Fjord | Spring 2021 by Imagination

SPRING 2021 • ISSUE 16

MAPS • HIKES • HISTORY • COMMUNITY

Redefining our

FESTIVALS

PEACE AT PINE LAKE

Romano takes us off the beaten trail – 54

Adapting in a COVID world – 7

VANCE CREEK

CONVOCATION OF

RAILRIDERS

EAGLES

Opening May 2021 – 61

GO CHASING WATERFALLS

Brush up on your bird lingo, we're taking

25 top peninsula picks: canal to coast – 57

you on a Fjord spring birding tour – 23

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IT’S SAFE TO GET CARE!

Mason Health has launched a COVID-19 treatment clinic next door to our COVID-19 testing site. Call the Respiratory Illness Triage Line at 360-427-3615 if you have symptoms of COVID-19 and would like to be seen by a provider or receive a test.

Mason Health also has Behavioral Health providers available to see patients at Mason Clinic and MGH Olympic Physicians.

Katie Aldrich, PMHNP-BC

Amber Carlson, LICSW

Vanessa Cray, PMHNP-BC

Kirsten Garza, PMHNP-BC

Nicole Giron, LMHC

Erin Martinache, LICSW

Call 360-426-2653 or 360-426-2500 to make an appointment! www.MasonGeneral.com • 901 Mountain View Drive, Shelton, WA 98584 • (360) 426-1611, from Allyn (360) 275-8614, Toll free (855) 880-3201, TTY/TDD (360) 427-9593. Equal Opportunity Provider • Free Translation Services

FJORD Provided/Se habla español • Mason Health does not discriminate on the basis of patient’s age, race, ethnicity,2national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, culture, physical or mental disability, financial status or condition (including the terminally ill or dying), limited English, visual, hearing or learning impaired.

SEEING IT ALL from a different angle

ISSUE 16 | VOLUME 5

Let's just admit it. COVID sucks. The last twelve months have presented challenges that many of us would never before have imagined in our quiet comfortable lives.

As spring merges into summer and a light emerges at the end of this dark tunnel – we are dealing with the realization that things may never be what they once were. It's time to see it all from a different angle. Take this background image for example. "Party Rock" or "Big Rock" at Lake Cushman, near the entrance to the Olympic National Park, has increasingly become a point of great contention. With limited public access to Cushman and its popularity for an adrenaline rush from cliff diving, this roadside stop has gained a negative reputation as a popular gathering place for drinking, violence, graffiti, and general disrespect. During 2020 these issues were exacerbated. Cooped-up, frustrated and faced with shuttered businesses and activities, the restless hordes surged to public lands seeking diversion. The road to Lake Cushman became so overcrowded that the vehicles back up spanned as far as Hwy 101. Officials were forced to close access to non-local traffic during the peak tourist season. Infrastructure failed as Washington State Parks reported a 15-45% increase in attendance during 2020 at Hood Canal parks. Yet this image was taken this morning under the rock. If you headed to Big Rock today with the low water level of Lake Cushman, you'd find it hard to imagine anyone would even want to jump off it. Definitely a different angle. Surrounded by ominous points of stumps and "islands," the giant boulder is perched on smaller rocks creating a magical grotto with reflecting pools magnifying the beauty of the snow dusted treed hillsides plunging sharply into Lake Cushman.

COVER PHOTO: Greg Linder Hood Canal from Union following winter snow storm, FEB 2021.

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Cushman Background Lake Cushman was originally a straight broadening of the North Fork of the Skokomish River that was naturally dammed by gravel and debris deposited by glacial movement during the last ice age. This small lake was artificially dammed in the 1920s to meet the increased power needs of Tacoma after World War I. Cushman Dam No 1, one of the first major dams built in the Pacific Northwest, was designated a National Historic Place in 1988. Taking over 500 men and 90,000 cubic yards of concrete, the arch designed dam holds back over 440,000 acre feet of water. The completed high-head, gravity-fed dam is 235 feet tall and 1100 feet long. The finished dam powers two 21,600 kilowatt generators producing 127 million kilowatt-hours annually to the Tacoma Power system – enough electricity for over 10,000 homes. There are two other dams associated with this project. Cushman Dam No. 2 (completed in 1930) provides a further 18,000 homes with power and the North Fork Powerhouse (completed in 2014) approximately powers 1,700 homes. This electricity is carried more than 40 miles by line to Tacoma with a water crossing over a mile long at the Tacoma Narrows – quite an engineering feat for 1926! In 2009, federal agencies, Tacoma Power, and the Skokomish Tribe signed a $5.8 billion dollar claim settling long held disputes about the dam’s construction, lease, and impact upon the Skokomish River– particularly its salmon runs. As a result, Tacoma Power and the Skokomish Tribe have initiated some impactful salmon revitalization projects to promote the return of stocks to the North Fork of the Skokomish River. The spring of 2020 saw the first return of Chinook salmon to the North Fork since the dam was built over 80 years ago.

(Top) The grotto under Cushman's Big Rock - visible during low water. The giant boulder is balanced on other rocks. (middle/below) The low water reveals massive stumps and rubble islands creating a fantastic landscape.. FJORD

The Skokomish Tribe manages Skokomish Park formerly known as Lake Cushman State Park, an area that covers over 500 acres including the three boat launch ramps. In 2020 this facility was closed to public access further causing strain on alternate access points to the lake. It is expected to be open again later this spring as COVID-19 restrictions relax.

So this is kind of a dam analogy. This giant recreational lake was created by virtually flooding a tree filled valley. The buildings in the valley, notably the historic Antler Inn, were sacrificed to create the power progress.

Whatever the future holds, each season will present new challenges and new wonders. As February rolls into March our Sunday adventure at Cushman and Staircase revealed a grotto under Party Rock, epic sandbars of old growth stumps, and snow and no more than a dozen others walking the loop on a beautiful peaceful mossy trek. You can be sure we will never look at things quite the same again but lets hope we find joy in seeing it from another angle. In the following pages of the Fjord we present ideas to get you off the beaten track to discover your own piece of wonder. Be patient with your neighbors as we all navigate this new world and appreciate the lengths events, restaurants, stores and lodging are going through to be innovative in creating safe and fulfilling experiences for their guests and customers. Strive to see the other angle.

