The Top 5 | Camping on and around Hood Canal

Whether you prefer the simplicity of tent camping or the comfort of RVs there are plenty of campgrounds on and around the Hood Canal to choose from. From your campsite you can take day trips to explore surrounding forests, rivers, and beaches or just relax under the trees and listen to the birds. For some inspiration to plan your Summer trip to the Hood Canal the staff at Hood Canal Adventures have made up their list of top 5 favorite drive-in campgrounds.

The Top 5

#1 Collins Campground

Collins Campground is located within the U.S. National Forest in the Brinnon area. Nestled under giant Bigleaf Maple trees and directly on the Duckabush River, it contains only 16 sites with no-hook ups: and this is why we love it!  From here you are within only a few miles from some of the areas most popular hiking trails including Murhut Falls, Ranger Hole and Duckabush Trail.  Shellfish can be gathered nearby at the Duckabush or Dosewallips tidelands when the season is open for clam and oyster recreational harvests.  The campground is first come / first served and is open mid-May through September. Visit fs.usda.gov or call the USFS Hood Canal Ranger District (360) 765-2200 for details. 

#2 Seal Rock Campground

Seal Rock is another U.S. Forest Service campground in the Brinnon area, however this one is located directly on the Hood Canal with beach access.  Forty-one tent and RV campsites are shaded beneath the evergreen trees, some with water views. There are no RV hook-ups but the campground does have fresh water, flush toilets and electricity in the restrooms. Oysters litter the beach at low tide for you to harvest and cook up over your campfire.  The campground has an area to walk-in your small boat or kayak for exploring the Hood Canal or harvesting Dungeness and Red Rock crab. Hood Canal Adventures of Brinnon will deliver your kayaks, paddle boards, and crab pots if you choose to rent.  Seal Rock Campground is first come / first served and open April through late September. Visit fs.usda.gov for details.

#3 Twanoh State Park 

Twanoh State Park really has it all! Located on the southern end of the Hood Canal just outside Belfair, you’ll enjoy 22 full hook-up campsites and 25 tent sites, a pump-out station, boat launches and a dock, showers, covered picnic areas, group sites, a staffed park office and store, and even kayak rentals. Over 3,000 ft. of marine shoreline offers shell fishing opportunities and warm summer waters are perfect for swimming and water play. A few campsites are open all year but the beachfront area is open April through mid-October only. Twanoh State Park is first come / first served. Visit parks.state.wa.us or call 360-275-2222 for details.

#4 Potlatch State Park

Potlatch State Park is a 57-acre camping park with 9,570 feet of saltwater shoreline on Hood Canal. The park's beautiful grounds are home to a variety of activities, from interpretive programs for kids to boating and shellfish harvesting. The park has 19 tent spaces, 18 utility spaces, one dump station, one restroom and two showers. Sites have no hook-ups. Maximum site length is 60 feet (may have limited availability). Two of the tent sites are for primitive use (hikers and bicyclers) only.  The Park is divided by Hwy 101 so choose sites that are further away from the road if possible.

#5 Lake Cushman

OK, this isn’t actually a campground but the Lake Cushman area is stunning and well worth exploring. Lake Cushman is located near Hoodsport between the Hood Canal and the Olympic Mountains. Its clear blue waters are framed by beautiful forests and snowy mountain peaks. Popular activities include fishing, hiking, climbing, boating, kayaking, and swimming. There are several campgrounds at the lake but we couldn’t agree as to which is our favorite. Therefore, here's a short list to start you off: Skokomish Park Lake Cushman with 80 RV, tent sites, boat launch, and lake access; Staircase Campground with 49 tent and RV sites on the Skokomish River at the Olympic National Park’s most southern access point; and Big Creek Campground, a 64 site U.S.F.S. Campground which also serves as the trail head to several hiking trails. 

The Hood Canal area offers opportunities for camping whether they be county, state, federal, or private campgrounds. There are many back-country and boat-in only camping areas to explore. Come find your favorite! To discover more campgrounds in the area click here.

Christina Maloney is owner of Hood Canal Adventures in Brinnon, a Fisheries and Marine Biologist, and a local outdoor enthusiast.

Hundreds of varieties yet only five species | Oysters explained

How does your Oyster Grow?

