and places that feel right for the season.
Where to Stay This Winter
Shelton is a natural home base during the holidays. Festival of the Firs events, downtown shopping, dining, and community activities all center here, and everything is close. Lodging ranges from simple, budget-friendly motels to full-service resort stays.
The Shelton Inn remains a longtime community staple, especially convenient if most of your plans are in town. The Super 8 offers a straightforward stay uptown. For a more amenity-filled experience, Little Creek Casino Resort provides spacious rooms, dining, entertainment, and a warm place to unwind after a cold winter day.
If you’re drawn to the water, Hood Canal communities like Union, Hoodsport, and Lilliwaup are especially appealing in winter. Foggy mornings, still water, and quiet docks set the tone. Alderbrook Resort & Spa in Union offers lodge-style rooms and renovated cottages with canal views that feel especially fitting this time of year. It’s an easy choice for anyone looking for a comfortable winter escape with on-site dining and spa options.
In Hoodsport, The Glen offers a great balance between outdoor access and comfort. Close to winter hikes like Rocky Brook Falls, it’s the kind of place where you can spend the day outside and settle in by a fire at night. The Glen is also offering a winter special: stay two nights and get the third free.
For a slower, more residential feel, Allyn and Belfair offer easy access to waterfront parks, trails like the Theler Wetlands, and a relaxed pace. Located in the northeastern part of Mason County near Kitsap County and Bremerton, they’re well suited for travelers who want calm surroundings without being far from events or outdoor options. In Mason County, nothing is very far away, especially when it comes to hikes and views.
Winter Traditions & Holiday Events
Mason County isn’t just a place to stay — it’s a place that leans into the season. Festival of the Firs brings holiday traditions to life with parades, lights, crafts, and community gatherings rooted in the region’s timber heritage. Events like Christmastown at Camp Grisdale add caroling, wreath making, visits with Santa, and family-friendly activities that feel familiar and welcoming.
These winter events pair well with simple days: a morning walk along the canal, an afternoon hike through damp forest trails, and an evening spent downtown or back at your lodging warming up.
A Winter That Sticks With You
Winter here is about small moments — waking up to mist on the water, breathing in cold air, and moving through towns that feel connected and unhurried. Whether you stay close to Shelton’s holiday energy or tuck yourself away along the canal or in the woods, Mason County offers a winter experience that’s quiet, comfortable, and easy to settle into.
And if you find yourself planning a return visit, the same cabins, cottages, and resorts that feel cozy in winter become gateways to kayaking, forest walks, and long summer days by the water. Mason County has a way of fitting every season — winter just happens to show it at its calmest.
Hoodsport’s Yule Fest Celebration | DEC 13
Celebrate Hoodsport with caroling and events throughout town, December 13. Street booths begin to open around 3 PM and caroling begins at 530 PM.
Celebrate with Caroling, Crafts & Community! The Hoodsport business community is pleased to announce the third annual holiday downtown Hoodsport celebration – Yule Tide!
Families can enjoy activities, food and local shopping and festivities during the afternoon through early evening at businesses throughout town.
Look forward to caroling starting at the Christmas tree at Hoodsport Marina as at 5:30 PM. The carolers will stroll through Hoodsport with stops at businesses along the way.
Potlatch Brewery will once again host Santa Paws where you can get pictures with your pets and Santa Claus. They will also serve drinks and food available for purchase. The Hardware Distillery will be joined by The Tides on 101 Restaurant, serving up chowder for purchase. Canalside will be joined again by the Hood Canal Kiwanis Club for craft activity and pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus and serving hot chocolate and cider. Local artists and craftspeople will be on site to provide guests with last minute gifts (starting around 1PM) and Canalside will be open late.
The Model T and other local businesses will join on the event with activities and warm treats for the traveling carolers as they traverse the route through town!
The caroling ends at Fjord Oyster Bank where there will be fire pits and free cocoa & marshmallow roasting. The Fjord will also host activities for families.
Parking is available along the street as well as at YSS Dive and Canalside parking lots, the Hoodsport Fish Hatchery and the Fjord Oyster Bank Restaurant.
For additional details on this events and others in the area including musical events and workshops, visit festivalofthefirs.com
Holiday Magic in Shelton | DEC 5-6
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.
Christmatown is alive with holiday magic
If you don’t like Hallmark movies, stay away from Shelton, next weekend as the holiday spirit is alive and well here this week as volunteers deck the downtown streets and prepare for the big seasonal kick-off, Holiday Magic, December 6-7.
The festivities start Friday with the opening of the 2025 Guinness Ttribute Christmastown Maze and Camp Grisdale on Cota Street next to the Shelton Civic Center. For the 6th year in a row, the maze has welcomed families to enjoy a festive FREE activity with the support of local non-profits that host cocoa and marshmallow roasting pits each evening.