Escape the City. Head for Nature. Our pristine area makes it a unique place to live. Locally grown food, wild crafting mushrooms, outdoor activities, wildlife, and an abundance of fresh seafood. Enjoy the extended Spring & Autumn seasons of the Hood Canal located on the Olympic Peninsula. Jim and Bruce Munn, the “Munn Bro’s” specialize in waterfront homes and forested land in the Hood Canal area.

Photo:KLAAS IMAGES

The unprecedented overload of recreation resources in 2020 caused by the pandemic is causing us all to be a little apprehensive of what 2021 will bring. Will our cabin access roads be overrun by joy trippers? Or will they all go back to their lives now that things are returning to what once was?

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Redefining our

FESTIVALS

Spring is a great time in the Northwest to celebrate shellfish. The cold nutrient rich water provides the perfect climate to sample the tasty bivalves that pepper the beaches. Normally the crisp weather and much anticipated daytime low tides herald the coming of Hama Hama Oyster Rama – the event that inspired this quarterly magazine five years ago! However, with COVID-19 restriction still very much in place, this year we will have to forgo yet another Rama celebration and find our own way to the public beaches to celebrate the harvest with our families.

A Covid Event Model

In December Kristmas Town Kiwanis partnered with Explore Hood Canal and volunteers to host a series of socially distant small cell events in Shelton – Christmastown. Working within mandated guidelines, organizers created virtual events coinciding with on-site activities held on a vacant lot in Shelton. Highlights included 500 Douglas Firs in a lit Christmas tree maze; marshmallow roasting fire pits; vendors; dinner wagon rides; gingerbread contest; and crafting opportunities. In an attempt to engage families in a COVID-sensitive social activity, the craft projects were hosted online as well as live.

Following the Rama are Old Timers Fair in Matlock, Bluegrass From The Forest, Mason County Forest Festival, Shrimpfest, and Fjordin Crossin in Hoodsport – to name just a few of the niche events that have found a place in our hearts and schedules over the years. As we roll into a second year of restrictions, all these event organizers are busy brainstorming innovative ways to commemorate their annual traditions.

Crafts were individually packaged to reduce touch points. Participants were able to register for free, pick up their craft kits, and join in on the activities online as families. In all over 4800 kits were distributed thanks to donations from civic groups and local businesses who were pleased to lend a hand offering holiday cheer. Over 5000 people attended the Christmastown event in 2020 over a twelve day window. Christmastown served as a great model for other local events. According to Amy Cooper, Mason County Forest Festival, the group is planning on making some necessary changes to this year's event, "in hopes that we can safely gather and celebrate."

Salzer Creek Band annual preformed at Shelton's Bluegrass From The Forest

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Historically, the Mason County Forest Festival occurs the weekend after Memorial Day. The Forest Festival Coronation will be held on March 13 with a hybrid live and virtual event. Spectators can watch this and the button contest live on Facebook and Mason Web TV. Visit masoncountyforestfestival.org for updated schedule.

Annually attracting over 3500 people to Shelton for a weekend festival of national bluegrass performers, workshops, picking, and jamming, organizers are working hard Organizers hope to continue with a few of the regular festival to find ways to adjust their event by offering ticketed events on that annual weekend events over multiple week(6/5/2021). Starting with Run ends including hybrid music the Ridge (formerly Goldsborworkshops for kids and smallough Creek Run). This event er performances outdoors. has moved to The Ridge MoCurrently the plan is to offer torsports. The group is looking at other options modeling the a series of smaller two day smaller cell events to continue to all inclusive ticketed "forest" celebrate Forest Festival on this camp events with regional same June weekend including bands, family workshops. socially distant dinners, forest walks and farmer's market style The current model does not vendor events in which the 2021 allow for the large drop-in court will be able to participate crowds. and share the message of Forest Festival.

Hoodsport's Fjordin Crossin hosted by The Hardware Distillery has tentatively rescheduled their event for a September Saturday in hopes of being able to still host their festive event in 2021.

Matlock's Old Timers Fair cancelled in 2021

"we want to tell our attendees what to expect and to hold a date, but right now we just need to be optimistic and adaptable."

The run has moved to the Ridge

Quality versus Quantity

Owing to the sheer size of the crowds, the Paul Bunyan Grand Parade has been rescheduled for September 18 with the hope that we can gather once again safely in large crowds by fall.

Pivot and Adjust

The new reality, at least until COVID is but a memory, is it is essential to find innovative solutions to enhance the event experiences for attendees without sacrificing revenues.

The pre-covid model for many large festivals was quantity of Cooper added that the festival attendees providing revenue volunteers will "continue to to fund entertainment, set up pivot and adjust according to safety mandates and restrictions" and amenities. Re-thinking as they develop. this mindset is causing issues for events that experienced Pivoting is the key word for exploding overhead in the events this season. The much last decade but were able to anticipated Bluegrass From The remain viable as gate reveForest, normally held in May, nue and income from food is also strategizing engaging and alcohol sales increased. ways to carry on the event Unless these events are able in 2021. "It's difficult knowto reshape their identity and ing what the future holds," at least ride through 2021 in remarked Duane Wilson who a modified form – they are founded the event along with facing cancellation again. musician, Greg Linder, FJORD

ROADTRIP

Road tripping

HISTORY Stella Wenstob | story

Road tripping around the Canal affords beautiful waterfront view as well as historic buildings celebrating both pioneering and engineering feats of the last two centuries. Here are a few historically significant sights along the road. Union

MCREAVY HOUSE Located at 10 East 2nd St. is the Victorian mansion of John McReavy. A lumberman, developer, and legislator, McReavy was a boom and bust figure who had dreams of creating the “Venice of the Pacific” in Union. His majestic mansion built in 1890 on the bluff overlooking Union is now the site of a loving restoration project. It is also purported to host a few ghosts and is on many local paranormal watch-lists. DALBY WATERWHEEL The picturesque, refurbished Dalby Waterwheel located on East State Route 106 is a tourist staple of Union. Originally built in the 1920s, Edwin J. Dalby created the first source of hydroelectric power on the Hood Canal.

Shelton

THE COLONIAL HOUSE Designed by architect Joseph Wohleb of Olympia, it was built as the home of the director of Simpson Timber Co., Mark E. Reed and his wife Irene Reed (née Simpson), in 1920. Ironically, the lumber used in the building was imported since Simpson did not yet have a mill in Shelton at the time of construction. When the Reed family moved to Olympia in 1930, the house was converted to guest rooms for both Simpson’s and Rayonier’s Shelton operations. Later it was altered to be additional office space. Now the space hosts many community events, under the direction of Green Diamond, a subsidiary of the Simpson Investment Company.