Have you ever wondered how the same species of oyster can have such varied flavors or textures? How does an oyster grown on Hood Canal taste brinier than one from South Puget Sound? The word to remember for your next oyster social occasion is “merrior.”

Like different wines with a “terrior,” oysters have a merrior, illustrating the fact that growing area and method make all the difference when it comes to flavor profile for your next Pacific oyster.

Not all beaches are created equal; some are muddy, some sandy, and some rocky. Each type of growing ground has opportunities and limitations for success. Muddy ground can inhibit the oysters’ ability to circulate water and food into their bodies. This had led to the adoption of culture techniques that suspend the oysters above the mud in long lines, stakes, nets or racks, and bags, while firm, sandy, or rocky bays allow for oysters to be grown right on the beach.

In addition to substrate type, location of the oysters on the beach will determine how long the oyster will take to achieve a marketable size. Oysters grown in the intertidal area are exposed to daily tidal inundation will have well developed adductor muscles and thicker shells thus being heartier for shipment. Oysters suspended in the water column for growing will have the benefit of a constant food source and thus grow quickly but will have delicate shells and be susceptible to the elements. Often times, suspended oysters are placed in the high energy intertidal environment for a few weeks prior to market to harden the shells for shipment and condition the oysters to hold their shells shut.

The method of growth can greatly change the shape of the oyster. A Pacific allowed to grow naturally on the beach will have a sturdy irregular shell with a great deal of frills. The regular exposure at low tide strengthens the shell protects the meat from heat and predators like sea stars and crabs. In Europe, where there is very limited tidal change, some farmers manually pull the oysters from the water for periods of time to mimic the tidal action.

The tumble bag creates an altered but very marketable shape for cultured oysters. Oysters are placed in the bag as small seed and the tide does the rest. The tidal flip and roll chip off the fragile lips and force the oyster to curve. The result is a deep cup in its lower shell.

“Eat shellfish to provide a healthy diet. Shellfish are low in saturated fats, containing the essential omega-3 fatty acids; are excellent protein sources; and are good sources of iron, zinc, copper and vitamin B-12.”

wsg.washington.edu

Each bay has its own selection of phytoplankton yielding oysters with different meat colors and flavors. Pacific oysters grown in Willapa Bay have a different merrior from those grown in Samish Bay. Hood Canal oysters are claimed to be more briny than the sweeter cucumber flavored bivalves grown in Hammersley Inlet or South Puget Sound waterways. Just like the well attuned vintners of the Rhone Valley, oyster connoisseurs are able to detect the subtleties of each bay by tasting the meat and observing the shell.

Know your oysters

There are over 150 varieties of oysters harvested and sold in North America, yet they comprise a total of only 5 species of oysters.

1. Olympia

OSTREA LURIDA /OSTREA CONCHAPHILA

The native oyster to Washington State, the Olympia oyster is a half dollar size with a metallic finish. The Olympia oyster fishery ran from the mid-1800s until about 1915 supplying California’s demand for oysters. The oysters were harvested from shallow bays of southern Puget Sound and Willapa Bay until pollution and over harvesting caused a collapse of the wild fishery.

2. Pacific

CRASSOSTREA GIGAS

Native to Japan, farmers began experimenting with the Pacific in 1904. Washington began importing commercial seed in the 1930’s and now it is now the most important commercial species on the West Coast. Beginning in the 1950’s researchers began to study Pacific reproduction to reduce the dependence on seed imports. Since the 1970’s local shellfish growers have relied on hatcheries for the production to meet the demand for Northwest oysters.

3. Virginica

CRASSOSTREA VIRGINICA

The decline of the Olympia oyster opened the door for the import of the Virginica from the east coast in the early 1900’s. The eastern oysters did not adapt well to local waters and experienced large die off when transplanted. There are still beds of Virginicas raised by WA shellfish farmers.

4. European Flats

OSTREA EDULIS

European Flats have smooth, round, saucer-like, flat shells with a shallow cup and seaweed-green color. They have a bold flavor with a meaty, almost crunchy texture, and intense mineral bite with a long-lasting seaweed flavor and gamey finish. There are not many farmers cultivating Flats.