Friday, DEC 5 starting at 4 PM, head over to the maze or some fun FREE activities at KMAS Radio and the Morning Show Host, Jeff Slakey, host the a Community Christmas Party with crafting, music, wreath workshops, food, and a selection of local vendors.
Interested in building a cookie palace? Be sure to get your gingerbread entries into the Shelton Mason County Chamber office by 5PM, Friday!
At 6 PM Friday the crowds will be gathering in Post Office Park for the return of the Shelton tree lighting hosted by the Kristmas Town Kiwanis and Shelton Downtown Merchants. Enjoy choirs of school children singing carols and free hot chocolate and cookies sponsored by 2nd Street Design.
The street party continues on Railroad Avenue with fire pits in the street to roast marshmallows and kiddie train rides as well as evening shopping (until 8) at downtown merchants. Be sure to pick up a Shop Local First rewards card and uses it at participating merchants to win great prizes.
Santa Claus Parade Saturday
At 5 PM Saturday Kristmas Town Kiwanis and the Shelton Downtown Merchants clear the streets for the Christmas Parade. Peninsula Credit Union will be hosting free hot chocolate.
A winter roadtrip with just the right mix of nature and holiday
We have received so many calls lately regarding the perfect local roadtrip. A mix of natural sites to renew your spirit along with a dash of holiday cheer to lift your spirits. Here’s our top picks for a safe and fun day exploring Hood Canal.
We are all looking for something different to do with our cooped up familes this year. We have received so many calls lately regarding the perfect local roadtrip – a mix of natural sites to renew the spirit along with a dash of holiday cheer to lift the spirits.
Here’s our top picks for a safe and fun day exploring Hood Canal.
Let’s get started
We begin our Hood Canal Loop in Quilcene but you can join us anywhere along the way – whatever suits your travel direction.
Lunch in Quilcene, WA
Quilcene is a small town with a load of community spirit. Here you can pick up some great take out from a local restaurant or explore some of the quaint shops. Our favorites are the Quilcene Village Store and Fiber and Clay. Also high on our list is a drive by the Worthington Park Manor.
Gas, food, liquor, housewares, tea, coffee, snacks, locally baked goods, wonderful gifts, chocolates, gourmet treats and unique handmade locally sourced items.
Quilcene Village Store, Hwy 101
Heading south on Hwy 101 you will climb into the chance of roadside snow as you pass by the Mt. Walker outlook. The road up the mountain is closed right now for winter conditions, but many choose to park and hike to the summit.
On a clear day you can see all the peaks including Rainier, Baker and Seattle’s skyline. Our family loves to drive up in the Spring and see the wild rhododendrons along the journey.
Rocky Brook Falls | From Brinnon at Milepost 306 on US 101, drive west on the Dosewallips Road for 3 miles to parking in turnout on your left just after bridge over Rocky Brook
2. Brinnon for the Road side Waterfall Stop
One of the tallest waterfalls on the Peninsula, Rocky Brook Falls is also among the prettiest. Follow the trail past a small hydroelectric generating building and come to the base of the stunning towering falls fanning over ledges into a large splash pool surrounded by boulders. This classic horsetail waterfall crashes more than 200 feet from a small hanging valley above. More information here
3. Not quite Reindeer, but pretty darn close
Just past Brinnon, and sometimes in the town of Brinnon itself you see the “reindeer” of Olympic Peninsula. Pass over the Dosewallips River, keep your eyes peeled for the herd of Roosevelt Elk that hang in this area.
Swing into the Dosewallips Campground as they are often resting in the grassy areas here.
4. Hama Hama Oysters and Views
A visit to Lilliwaup would not be complete without a stop in at Hama Hama Oyster Co. We love how the Hama Team has completely pivoted operations to be safe and still loads of fun and great memories.
For the Saloon dining area they have created wooden a-frames over each distanced tables. Each with great views of the beach and access to the fire pits. Rain or shine, these cozy little pods make the perfect spot to wile away an hour soaking in the view. Enjoy grilled oysters or their famous crab cakes. The clams aren’t half bad either.
Shopping? Each day they set up the shop outside market style. You will find tons of unique gifts here.
5. Hoodsport Coffee and & Shopping
We love Hoodsport. This adorable seaside town is tiny on size but big on character.
You can easily lose an hour wandering the shops here. Pull over, grab a coffee at Hoodsport Coffee, they also serve sandwiches and homemade soups, and start wandering the “boardwalk.”
Visit the Sunshine Creations Gallery where local artists display their unique creations in a beautiful setting.