Quilcene

WORTHINGTON MANOR Worthington Manor was built as the home of Millard Fillmore Hamilton in 1892. Hamilton, along with his partner Squire McArdle, are noted in history for purchasing and proposing the town site of Quilcene in the 1880s. The Worthington Family, were a founding family of Quilcene who bought the property in 1907. The family were early entrepreneurs and foresters.

This land became Worthington Park the purpose of which is to preserve and restore a culturally and historically significant private residence and transform it into a community asset. The grounds boast a beautiful pond, trails, open air theatre, rolling fields, old-growth orchards and access to the Little Quilcene River. The building hopes to open as a guest house in fall of 2021.

Hamma Hamma

THE TWIN BRIDGES The twin bridges span the North and South Hamma Hamma River respectively. Both are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The bridges feature a beautifully engineered load bearing arch– the bridge carries the load of the road in both the lower ends of the arch beneath the level of the road and in the arch above the road. Completed in 1924 by convicts, they are examples of "rainbow arch bridges."

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Restoring Salmon Habitat on the Hood Canal Watershed Alexandra Ehrich | PNW Salmon Center, Belfair

The Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group’s (HCSEG) riparian enhancement program focuses on restoring critical habitat for Hood Canal salmon and steelhead populations. In addition to Chinook, Coho, Pink and the occasional Sockeye, Hood Canal is home to Endangered Species Act listed Puget Sound steelhead and listed Summer Chum, the latter of which is a completely unique species to this watershed. Structurally mature and diverse streamside plant communities not only increase the likelihood that salmon will continue to survive for future generations, but that the entire ecosystem will remain resilient against the effects of a changing climate. Riparian habitat is the transitional area between land and aquatic ecosystems; therefore, the work in this program mainly takes place along rivers, streams, wetlands and estuaries. These are critical habitats for salmon and steelhead where they are born and die, and where they grow strong for

their journey out into the ocean. Riparian habitat provides essential services and functions for fish, such as food; clean, cold water; large woody debris recruitment; and habitat complexity. Without these, our salmon and steelhead populations would cease to exist, along with hundreds of species, the culture, and economy that depends on their survival. HCSEG’s riparian enhancement program serves to protect and restore these services and functions, which can be understood by 4 broad categories: provisioning - the production of food and water; regulating - the control of climate and disease; supporting nutrient cycles and oxygen production; and cultural - spiritual and recreational benefits.

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Salmon are a keystone species and the foundation of our sacred Pacific Northwest culture, and we have been working hard to change the projection of their dismal fate through riparian enhancement and knotweed control. The World Conservation Union lists invasive knotweed as one of the world’s worst 100 invasive alien species. Knotweed spreads aggressively along rivers establishing dense monocultures that reduce native riparian plant diversity, structure and function. Invasive plant species are the second greatest threat to global biological diversity, only second to habitat destruction. In 2020, HCSEG installed 11,000 native plants, restored 0.5 river miles and 9 acres of riparian habitat through new riparian plantings, and the survey and control of knotweed on over 40 stream miles.

Lake

C us

n hma 119

101

Hoodsport Seattle/ Belfair

101

Union

106

Skokomish 106

Shelton/Olympia 101

ADVENTURE In 2021, HCSEG plans to install 17,500 native plants, and restore 1 river mile and 15 acres of habitat through new riparian plantings. All of this work would not be possible without the outstanding help from our volunteer community and our Washington Conservations Corps crew. If you would like to see this work for yourself, we have several public riparian enhancement worksites that you can visit: Big Beef Creek and Estuary (feel free to park at the gate and walk-in), Seabeck Creek (by the new bridge) and the Union River Estuary Preserve (at the Salmon Center).

If you have questions about visiting these sites or would like more information about these projects, visit pnwsalmoncenter.org for a full list of staff contacts as well as project descriptions.

7211 N Lake Cushman Road Hoodsport, WA 98548 skokomishpark.com 360.877.5760

And while you’re there, consider signing up to join our community of volunteers! If we plan to install 17,500 native plants this year, we are going to need lots of environmental stewards helping us fight for the future of Pacific Northwest salmon and steelhead.

Camping & RV Sites • Hiking Trails Fishing • Boating • Kayaking • Biking Picnic Areas • Boat Launch New Recreation Area/Day-Use Area

ENTERTAINMENT

Is it a weed or is it knotweed?

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Both are true. Knotweed was introduced to the US as an ornamental plant in the 1800s and is now all over the country. Found in wetlands, ditches, and disturbed areas, it forms colonies that crowd out native species.

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Knotweed’s appearance changes dramatically through the seasons. In spring, red shoots appear, turning into green bamboo-like stems which grow up to 4 inches per day. By early summer knotweed is usually fully grown, shooting up to 10' in height. Knotweed is very difficult to control. County Noxious Weed Control programs help to identify weeds and work with landowners in control noxious weeds. Visit nwcb.wa.gov for information on your local respresentaive.

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Music on the

ESTUARY 2021

Elen Gaschet de L'Isle Lake Limerick Golf Club

Alexandra Ehrich | PNW Salmon Center, Belfair

The Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group’s (HCSEG) Music on the Estuary is going virtual again this year! Saturday, June 12 tune into the live, ½ day music concert through HCSEG’s Facebook (@the.salmoncenter) or through the HCSEG website pnwsalmoncenter.org. The lineup and times are still in the works, but the event will feature musical artists from around the Hood Canal as well as potentially several from across the country. In 2020, during the late spring COVID-19 lockdown, hundreds of Music on the Estuary concert-goers joined us virtually to support HCSEG’s environmental mission with over $4,600 in donations, and created a moment of community and joy in a time when we all most needed it. We hope that last year’s participants will join us again and that those who missed it will come together with us this June!

Last year Music on the Estuary was an all weekend event, but this year it will take place on just one day – so make sure to mark your calendars now! Follow HCSEG on Facebook or Instagram (@the.salmoncenter) or signup on the HCSEG website pnwsalmoncenter. org to receive Music on the Estuary updates and lineup announcements.