5. Kumamoto

CRASSOSTREA SIKAMEA

The Kumamoto has a small deep cup and a sweet meat. Brought from Japan’s Kumamoto Prefecture, they are unable to reproduce in our cold waters so growers rely on hatchery stock. The prized cup of the Kumamoto and its limited supply has growers working with Pacifics to meet half shell demands. Growers use tumble bags to force the Pacific into a deeper cup. Oysters with names such as Kusshi, Shigoku, Sea Cow, Blue Pools, Chelsea Gems, and Baywater Sweets, are the result.

---

Why is it required to shuck oysters on the beach at public tidelands?

Oysters taken on public tidelands must be shucked on the beach and the shells left behind for the following conservation-based reasons according to the Washington Dept of Fish & Wildlife website, wdfw.wa.gov:

Oyster shells provide the best growing substrate for juvenile oysters. Removing the shells from a beach reduces the overall amount of setting surface. In addition, Pacific oyster shell provides an excellent setting surface for the native Olympia oyster. This is especially true in places like southern Puget Sound where the natural setting surface - Olympia oyster shells - was eliminated years ago by overharvest.

Another concern is that removing large Pacific oyster shells removes tiny oysters which are attached to the larger shells. Thus, removing a legal limit of 18 oysters may actually remove three to five times that number of oysters - young oysters which would otherwise remain on the beach and grow to edible size.

Removing oyster shells from beaches containing Japanese oyster drills (an oyster predator) may result in the inadvertent spread of these predators. Sport harvesters are unlikely to recognize these tiny predatory snails - or their egg cases - which attach to oyster shells and can survive long periods away from water. Once shucked, these shells often end up being returned to a nearby beach by well-meaning harvesters, potentially increasing the spread of the Japanese oyster drill in Washington by depositing the “hitchhikers” on a new beach.

Many public beaches already have these tiny predators, but the goal is to minimize the spread to other uninfected beaches. The surest way to prevent oyster drills or their eggs leaving an infected beach is to require oyster shells to remain on the beach.

So head to the beach and get shucking! You will need a shellfish license, an oyster knife and gloves. Adults may shuck a child's daily limit so long as the child participates in some way in the gathering. For illustrated details on two popular shucking methods, visit wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish.

Big Returns This Year On The Union River

Each year, volunteers at the Union River Chum Trap count thousands of migrating chum salmon to help monitor fish returns and assess the impact of estuary restoration. The trap uses a weir system that directs the fish into a pen, where volunteers identify and count them based on their unique markings. The majority of the fish are chum salmon, with distinct green backs and tiger stripes, especially on males. Volunteers contribute nearly 10,000 hours annually, and the Salmon Enhancement Group credits improved estuary conditions for increased fish returns. The project fosters community involvement, with families and kids encouraged to participate.

Who Rescued Who?!? Answers from Shelton's Adopt-A-Pet

Adopt-A-Pet in Shelton has been rescuing animals for over 45 years, operating as a volunteer-based organization dedicated to finding homes for dogs. Currently open for adoptions by appointment, they are looking to reconnect with the community through tours and events to showcase their improved facilities. Adopt-A-Pet emphasizes the importance of finding the right match between pets and owners, often involving home visits and dog introductions. They continue to advocate for spaying and neutering to control the pet population and prevent health issues. An open house event is planned for the 28th to invite the public to learn more.

Reflecting On Allyn's Waterfront Park

Learn the history of the Allyn Waterfront Park, through the eyes of Dan Griffey, who grew up right next to where the park is. Dan shares memories of his father attending port meetings to secure the land for the park, a process that took time to complete. When the park started, it was a great place where Dan played ball with his friends, and eventually the community raised money for a gazebo. Despite his initial disappointment about losing the baseball field, Dan expresses pride in the park's development and its significance to his family and the community. The park now hosts various events, including Allyn Days and Memorial Day services, a testament to the community's hard work and pride.

Mason County PUD 3 Continues To Expand Drive-Up WiFi Services

During COVID, Mason PUD3 installed free public Wi-Fi hotspots to help keep kids connected, a service that continues today across Mason County. These hotspots, designed for easy access in areas with challenging terrain like Mason County, allowed residents to download school materials and other data. The Wi-Fi locations, placed in community centers and high-density areas, have seen significant usage, with daily bandwidth reaching 185 gigabytes. The service is community-focused, ensuring that even non-customers can benefit from the connectivity, emphasizing the community-owned nature of public power.

Mixed-Use Art Space, Graffiti, Opening Soon In Shelton.