Head over to the Hardware Distillery. The moment you walk through the door to soak in the rich aromas — you know you have come to “the place.“ The holiday decorations are up and the shop is COVID ready for customers. In the shops there are gnomes and tree shaped bottles. At the Distillery, cocktail kits are available for your one-stop shopping.
Pay a visit to the Stottle Winery Tasting Room, they are currently open Fri – Sun 11 AM – 5 PM. Finish up with a wander around Octopus Garden. This cute little shop run by husband and wife team, Tim and Lucy, sells customized jewelry and watercolor paintings and other decorative items. I love their marine inspired hand made silver earrings and pendants. One of a kind and reasonably priced.
We love the Hardware Distillery Cocktail kits — what a great gift! Between $45- $65, these kits are all you need too satisfy the spirit lovers on your list!
Just after Hoodsport is one of our favorite waterfront lodgings on the north side of Hood Canal. Glen Ayr Resort is located between Potlatch and Hoodsport and features a marina and fantastic views of Hood Canal from decks, cottages, and guest rooms. Enjoy diving, boating, fishing, and shellfish gathering right in the front yard! Facilities include a swim spa hot tub, a game room with a pool table, and a recreation lodge. Rates are reasonable the the resort facility is very clean.
6. High Steel Bridge for spectacular views
If you have time, take a detour to explore the historic High Steel Bridge that spans the gorge and sits a staggering 300’ above the mighty South Fork of the Skokomish River.
The vertigo-inducing High Steel Bridge has an uncontested view of the last cascade on the itinerary, Vincent Creek Falls, and is easily accessed from Hwy 101. It’s also a quick pit stop after an awesome wintery afternoon of mountain biking if you happen to visit the area on a dry-ish day.
7. Spectacular Olympic Views and Quaint Shops
Originally settled in 1893 with the construction of a hotel, wharf, sawmill, and store, the area was heralded as the ultimate destination for wealthy families in the Northwest. Centered around many resorts rooted in the natural beauty of the site, the establishment of a rich artistic heritage followed in the 1920's. Union holds the title of the first non-native artist colony in Washington state. Inspired by the amazing views, artists of all kinds flock to what is truly a beautiful town.
Stop in a the Union City Market. This adorable beach shop has everything you could possibly need to make a sumptuous gourmet gift. Every item is carefully curated - from the handmade beach glass decor to the full size wall paintings. On weekends their glorious waterfront pop-up cafe is open on the marina’s waterfront. The bites are delicious and the views are divine!
Nearby Cameo Boutique & Wine Shop has a unique and inspired selection of fun gifts for your mother, sister, best friend, – and, if all else fails – check out their great selection of wine!
Waterfront Union City Market make a great Hood Canal Destination and “picture” spot with the backdrop of the Olympics.
Nearby Alderbrook Resort and Spa, one of the premier resorts in Washington State, is located on Hood Canal in Union. During the holidays, guests with reservations (closed to non-resort guests) enjoy holiday traditions with Santa and special events at the decorated resort. Make reservations today to enjoy your traditional, but non-traditional, event with Alderbrook!
8. Soak in the Spirit in Christmastown
Shelton is typically branded as a logging community. Railroad Avenue was built wide to accommodate logging trucks going down to the mill, but trees weren’t just cut to make into boards or pulp, Shelton was also known as “Christmastown, USA – the Christmas Tree Capital of America.” This year the town upped the spirit with live garland and cafe lights across the major intersections on Railroad Avenue.
Charlie Brown trees on the corners
Check out the quirky Douglas Firs on the corners. These little trees were donated by local logging companies (they were scheduled to be cut later in the spring in a natural thinning/harvest process). In the last week locals have begun decorating them. They are also free for the taking for families that can’t afford a tree this year.
Christmas has always been important to the timber town of Shelton. Located less than ten miles from Hood Canal on Hammersley Inlet, Shelton is serious about their Christmas tree roots. In 1962, to celebrate the Seattle World Fair, the town commissioned the retired Simpson Lumber shop artist, Clarence Beauchamp to build a three story Santa Claus to wave at visitors all year long.
32’ Santa Claus in Shelton | Jennifer Rutledge Photp
In 2019 the giant Santa was given a seasonal permanent location in the City of Shelton Outlook Park on Hwy #3 at the entrance to town. Thanksgiving through December, be sure to pull over in the outlook and get your family portrait. Free and COVID safe Santa photos!
Before the lights go on check out the quaint shops that line Railroad Avenue in the center of town but don’t miss the outlying treasures on Olympic Hwy (new town) or near Mason & Limerick. There is lots of opportunity to support small shop owners here. Check out the full gift list here.
9. This town is A-MAZE-ing
Last December Shelton took the Hallmark Channel head on. Shelton and Mason County celebrated their Christmastown distinction with an attempt at the Guinness World Record for “Most Lit Christmas Trees” in one location. The previous record was set by Hallmark in 2015 was 559 trees.