Lake Limerick Golf Club is offering this opportunity to golfers during the Alliance Windows and Gutters Masters Partnership golf tournament to be held Saturday, April 10.. With Covid-19 postponing many tournaments, this event will be held following Covid-19 protocols to keep everyone safe. You sign up your foursome for the tourney and select a Pro in the Masters to be your fifth teammate. We use the Pro's round from Sunday to determine the team championship of the four-ball low net tournament. This event adds up the four low net scores for your team score hole by hole. This will be a double shot tournament played on Saturday with Wake Up Espresso providing specialty coffee drinks for both tournaments. You can sign up for the 9AM or 2PM tournament and if you are really adventuresome, sign up for both. No large gatherings are permitted as each participating team will be assigned in advance to start on a specific tee box. Teams meet up at your designated tee box. Since we all have to wait for Sunday's final Pro round there will be no group meetings after the tournaments. For more information and to sign up contact golf staff at (360)426-6290 or golfpro@lakelimerick.com.

It’s a fun event with an important cause; Music on the Estuary raises funds for HCSEG salmon research, restoration and education efforts around the Hood Canal watershed.

Lake Limerick Golf Club is a beautiful, challenging nine-hole golf course open to the public with tight fairways and out of bounds on both sides of every fairway. Setback homes line all fairways so you often have the feeling that Limerick is your own private club. The staff go above and beyond to make your experience at Lake Limerick one you will always remember. We are looking forward to your visit playing our course located on the Olympic peninsula. 811 E Saint Andrews Drive, Shelton, lakelimerickgolf.com 12 FJORD

Lake Limerick Golf Club & Cafe Swing into Spring! Play 18 with Split tees - Par 72 Covid-19 Guidelines given with Tee Times Annual Golf Membership Available

Serving our Members and the Public Must call for Tee Times Pro Shop 360-426-6290 www.LakeLimerickGolf.com golfpro@lakelimerick.com 811 E Saint Andrews Drive Shelton WA 98584 Join us on FB @ Lake Limerick Golf Club

Congratulations on another house! Habitat For Humanity of Mason County poured footings for House #34 in February 2020 thanks to the many volunteers that volunteered to help make the dream of homeownership for one local family achievable.

MGH volunteers craft

Shelton Chamber

handmade blankets

schedules Awards

Mason Health's Business Office Supervisor, Brandy Amundson, recently donated these gorgeous blankets to the MGH Birth Center. All babies born at MGH receive blankets courtesy of hardworking volunteers.

Gala for April

Shelton YMCA grand opening in March Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, no large gatherings were planned during the Shelton YMCA's opening, March 1. In lieu of large events, the group opted to host small tours and events on site over several days. Additionally, hosted live stream events for several days during the week of grand opening.

Habitat's goal is to "work in harmony" with the new home-owner for a positive, successful and long-term home solution; thereby providing the opportunity to "break the cycle of poverty" and become a home-owner.

Shelton YMCA is now accepting registrations and has posted many of the upcoming classes and programs on their website. 13

Last year was a struggle for many, yet some businesses stand out for their support, perseverance, and spirit of community, the Shelton Mason County Chamber of Commerce is looking forward to honoring countless volunteers, supporters, and businesses who go above the call of duty to make our community a better place to live and work. The semiformal affair, usually hosted in January, is planned for April 14 at the Skookum Creek Event Center at Little Creek Casino in Kamilche. For tickets and information, visit sheltonchamber.com. FJORD

GRAVEL UNRAVEL

Gravel bike race or ride 2021 Gravel Unravel is a brand new endurance bicycle event series on the gravel road systems of the Olympic Peninsula. In addition to an epic outdoor experience in the far northwest corner, all participants receive a professional, well-organized event, a great piece of custom race swag, RFID timing, a well-marked course, on-course snacks and medical support, mechanical support, post-race food and a refreshing beverage. Food and beverage may be to-go style depending on covid safety requirements at the time of the event. Registration $60 - $80 depending on length of course; under 18, $35.

Hoh-ly Roller May 1

Sol Grinder June 5

Bon Jon June 26

This course starts and ends at the world famous Hoh River. We hope you like the color green because you are going to be seeing a lot of it. Don't let the mileage fool you, word has it that the climbs on the long course are “the most challenging climbs of any event in the region—by far.” You will want to bring your family on this trip and take them to visit world famous Hoh Rainforest and the wilderness coastline of Olympic National Park.

This race will take you down through long cathedral-like corridors of Sitka Spruce, Douglas Fir and Cedars of Olympic National Forest and over the iconic Sol Duc River. The pinnacle of this course opens up to views into the interior of Olympic National Park and Forest. Wildflowers line the high stretches of roads. The short and long courses go through the “Keyhole”, a passageway blasted through the spine of the dividing ridge.

Previously the Quilcene Gravel Unravel, the Bon Jon Pedal Bender is now the third race in the Olympic Peninsula Series. The village of Quilcene is perfectly placed at the base of the Olympic Mountains, and along Quilcene Bay. This town is synonymous with hospitality, and especially welcoming are the great folks at Worthington Park, where we will be based for the day.

Three distances: 26, 44, and 66 miles.

Three distances: 35, 55, or 77 miles.

Covid-19 Information

Washington State has issued the following requirements for racing: governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/COVID19RacingGuidance.pdf Race requirements include: Wave starts and maximum participant caps Face coverings when not on race course (start / finish area) No congregating or after-party activities at the start / finish area Participants must leave the area after they finish the race Social distance of 6 ' while waiting to start, after finish, at hydration stations, and in line for portable toilets.

A portion of event proceeds will support the Quilcene Museum, "Count Me In for Quilcene" (local scholarships), and the North Olympic Mountain Bike Team (a youth 4-H club). Three distances: 32, 55, or 80 miles.

To register or find out more information on these exciting rugged courses, visit peninsulaadventuresports.com.

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After leaving Worthington Park, riders head for their first challenge – Bon Jon Pass. Luckily June is when the wild rhododendrons are in full bloom. Spotlighted against the deep green background of the forest, the blooms are sure to brighten up what might seem like an endless ascent. After Bon Jon Pass, enjoy the views and ridges, returning via Lords Lake Loop. Well, except the long course riders – they get to climb Bon Jon again!

D E I R S A T I W L L D E R R A Y H CO. ® HT E WINTER: Thursday–Sunday noon-5

SUMMER: Everyday noon-6

206-300-0877 • hardwaredistillery.com • 24210 N Hwy 101, Hoodsport, WA Port Townsend Receives Historic District Grant

Port Townsend Main Street Program Grant was recently awarded $65,000 for its Historic Districts Marketing Campaign November 2020-November 2021. This year-long marketing campaign will support the historic business districts recovery after COVID-19 impact and it will feature campaigns, tours, and niche experiences. Local businesses are invited to participate in this campaign.