The art scene in Shelton is expanding, with new galleries, murals, and the upcoming opening of Graffiti, a mixed-use art space run by Nicole Frazier. Graffiti aims to be fully accessible, offering art classes and opportunities for both children and adults. The space will host a variety of art forms, from glasswork to woodworking, and will feature resident artists teaching and selling their work. Some of the plans include offering Native American culture classes and having a Lending Library to make art accessible for all who wish to teach or create.

Tradition and Flavor Combine At Hood Canale' in Union

Hood Canale' in Union, Washington, offers a dining experience with water views, wood-fired pizza, and great wine. Owners John and Jolica DeLeva created the space with Italian tradition and Hawaiian influence, reflecting their family roots. The restaurant, known for its homemade dough and carefully selected toppings, has become a local favorite, attracting visitors worldwide. With its welcoming atmosphere and scenic location, Hood Canale' is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a slice of pizza with a glass of wine.

Annie's Quilt Shoppe, a tourist activity? It sure is!

Annie's Quilt Shop on Olympic Highway North In Shelton, WA is a destination for quilting enthusiasts, attracting thousands of visitors annually. Quilting is a growing industry, projected to reach $5 billion in the next few years. Customers travel to Annie's from across and outside the state for the new patterns and fabrics while locals enjoy personalized lessons and group classes to get the most out of their hobby.

Fair Harbor Marina - A Boaters Destination

The Fair Harbor Marina, located at the Port of Grapeview, continues to grow in popularity. Managed by Kelly Granger and his team, the marina offers 82 slips with power, water, showers, and laundry facilities; making it a convenient stop for boaters. The marina's beauty has drawn comparisons to Cape Cod and Roache Harbor on San Juan Island, and it has become a venue for weddings, corporate events, and more. An additional 8-minute dingy ride gets you to the Port of Allyn, where you can find dining and drinks.

Explore Lake Cushman Golf Course in Hoodsport, WA

Nestled in the foothills of the Olympic National Forest, Lake Cushman boasts a stunning and challenging nine-hole golf course. This beautiful course surprises first-timers with its difficulty, defying expectations of a typical short and easy nine-hole layout. The area also offers a variety of short-term rental options, from RV lots to woodsy cabins and golf course homes. The course is well-maintained, with daily cleanups to ensure it’s in top shape for golfers.

Underwater Wonders:The Vibrant World of Nudibranchs

Story and Pictures by Thom Robbins

In the Pacific Northwest, divers can't help but talk about nudibranchs. With their brilliant colors and unique patterns, these vibrant sea slugs captivate divers and underwater photographers alike. Despite their small size, nudibranchs' diversity, intriguing behaviors, and ecological significance make every encounter unique. Observing their feeding habits or marveling at their colors and patterns turns an ordinary dive into an extraordinary experience. It's no wonder dive enthusiasts travel from around the world to places like the Salish Sea to see these mesmerizing creatures.

How to pronounce “Nudibranch”

The word nudibranch is pronounced “Noo-de-brank”, with the ‘ch’ making a ‘k’ sound. The name nudibranch comes from Latin and Greek. “Nudi” means naked in Latin, and “Brankia” means gills in Greek. This name suits them well since their gills are exposed on their backs.

Nudibranchs, or sea slugs, are marine gastropod mollusks with unique sensory systems. They belong to the Mollusk family, which includes snails, slugs, and octopuses, and are closely related to land-based slugs and snails. With their dazzling colors and intricate patterns, nudibranchs are some of the ocean's most visually striking creatures. They have long captured the imagination of both scientists and divers. With about 3,000 known species of nudibranchs worldwide, scientists believe many more remain undiscovered. Approximately 300 species have been documented in the Salish Sea. With their extraordinary colors and behaviors, nudibranchs are a fantastic example of evolution and still hold many mysteries.

Nudibranchs have been known to humans for thousands of years, but scientific classification began in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The first recorded description was in 1691 by English naturalist John Ray, who described a species of "sea mouse." Recent advances in technology and imaging have made studying nudibranchs easier, revealing new insights into their biology and behavior. High-resolution microscopes and genetic analysis techniques help scientists examine their anatomy and evolutionary history in greater detail.