Trees were donated and countless community members cut, carried, stood, and strung lights on over 800 trees.
The record was recorded in July of 2020 with 797 qualified lit trees!
The town has rebuilt a Guinness Record Tribute maze this year for families to explore. With over 400 trees, this maze is available to explore for free. Located at 234 1st Street it is open each evening on a timer for families to visit through December 31.
Weekends through December 20 (Thursday through Sunday, 4PM - 8 PM) head over to the maze to enjoy marshmallow roasting (free), as well as crafting activities. Crafts are pre-packaged for safe distribution. Event has limited attendance due to COVID physical distancing.but no reservations are necessary to attend.
Curious about what else is going on in Christmastown? Check out the 797+ reasons to check it out!
10. See the Lighted Boat Parade
The 2020 Shelton Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade will be held December 18 & 19. Boats will leave the marina at 6:30 PM (weather permitting) and travel down Hammersley Inlet. All boaters are welcome to join in the parade regardless if you're a yacht club member or not. The boat parade can be viewed from the club parking lot, Church Point and Walker Park. Check the yacht club website for additional viewing options.
For more information on holiday happenings in Christmastown, visit christmastownwa.org
Mason County is Officially Amazing
Mason County Wins Guinness World Record for the Largest display of Christmas Trees
The largest display of illuminated Christmas trees consists of 797 trees, and was achieved by Mason County (USA) in Shelton, Washington, USA, on 7 December 2019. Mason County is historically known as the Christmas tree capital of the world. To reignite the community spirit, the county decided to attempt this record title and created a Christmas tree maze as their display.
Last December Mason County and Shelton took the Hallmark Channel head on. Historically known as the “Christmas Tree Capital of the World,” the community celebrated this distinction with an attempt at the Guinness World Record for “Most Lit Christmas Trees” in one location. The current record was set by Hallmark in 2015 when they lit 559 trees in a New York park.
Mason County’s attempt was logged December 7th during the annual Christmas parade in Shelton, WA.
The 800+ trees were arranged in a lighted maze that families could explore along with Santa visits, hot chocolate, apple cider, food, caroling, gingerbread house contests, live music, gift workshops, and vendors at the “12 Days of Christmas” in a Christmastown, USA celebration. The trees and materials were donated by Green Diamond, Sierra Pacific Industries, Simpson and Port Blakey. The support of these timber leaders was essential to the record attempt’s success. All the trees were perviously scheduled to be thinned or removed.
During the annual Christmas parade, Municipal Court judge Stephen D. Greer and Shelton Police Chief Darrin Moody acted as official witnesses as they were led through the giant tree maze where they examined each tree for height and adequate lighting as per the Guinness World Record requirements. The count took 32 minutes. 797 of 802 trees counted were deemed appropriate for the record. The public was then allowed in the lit maze. Approximately 2500 people visited the maze that evening.
Many families enjoyed visiting the maze over the following weeks and organizers were pleased to distribute the trees in the local community. Trees were donated to families in need or purchased by donation. The Christmastown event and tree sales raised $2600.74. The funds were presented to the Kristmas Town Kiwanis for local dispersement including the annual “Food for Tots” Food Drive and the "Toys for Tots” program.
Official word of the Guinness World Record accomplishment was received in July 2020. Congratulations, Mason County on receiving this title. The Guinness record can be seen at www.guinnessworldrecords.com.
The event was coordinated by Explore Hood Canal partnering with Shelton Mason Chamber of Commerce, with support of City of Shelton Tourism, Mason County PUD #3, Mason County Tourism, Shelton Downtown Merchants, Kristmas Town Kiwanis as well as our timber partners aforementioned.
Thanks goes out to community sponsors: The Shopper, Bang Imaging, Himlie Real Estate, Peninsula Credit Union, Bowers Dental Group, Olympic Heating & Cooling, LLC, Mason County Republican Women’s Club, Elite Gutters & Guards, EI. Kristyn & Son Construction Inc., Olympic Title & Escrow, Kris Rose LMP., Cooper Studios, Denny’s Auto, Bamford Septic Repair, LLC., The Electrician, A Family Company, Olympic Title & Escrow, Maple Excavating, Franks Fix It LLC, Jami Davenport, Lake Limerick Golf Club & Cafe, Vickie Meadows & Chris Veblen and dozens of volunteers ( including Mr & Mrs Claus) who dedicated time during the busy holiday season to support this event.
Xinh Dwelley and Ni McMullen donated their time each evening of the event to cook fantastic creations for attendees and volunteers. Lisa at Fun Stuff Crafts engaged attendees with amazing take home projects, providing free fun engagement for attendees. Thanks also goes to the vendors who had faith to participate in this 12 day event.