ONP Snow Survey In February Olympic National Park scientists completed the first snow surveys of 2021 in the Olympic Mountains and report that the snow pack is at 116% of normal, with 20" of snow at Hurricane Ridge since the surveys were completed. The Climate Prediction Center continues to forecast La Nina conditions into March, which gives us a higher probability of cooler and wetter than normal conditions. Typically, the Olympic mountain snowpack reaches it maximum in early April.

State Parks Attendance up average 34% on Canal

Did it feel busy last summer? Despite the COVID shutdowns, WA State Parks around Hood Canal were popular in 2020. Hope Island had 46% more visitors than 2019; Twanoh, 511,181 over the 429,678 reported in 2019. This was a pandemic trend as people tried to find entertainment close to home.

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Backyard Scuba

DIVES My son recently became a snowboarder. Along with dabbling in scuba, flying, surfing, skiing – he decided to take up a new sport that provides the adrenelin rush. The joke now is that he needs to have his board in the car in case he comes upon an opportunity to practice. If you are a scuba diver, you know the feeling. However, while our slopes in WA will soon be covered with alpine flowers, the waterways of Puget Sound are always open to your underwater attention. Even if the water visibility is down, you still get an opportunity to hone your skills. With its glacial formation of sharp deep cliffs and a till strewn botton, Hood Canal offers plenty of unique opportunities to check out dive spots accessed easily from the shore. Pull over on Hwy 101, don your gear, and within minutes, you are in the water. So convenient, you can dive and be seated for lunch in Hoodsport by noon. Schools of ancient cod and nudibranchs, the famous giant Pacific octopus and the snaggle toothed, but clever ,wolf eels are just a few of the highlights of the descent.

In Hoodsport we love how they love their divers. Stop by YSS Dive, the local dive shop located next to the public dock in town for air, gear and advice. They also offer plenty of classes and recently started offering dive charters on Saltwater Therapy. Local lodging also caters to the scuba crowd. A couple of our favorites are Glen Ayr Resort, Hoodsport, and The Waterfront Inn at Potlatch. Glen Ayr has heated dive locker aand a gear cleaning station. Glen Ayr's dock offers moorage and impromptu dives. The waterview spa house is the perfect remedy for the chill fjord waters. Many of the vacation rental cabins in this area (as well as cottages at Glen Ayr) have kitchens but if you want breakfast out we suggest hitting the Tides Restaurant –

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Glen Ayr overlooking the Fjord | garesort.com.

quick and friendly, with loaded plates of delicious food. During pandemic restrictions, one of our favorites, Hama Hama Oyster is requiring reservations to eat at their saloon. If you can get spot in their quirky waterfront A-frames, try the oysters and clams (and the crab cakes). They don't get any fresher! El Puerto de Angeles located in Hoodsport next to YSS Dive also has good food and great views of the Canal.

Popular Hood Canal Dives th

Although parking is limited at Octopus Hole, this wall site is easy to access from shore and appropriate for all experience levels. Bring a flashlight, there are plenty of friendly octopus and wolf eels. This is a protected site so no disturbing inhabitants (and no taking the bottles that the eightlegged creatures like to hide in). The best dive near Hoodsport is Sund Rock Marine Preserve. Privately owned, this site is carefully managed by the Sund family.

Entry fee is $20 which includes dive beach entry, freshwater rinse and warm shower, picnic area, gear up benches, and parking. Rserve at sundrock.com and fill out a request for a day and time to dive during the week. Currenly they are staggering visits to allow for social distancing of groups. Last year they added an on site glamping option ($110/night) which is available to book during the summer. The platform tent overlooks the dive site and is suitable for up to two guests. Outside of Lilliwaup, just to the South of Mike’s Beach Resort, is Flag Pole Point. More comfortably accessed by boat, you can free swim to it also. This site consists of a series of rock formations (the knuckle), rising like a mini range of mountains from the ocean floor. Since this formation is farther out and exposed to currents, this site often has excellent visibility. Ling cod lay their eggs at this protected site, and there are resident wolf eel and octopus populations. Since the rise of “the knuckle” is rapid, the site can be difficult to locate.

South of Hoodsport lies Potlatch Park. While the diving at Potlatch is less dramatic than those sites already described, if you are just getting your flippers wet, this is a good place to start out. This shore diving spot is easy to get to, has showers to wash off gear, and it is a great place to get comfortable with equipment and techniques. To find out more about diving locations and links to services, visit Mason County's tourism resource, explorehoodcanal.com. FJORD

FEATURED COLUMNIST:

CRAIG ROMANO is an author of more than 20 hiking guidebooks including the bestselling Day Hiking Olympic Peninsula 2nd Edition (Mountaineers Books), which includes descriptions for 136 hikes throughout the Olympic Peninsula.

CRAIG ROMANO | story & photos

FINDING PEACE AT

PINE LAKE

For a quiet trek , here you will find everything but the pine trees.

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The South Fork Skokomish River Valley offers quite a contrast from the North Fork Skokomish River Valley. Located within Olympic National Forest and not Olympic National Park, the South Fork sees a fraction of the number of folks that visit the North Fork. Once a heavily logged area, the South Fork is slowly reverting back to a more natural state. Miles of former Forest Service logging roads in this wildlife rich valley have been decommissioned; some converted into trails. The converted trail to pretty little Pine Lake is a pure pleasure to walk. And surprisingly, the lake is surrounded by beautiful ancient forest. Majestic hemlocks, Douglas firs, and red cedars—just no pines.

Hit the Trail

Much of the South Fork Skokomish Valley in the Olympic National Forest was intensely logged from the 1940s to the 1980s. By the 1990s however timber harvesting on the Olympic and other Western Washington national forests was heavily curtailed due to market place changes and new management objectives favoring habitat protection and recreation. This resulted in the Forest Service decommissioning hundreds of miles of old logging roads. Some of these old roads however presented new opportunities to expand the trail system.