Nudibranchs are primarily found on the ocean floor, where they gracefully navigate using a broad, flat muscle on their underside called a foot. This muscular foot allows them to glide slowly over the substrate, often at a pace of just a few centimeters per minute. However, some species can swim short distances in the water column by undulating their foot muscle in rhythmic waves. This unique movement, though still relatively slow compared to other marine creatures, adds elegance and adaptability to these fascinating sea slugs as they explore the diverse habitats of the Salish Sea.

Nudibranchs are omnivorous and have oral tentacles near their mouths that act like hands to help them search for food. They also possess a set of curved teeth called a radula, similar to a toothed tongue. The radula allows them to scrape food off surfaces, munching on various organisms, including hydroids, seaweed, corals, algae, barnacles, fish eggs, sponges, anemones, and even other nudibranchs. While some species enjoy a diverse diet, others are picky eaters, consuming only one type of prey. Interestingly, some nudibranchs can even feed on other sea slugs, including those of their species. In this way, nudibranchs play a crucial role in the Salish Sea's food web, helping regulate other organisms' populations.

Nudibranchs have poor vision and can only discern light and dark, so they sense the world through two highly sensitive tentacles called rhinophores on their heads. Unfortunately, these rhinophores tend to stick out and serve as a lure for hungry fish. However, most nudibranchs can withdraw their rhinophores into a receptacle in their skin when they sense danger.

Nudibranchs also have symbiotic relationships with certain organisms in the Salish Sea—for example, some nudibranchs partner with zooxanthellae, a type of algae that lives inside their bodies. The nudibranch provides a safe and protected environment for the algae, and in return, the algae give the nudibranch energy through photosynthesis.

Gallery of nudis

Photos by Thom Robbins

The Lifecycle of a Nudibranch

Nudibranchs are hermaphrodites, possessing both male and female reproductive organs, allowing them to mate with any mature species member. Finding a suitable mate can be challenging as they must locate a partner of appropriate size, age, and species. Although mating is crucial for survival, nudibranch mating behavior is not fully understood.

Since nudibranchs do not roam far and have a short lifespan, ranging from one week to one year, their survival depends on mating whenever the opportunity arises. After a brief courtship, the mating ritual takes only a few minutes. Nudibranchs lay ribbon-like egg masses that hatch into free-swimming larvae, eventually settling on the seafloor as adults.

When two nudibranchs meet, they engage in a mating dance involving various physical interactions, which differ depending on the species.   

Several nudibranch species have interesting mating practices and reproductive strategies. For instance, the sea lemon nudibranch is known for its elaborate courtship dances, while the opalescent nudibranch has more solitary and secretive mating habits. The mating process finishes with one nudibranch inserting its penis into the other's genital opening to transfer sperm and fertilize the eggs.

The dance of the sea lemon nudibranch is a captivating display of intricate behaviors. It begins with the nudibranchs detecting chemical signals through their rhinophores and sensory organs. Once a potential mate is identified, they initiate a series of movements and interactions. Sea lemons may swim in circles around each other, using rhythmic body contractions to create water currents.

They align their bodies and exchange tactile touches using oral tentacles and rhinophores, including stroking or tapping each other. These interactions allow them to assess their potential mate's size, texture, and readiness and to exchange chemical cues through skin contact to determine compatibility and reproductive readiness. The sea lemon courtship can last several minutes or even hours. If they find a compatible mate, they align their bodies side by side and mate.

The opalescent nudibranch engages in a mesmerizing courtship behavior known as "chaining" or "following." It begins with one nudibranch following the slime trail left by another. The follower extends its oral tentacles to touch the rear end of the leading nudibranch, triggering a reciprocal response. This back-and-forth interaction can continue for quite some time.

During courtship, they may touch each other with their oral tentacles, antennae, and rhinophores, intertwining their bodies or forming a chain-like structure with multiple individuals. This behavior helps them assess each other's compatibility for mating by exchanging chemical cues through their slime trails, which convey information about reproductive state and readiness. This courtship dance allows them to determine species compatibility, identify potential mates, and ensure successful reproduction.

Nudibranchs also engage in chemical warfare during mating. They can produce and store toxic compounds from their food, such as sponges and algae, in specialized glands in their bodies. These toxins are a defense mechanism against predators and can also repel unwanted mating advances. If a nudibranch is not interested in mating, it can release a cloud of noxious chemicals to discourage further advances.

After mating, nudibranchs lay their eggs in long ribbons or strings sheathed in protective mucus. Although adults don’t care for the eggs, some species cover them with defensive chemicals to deter predators. Family size varies by species, with some laying just a few eggs and others depositing several hundred or even millions. The egg ribbon protects the developing eggs, and nudibranchs often lay them in locations that provide optimal conditions for growth and survival. The eggs hatch into tiny larvae that drift in ocean currents for several weeks before settling on a suitable substrate and developing into adult nudibranchs.

In our area, nudibranch eggs hatch in two ways: as tiny larvae with shells that swim and feed in the plankton or as miniature adults. The swimming larvae, known as veligers, must find the right food before they settle down and grow into small adults. The juvenile nudibranch feeds on tiny organisms like algae and small invertebrates for several weeks. As it grows, it will feed on larger prey such as sponges and hydroids. Nudibranchs have feeding mechanisms that set them apart from other mollusks. They have an oral hood that extends over their mouth, which they use to capture prey. This oral hood contains several rows of sharp teeth that can pierce the prey's outer layer and inject it with digestive enzymes.The time it takes for a nudibranch to grow to maturity can vary depending on the species, but it typically takes several months to a year. When the nudibranch reaches maturity, it begins to search for a mate.

Conclusion

Diving into the waters of tour area transforms the ordinary into extraordinary. As you descend, a serene quietness envelops you, like an explorer charting new frontiers. Camera in hand, navigate this alien landscape, like an astronaut on an oceanic planet. The vastness of the reef invites you to uncover its secrets. Glide along its surface, examine each nook and cranny with curiosity. Vivid marine life enchants, with each nudibranch a brilliant stroke from nature’s palette. In this underwater maze, the adventure takes an exciting turn. A nudibranch appears, its vibrant colors catching your attention. The incredible beauty of these creatures sharpens focus. Point, click, forever preserving your encounter with the dazzling nudibranch.

To learn more about diving locally to see nudibranchs, visit the Sund Rock Marine Preserve,  or contact YSS Dive Charters . Both are located near Hoodsport on Hood Canal. You can also often view nudibranchs at very low tides around the docks and piers.

---

Author: Thom Robbins

Thom has been a diver for over thirty years and is never happier than underwater with his camera. He writes shoots, and teaches diving and photography.  Thom lives in Shelton with his wife and mentor, Barb, son and two English Bulldogs. Learn more at thomrobbins.com.

Copper Creek trail

Text and images Craig Romano

Copper Creek tumbles through a rugged area harboring several old mines. But it was mostly manganese, not copper that lured hardscrabble miners up this rough and tumble trail along Copper Creek to work several mines. After World War II the mines ceased operation and the trail to them was abandoned.  But after the turn of the last century the volunteer Mount Rose Trail Crew reopened—reinforced—and extended this trail. Now tenacious hikers can toil up steep slopes past the mines to a high shoulder on Lightning Peak. Views are limited, but the trailside cascading creek and surrounding towering primeval forest is striking. And if its solitude you seek, ye shall be rewarded.

Hit the Trail

The Copper Creek Trail begins a short distance from where the North Fork Skokomish River flows into Lake Cushman. The lake which was once much smaller was dammed in 1924 to provide power to a booming Tacoma. Today the lake continues to provide hydro-electric energy and is well-known for its outdoor recreation offerings. But from 1880 until the 1940s this region was an active mining district with over 400 claims.

The Copper Creek Trail was originally built in 1915 by prospectors. After decades of abandonment, volunteers from the Mount Rose Trail Crew reopened it. They restored parts of the original tread as well as constructed new tread and pushed the trail beyond the old mines to a shoulder high on Lightening Peak. Like the original trail, this trail is steep—brutally steep in spots. And while it’s been greatly improved, it still contains some rough patches. It’s guaranteed to get your heart rate up and give your quads and hamstrings a good workout. The trail’s steepness, relative obscurity, and lack of sweeping views guarantees an uncrowded experience.Start climbing, entering a narrow and dark ravine.

Witness large stumps, testaments of the primeval giants that grew here before loggers sent them off to the mills. The area’s steep and rugged terrain made logging difficult higher up the surrounding slopes. Impressive old-growth cedars and firs will greet you as you ascend higher. Cross the crashing waterway on a good bridge. Just downstream from the bridge scan the west side of the ravine wall to spot a shaft from the Brown Mule Mine. Another shaft is located farther downstream. Use caution if you wish to explore them. The mine began operation in 1915 and produced mainly manganese and silica. The mines were busy during World War I and then slowly ceased production.