PINE LAKE

DISTANCE: 5.8 miles roundtrip ELEVATION GAIN: 700 feet HIGH POINT: 1830 feet DIFFICULTY: moderate SNOW FREE: Mar—Dec TRAILHEAD PASS NEEDED: None NOTES: Forest Road 2361 is gated and closed from October 1 to April 30th to protect wildlife. You can walk or bike the road (adding 3.8 miles roundtrip) during this time to reach the trailhead. GPS WAYPOINTS: Trailhead: N47 26.270 W123 25.678 Pine Lake: N47 25.839 W123 28.618 FEATURES: kid and dog friendly, backcountry lake in old-growth forest, chances for solitude and wildlife watching.

Olympic National Forest once contained hundreds of miles of trails in the South Fork Skokomish and Wynoochee River watersheds. Intensive logging destroyed most of those trails. Forest Service officials and citizen groups now see new opportunities to regain many miles of these lost trails through road conversions. The trail to Pine Lake is one of these new trails. And unlike so many road-trail conversion that simply involves gating the road and removing culverts—the Pine Lake Trail was designed with aesthetes in mind. The road to trail conversion to this little lake involved constructing bends and curves in the original road bed to better mimic a real trail. And the road bed was restored to original contours in places further obscuring old road cuts.

The Forest Service planted native vegetation along the road bed so that in time it will be very difficult to see that this route was once a wide logging road. And while logging did occur within the Pine Creek watershed, it wasn’t as intense as in some of the smaller watersheds farther south and east. Large patches and tracts of old-growth forest were left uncut. And as the second growth patches adjacent to the primeval tracts continue to mature, evidence of past logging in the basin containing Pine Lake becomes less obvious. 19

Surprisingly this trail is not on many "hiker’s radar. Come on a weekday and you may have the lake to yourself. "

From the small parking area, follow the trail through second growth forest traversing slopes high above Pine Creek. About half way up the trail you’ll encounter a patch of invasive Scotch broom, a plant that crowds out native vegetation in disturbed areas. The Forest Service along with Washington Conservation Corp crews have done a good job at Pine Lake restoring native vegetation. Unfortunately this pervasive and hardy invasive plant has gotten a foothold in this valley. Hopefully they can soon attack the broom before it sweeps across the valley. At about two miles the trail enters an attractive grove of old-growth forest. The way then steepens a little breaking stride from its relatively gentle grade to this point. In another .75 mile the trail leaves the old road bed to traverse a grove of big trees and descend to Pine Lake. The lake is pretty shallow and surrounded by grasses, sedges and other small plants—many planted by the Forest Service to help rehabilitate the shoreline from past abuses. FJORD

Treat the area with respect by sticking to established paths and not trampling vegetation. Savor the serenity of the scene. Look for resident waterfowl on the lake’s open waters and in its vegetated coves. Admire the forested hillsides too and Chapel Peak which often reflects upon the lake’s placid waters. Notice too that among the stately conifers surrounding the lake, there does not appear to be any pines. Western white pines valued for their fine wood, were once abundant in the Olympics and Cascades. But it wasn’t logging that erased them from much of these landscapes—but a Eurasian disease, white pine blister rust that decimated stands of this majestic tree.

It’s possible that is what occurred here at Pine Lake. Then again, early pioneers and explorers were also known for misnaming features. There are no badgers in Olympic National Park’s Badger Valley for example nor black oaks growing anywhere near Black Oak Creek in the North Cascades. Perhaps someone named the lake Pine referring to the area’s evergreens as pines. I have seen this mistake numerous times in travel journals and tourism brochures! Anyhow, Pine Lake’s name origins may remain a mystery. But pine or no pines, the lake is a pretty hiking destination. And if you are intent on seeing some beautiful western white pines, nearby Six Ridge in Olympic National Park harbors some healthy stands of them—but it is no easy hike reaching them.

Pine Lake hike resources

Land Agency Contact: Olympic National Forest, Hood Canal Ranger District, Quilcene, http://www.fs.usda.gov/olympic Recommended Guidebooks: Day Hiking Olympic Peninsula 2nd edition (Romano, Mountaineers Books) Trailhead directions: From Shelton, travel north on US 101 for 7 miles, turning left at milepost 340 onto the Skokomish Valley Road (signed “Skokomish Recreation Area”). Follow for 5.6 miles, bearing right at a V intersection onto Forest Road 23. Continue for 9.3 miles bearing left at Y-junction with FR 2353. Continuing on FR 23 (pavement ends) follow this good gravel road for 4.3 miles bearing right onto FR 2361. Continue for 1.2 miles and turn left onto unsigned Spur 200. Follow .7 mile to trailhead.

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SAFE & HEALTHY HIKING DURING THE COVID19

" "" " " "

Avoid crowded hiking destinations. If you arrive and the parking lot is already full, head to another location Opt for weekdays over weekends and/or early morning to hit the trail Avoid hiking in large groups outside of your family Practice Social Distancing while on the trail, giving other hikers lots of room to pass and keeping your distance from them at lakes, summits, etc. Wear a mask when encountering others on the trail. A buff or bandanna works well, and remember to pack hand sanitizer PACK IT IN PACK IT OUT (including pet waste) and don’t be a surface pooper. Always using privies first if available-or head at least 200' away from all trails, campsites and water sources and digging a cat hole for your business. Bury your waste and toilet paper.

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Mason Health administer vaccines to patients and community members As of Feb. 18, Mason Health has administered more than 5,000 vaccines to our patients and community members. To receive a vaccination through Mason Health or Mason County Public Health, you must be a Mason County resident and/or an established patient at Mason Health. Appointments at Mason Health’s vaccine clinic are based on vaccine inventory and availability. Appointments may not be available due to a limited inventory. To ensure equity in our community, Mason Health is also supporting Mason County Public Health's mass vaccination drive-thru clinics and pre-scheduled outreach events.

The county’s first mass vaccination drive-thru event was Jan. 30 at Mountain View Elementary School in Shelton, and the second event was Feb. 18 at the Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton. For information about vaccination events, follow Mason Health on social media, visit masongeneral.com/about/covid-19 and Mason County’s website at www. co.mason.wa.us/COVID-19/vaccination-information.php.