The trail now gets steeper and traverses a stretch prone to slides. Take a break at one of the trailside benches and admire a cascading tributary plummeting steep ravine walls from high above. Then continue working your way up an increasingly narrow ravine. Copper Creek crashes below your feet. The trail then gets insanely steep climbing above the creek via a series of tight switchbacks and steps.

The way eases in grade as it enters a grand forest of giant ancient cedars and Douglas-firs. At 1.4 miles, reach an easy to miss junction. Here a short trail leads left to the site of the Apex Mine. Manganese was the main metal mined here. A small amount of jacobsite was also extracted from this mine. The Apex Mine is the only known site in the country where this rare metal was mined. By and large though it was manganese, attracting most of the attention.

The entire Lake Cushman Mining District contains large concentrations of this metal which is important in steel production. During World War II operations were ramped up and pressure was put on Olympic National Park to allow access to many of the claims within the park. Attempts were made by business interests to allow for unrestricted mining within the national park. Several existing claims were allowed to continue years after the park was established. But park administrators held strong on the park’s original enabling act which didn’t allow for expanded and extended mining.

After checking out the old Apex site return to the main trail and continue steeply climbing, soon reaching another junction. Here the trail forms a loop. Head in either direction through primeval forest to attain a 3280-foot narrow shoulder of Lightning Peak. Views are limited on forested ridge, but you’ll be able get glimpses of the rugged Lightning Peak towering above and of shimmering Lake Cushman and the Elk Creek basin below. You’ll also be able to catch a decent view west to the Five Ridge Peaks and Wonder Mountain—some of the loneliest summits in the Olympics.

After closing the loop brace yourself for one knee-jarring descent. Trekking poles will definitely come in handy!

---

Feature author

Craig Romano
An award-winning author, photographer, ardent conservationist, Craig is also a NW trails and hiking expert. He hikes, runs, paddles, and bikes and has written about these passions for more than two dozen publications, including; Seattle Met, Backpacker, Paddler, Northwest Runner, AMC Outdoors, and Northwest Travel and Life. Craig writes weekly content for Hikeoftheweek.com and is the author of more than 25 books. Craig has been a regular columnist in Tracing the Fjord since 2019.

Mason County's Floating Water Festival......Hoodstock!

Hoodstock, Mason County's floating music festival, is back with an exciting lineup for 2024. The Carlile Family Band will kick off the event, followed by acts like Suped Up Fjord and the Lovely Colours. There will be vendors, food trucks, and more music at the Robin Hood stage, plus a special 21+ event in the evening. People travel from far to wide to attend, with various transportation options available. The festival supports local community initiatives and features diverse music genres, from folk to rock. Mark your calendars for August 15-17! Thanks to Terrence J Allison for the drone footage.

The Flywheel Gallery Opens In Hoodsport, WA.

A new gallery called the Flywheel has opened in Hoodsport Washington, fulfilling Jan Morris' lifelong dream of showcasing local artists and watercolor paintings. The gallery features works from regionally known artists, including Scott Fife and the late Howard Leggett. Visitors can enjoy drinks made with locally sourced ingredients from the Hardware Distillery while soaking in the area's scenic beauty. The Flywheel is a perfect spot to appreciate art and the natural surroundings of the Hood Canal.

The Port Of Hoodsport Welcomes Divers, Disc Golfers and Visitors to the area

Port Of Hoodsport Commissioner Cody Morris talks about the Port of Hoodsport public dock, its recent updates, and future plans. They've been working on modernizing the dock to meet safety and environmental standards, replacing old materials, and making it more resilient to weather. After structural failures last winter, they secured emergency funding for repairs just in time for shrimp season. The dock is a popular spot for divers, fishermen, and visitors to downtown Hoodsport's shops and restaurants. Additionally, The Port of Hoodsport manages a disc golf course and a trail system up the Cushman Road.

If you had attended Fjordin Crossin in June, you may know that the Port has been working on modernizing the dock to meet safety and environmental standards, replacing old materials, and making it more resilient to weather. After structural failures last winter, they secured emergency funding for repairs just in time for shrimp season. The dock is a popular spot for divers, fishermen, and visitors to downtown Hoodsport's shops and restaurants.