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Approval of Navy Seals Training in State Parks Washington State Parks Commission approved the U.S. Navy’s proposal to conduct special operations trainings at several western Washington State Parks. During the Commission meeting to vote on the proposal, staff requested measures in place for "robust protection" of plants and animals and that training be limited to nighttime hours only. Further direction was given on avoiding cultural resources and not interfering with Tribal fishing and shellfish harvesting activities. The commission agreed to add the nighttime hour restriction and requested that nine months after the first permit is issued, the State Parks director is to present to the commission a detailed report on permitted naval activity including any interactions and issues that may have occurred involving park visitors and Navy personnel. Although the Navy identified 29 State Parks that they petitioned for use, park staff will issue permits on a park-by-park basis, after the applying the mitigating conditions and site criteria. The mitigated conditions and criteria will ultimately determine which specific parks are permitted. Amongst other Hood Canal parks, Dosewallips and Triton are on the list for consideration. According to the Sierra Club the Navy has been conducting these training exercises in State Parks for decades, just without permission. "A right of entry permit was issued in 2015, for the use of 5 parks, with an indemnity clause holding the Navy responsible for any harm." The Sierra Club fears that the recent agreement leaves State Parks and local jurisdictions on the hook for liability.

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Since these operations are scheduled to be during the night and covert, it is unlikely that it will be noticed by most of us, but in the off chance you hear strange noises at night – this will give you something else to consider. We are further be assured that the real weapons cannot be used during training, but replica weapons are allowed.

A C O N V O C AT I O N O F

Story: Stella Wenstob Photos: Shari Sommerfeld

EAGLES

A convocation of eagles is not a feted occasion requiring black gowns and tasseled caps. Like a murder of crows or a gaggle of geese, a convocation is the unexpected collective noun for a group of eagles. Eagles have inspired humans throughout history – and the world. The Ancient Romans used them as a symbol of Empire. Here in the United States, the Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is our national bird. Native American tribes, including Hood Canal’s Skokomish, venerate the Bald Eagle. Many tribes associate the eagle with the creator. Since this bird is the strongest flyer, it is believed to carry prayers to the heavens. Feathers and other parts of the bird (such as the talons) are important to many Native American ceremonies, such as smudging, powwows, and talking circles. At the turn of the 18th century, the Bald

Eagle population was estimated to be between 300,000–500,000. In the early 20th century however, the eagle was targeted for sport and because of their perceived predation upon livestock. Between 1918 and 1930 one ornithologist estimated that approximately 70,000 bald eagles had been shot in the state of Alaska. Additionally, nesting sites were disturbed by logging and other forms of development. The Bald Eagle Protection Act was introduced in 1940 to protect nests, eggs, feathers, and to stop the slaughter of Bald Eagles. By the 1950s, however, there were reported to be only 412 nesting pairs left in the 48 conterminous United States.

Pushed to near extinction

Further, pressure was placed upon Bald Eagles populations (and many birds of prey species) by the pesticide Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT). Since Bald Eagles are predators at the top of the food-chain, this chemical was concentrated in their prey and even the prey of their prey. This bioaccumulation disrupted the Bald Eagle’s metabolism of calcium, severely effecting fertility rates and inhibiting healthy egg production.

Bald Eagles were declared endangered in 1962.

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Revival of a species

However, this is actually a happy story. In 2007, the Bald Eagle was federally delisted from the endangered species list. With the banning of DDT in the United States in 1972 (1989 in Canada), extensive breeding programs, and the enforcement of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act– the population soared. By 2005, in Washington State alone, it was estimated that there were over 840 breeding pairs. In 2009, the Bald Eagle population of the United States was estimated to be nearly 143,000 birds, this number is expected to stabilize at 228,000 birds in the next 5 to 15 years.

Despite Benjamin Franklin's reservations regarding our national bird's MORAL CHARACTER Bald Eagles continue to inspire in their natural resilience and majestic strength.

Known as kleptoparasites they will scavenge their meals off other birds, including other eagles, as demonstrated in this Matrix-like pose captured by photographer and Shelton native, Shari Sommerfeld.

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Speaking of resurgent populations, January to February is the mating season for Bald Eagles. Usually mating for life, male and females perform stunning aerobatic courtship displays with airborne talon clasping and free falls. Eagle nests, known as aeries or eyries, are one of the largest nests at nearly 5-6 feet in diameter and 2-4 feet in height. Along the Hood Canal, nests are in trees near water or open fields. Old cedar snags, giant spruces, or the larger coniferous trees are favorites. Both the male and female gather branches and twigs to weave into these monstrous nurseries. The female will typically lay 1-3 eggs and both the male and female will take turns incubating the eggs for 34-36 days. After 10-12 weeks (approximately late summer), when the fledglings have left the nest, the mating pair and fledglings may travel to Northern British Columbia and Alaska to take advantage of the early salmon runs.

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The immature eagles often stay northward for several months, whereas the parents return after a few weeks. Immature eagles do not have the white head and tail, they are a mottled brown in color. This “balding” occurs when they reach maturity, typically at 4 to 5 years. Many mature adults migrate to Washington to winter, returning North in January to mate. A great place to spot the national bird is on or near waterways, especially where there is a waterfowl population, a salmon run, or another fishery run. If the herring run in March is good, scan the skies, waters, and trees near Brinnon in Dabob Bay. Scour the older snags near the flats at Hamma Hamma for eagles perched and surveying the area, as the local eagle population has a taste for young ducks which are known to brood here. Check your tide table, because eagle convocation is always best when the tide is out. Low tides attract fish and ducks to the shallows – an eagle buffet sandbar.

An unlikely hero

Although able to swoop and pluck a live fish from the ocean, Bald Eagles are often opportunistic in their search for food. Known as kleptoparasites they will scavenge their meals off other birds (including other eagles) or animals, driving the original hunter away from their prey or simply stealing the food out from under them. This is often why Bald Eagles are seen harassed by other birds of prey, crows and ravens who don’t take kindly to this noble thief. They also raid birds’ nests, which often results in them being harassed by songbirds including blackbirds, crows, and flycatchers.

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Because of this, Benjamin Franklin was opposed to them becoming the nations emblem, he wrote in 1784: For my own part I wish the Bald Eagle had not been chosen as the representative of our country. He is a bird of bad moral character. He does not get his living honestly. You may have seen him perch’d on some dead tree near the river, where, too lazy to fish for himself, he watches the labor of the Fishing Hawk; and when that diligent bird has at length taken a fish, and is bearing it to his nest for the support of his mate and young ones, the Bald Eagle pursues him and takes it from him. It is purported (most likely falsely) that Benjamin Franklin’s alternative choice was the Wild Turkey, and his arguments did not gain much ground. Despite Franklin's reservations, Bald Eagles have continued to Geoduck inspire in their natural resilience and majestic strength. As John F. Kennedy wrote to the National Audubon Society (1961): The founding fathers made an appropriate choice when they selected the bald eagle as the emblem of the nation. The fierce beauty & proud independence of this great bird aptly symbolizes the strength & freedom of America. To learn more about birding locations on Hood Canal, check out the following list or visit olympicbirdtrail.org for a list of 25 top locations around the peninsula. Happy Birding!