"We are in negotiations with DNR to renew our lease," Cody Morris explained to Jeff, "and part of that stipulates that we need to modernize the material being used here. Our dock is quite old, and so it is very out of code, both for safety and environmental standards. So two of the main things we’re looking at is the materials."

Morris spoke regarding the winter dock closures, "we had some extreme structural failures, and for the safety, the port had to close it down and seek emergency funding from the state to hire a contractor to do the repairs. We were lucky that we were able to get repairs done just in the time of shrimp season. That’s definitely when this dock gets the most use. The second most use is during the salmon season."

Although the Port was able to make temporary repairs, Morris realizes there is still a lot of work to be done.

"As the dock is currently configured," he continued, "it kind of more or less has a self-destruct button. And that’s mostly from the fact that the dock itself doesn’t flex. It creates an insane amount of tension during the tidal changes, and those much gnarlier waters in the winter."

Regardless of the pending long term upgrades to the docks that will take some time and funds, Morris attests that the docks are an important asset to the Port of Hoodsport not just for the basic needs of accessibility but also for tourism. The local retail and restaurants in the area benefit greatly from the summer day traffic arriving by water.

Must Stop On Hwy 101 - Hama Hama Oysters

Hama Hama Oysters continues to provide high quality food and views with this oyster farm and seafood store along the shores of the Hood Canal in Mason County, Washington. One of the popular attractions is the A-Frame seating option. Borne out of COVID and social distancing, this unique feature has become the must-try for anyone making the stop. With fresh seafood and wine plus apparel, their Seafood Store has all the ingredients for a perfect meal from the waters of the Hood Canal.

2024 Grapeview Art & Water Festival, Last Saturday in July

The 29th annual Grapeview Art and Water Festival takes place on the last Saturday of July at Fair Harbor Marina. The festival offers a variety of food, live music, and numerous free activities for children, including a kid's activity zone with woodworking, crafts, and face painting. For adults, there’s a popular floating green for golf and an impressive display of art from 51 artists. The festival is a beloved community event featuring a food court with local specialties and is highly praised for its family-friendly atmosphere and beautiful setting.

Ready, Set, Go Evacuation Tips For Homeowners/Renters in Mason County

As more people move to and rent out homes in the beautiful rural areas of Mason County, it's crucial to be aware of the significant wildfire risks we face. With the increasing heat and dryness, wildfires have become a real concern, especially for those living in the wildland-urban interface. Matt Welander from West Mason Fire shared some tips with Explore Hood Canal.

Ready: Be Prepared

Start by gathering important documents, medications, and a list of contacts. Plan ahead by informing someone that you might need to stay with them if you need to evacuate

Set: Be Alert

When the alert level reaches a level two evacuation, it's time to load your car. Pack your medications and pet food, and make sure your go-bag is in the car. Be aware of fire apparatus and personnel entering your area. This is a clear signal that you should be ready to leave at a moment's notice.

Go: Act Early

When the evacuation order is given, the fire threat is imminent. Whether or not the fire reaches your home, leaving immediately is crucial for your safety and the firefighters'. Staying behind can hinder firefighting efforts and endanger lives. Although fire departments can't force you to leave, it is in your best interest to do so. Law enforcement will monitor evacuated areas, ensuring your belongings are protected.

Evacuating Pets and Larger Animals

Preparation is key for pet owners, particularly those with larger animals like horses. Start preparing your animals for evacuation early. If you can, trailer your horses to a friend's house during the "Ready" phase. This can prevent the added stress of trying to evacuate them during a crisis.

Special Considerations

If you have health issues such as COPD, emphysema, or bronchitis, or if you are elderly or less mobile, it's wise to evacuate early. Smoke can exacerbate health problems, making it much harder to evacuate safely later on. Leaving early ensures you aren't caught in a dangerous situation.

Muralist BriAnne Lesman Brightens Up Mason County With Her Work

Drive around Mason County for a little bit and you'll start to notice murals on many of the buildings in the county. BriAnne Lesman's first job was in 2015 at the El Sarape Cantina, and it's blossomed from there. Getting some input from the business owners helps her start the idea and after that, she's off and painting. Different aspects of Mason County end up in her art, including the shellfish, foliage, and Sasquatch.