10 Birding Hot Spots on Hood Canal #1. Kennedy Creek Preserve Kamilche, WA | IBA (Important Birding Area) Visit 340 acres of wildlife-rich salt flats on Oyster Bay at its confluence with Kennedy and Schneider Creeks. This rich estuarine environment supports a diverse population of residential and migratory shorebirds. This inlet also supports one of the largest flocks of wintering black-bellied plovers in Puget Sound. Kennedy Creek which feeds into the preserve is an excellent salmon-rearing waterway producing up to 80,000 spawning salmon. After spawning, the salmon die and their carcasses wash downstream to the estuary providing food for eagles, and other animals. Discover Pass

Kennedy Creek Preserve #2. Oakland Bay County Park Shelton, WA A four mile long narrow and shallow estuary, Oakland Bay is one of the most productive shellfish growing areas in the country. While the WDFD property and adjacent Bayshore Preserve on the northern shore of the bay is a good place to scope for birds, the county park directly across the

bay offers a wilder setting and good trail system. From the trailhead hike through old-growth trees and an old orchard to the historic 1892-built Malaney-O’Neill House on a small bluff above Oakland Bay. After admiring this structure, walk the short path behind it to overlook the mudflats and oyster beds on Oakland Bay. Look for ospreys, bald eagles and scads of ducks. During the winter months look for dunlins. No Pass

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#3. Mary E. Theler Wetlands Belfair, WA Enjoy 139 acres of wildlife rich estuary in the Union River Delta at the farthest reaches of fjord-like Hood Canal. The preserve contains five distinct trails that utilize levees and bridges across channels and creeks. The main path leads to a Wetlands Project (education) Center and a native plant demonstration garden. From here the other trails radiate across the preserve. No Pass #4. Twanoh State Park Union, WA | IBA With 182 acres of mature forest and shoreline, the park retains many of its Depression-era CCC structures. It contains 2.5 miles of trails that traverse cedar groves and

#7. Jarrell Cove State Park Harstine Island, WA Forests and bluffs on a quiet cove, the park’s uplands provide excellent habitat for residential and migratory songbirds. Look for creepers, finches, flycatchers, nuthatches, towhees, and vireos in the forest. Hike down to the docks for some great cove views—and the chance to spot goldeneyes, grebes, kingfishers, mergansers, loons, scaups, and various gulls. Discover Pass Dwatto Bay Apart from fantastic views of the Olympics above the Canal,

honorable mention goes to Dwatto Bay on the Tahuya Peninsula for a peaceful remote location to catch a variety of marine birds. Photo: George Stenberg

a lush emerald ravine cradling a salmon-spawning creek. The canal’s much warmer here than to the west and north attracting large populations of waterfowl. Discover Pass

#5. Dosewallips State Park Brinnon, WA Over 1000 acres of wildlife habitat along the Dosewallips River at its delta on the fjord. The birding is excellent due to the varied habitats. Explore rich tidal wetlands, riparian forest, and mature forest. Watch for eagles—especially during salmon spawning. Follow the short and flat North Tidal Trail across salt marshes to an observation deck. Discover Pass

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#6 Big Quilcene Estuary Quilcene, WA WDFW riparian mixed forest, river estuary on Hood Canal. In spring watch for songbirds: Yellow-rumped and Wilson's Warblers,Varied Thrushes, Ruby-crowned Kinglets. Fall salmon runs draw scavengers: Bald Eagles, Common Ravens, Rough-legged Hawks, Glaucous-winged Gulls. Great Egrets poke in marshes, Dunlins at water’s edge. Check river for American Dippers. Winter brings Trumpeter Swans, American and Eurasian Wigeons, Red-necked Grebes. No Pass

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#8. Potlatch State Park Skokomish, WA Potlatch consists of 84 acres on the Canal at its bend just north of the Skokomish River Delta. The delta consists of estuary, riparian forests and extensive wetlands. It hosts populations of several avian species including a great blue heron rookery. In the spring watch for dowitchers, western sandpipers, and Wilson’s snipes. Discover Pass #9. Fort Worden Historical State Park Port Townsend, WA An active US Army base for more than 50 years, today Fort Worden is a popular state park. Many of the fort’s buildings have been restored and serve a variety of functions. The 434acre park also contains high bluffs, a lagoon, mature forest, and extensive beaches. On the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the park attracts a wide array of marine animals and birds. Discover Pass

Fort Worden Historical State Park FJORD

#10. Fort Flagler Historical State Park Port Hadlock, WA | IBA (Important Birding Area) At 780 acres, Fort Flagler is the largest of a series of old military installations on Puget Sound since converted to state parks. In addition to its historic structures and buildings, the park contains beaches and a well-developed trail system. Owing to its location on Marrowstone Island and surrounded by water on three sides, the park is a great for watching

marine birds. Bays, spit, bluffs, mature forest, and meadows provide excellent habitat for birds. Flagler is also a great place to spot pigeon guillemots. Discover Pass To learn more about birding locations on Hood Canal, check out the following list or visit olympicbirdtrail.org for a list of 25 top locations around the peninsula.

10 Myths and Facts about the

GREAT BLUE HERON

It’s a common sight to see the “lucky” great blue heron patiently hunting on the shores of Hood Canal and South Puget Sound. Largest of the heron species, up to 4’ tall, they only weigh 5 to 6 pounds. Here are a few things you may not know about these iconic birds. #1. MYTH

Great blue herons only eat fish. Great blue herons dine mostly on fish but they will also stalk everything from insects to small mammals and even other birds. In Washington, mice and voles make up a major portion of their winter diet when they choose to hunt on land.

#2. FACT

Herons spend about 90 percent of waking time stalking prey. Herons grab prey in their strong beaks or use their dagger-like bills to impale - the ‘bill stab’. They shake the prey to break spines before gulping them down. Patience and speed are the keys to their hunting success.

#3. MYTH

Great Blue Herons are cranes. A crane is totally different type of bird. Cranes have shorter beaks and hold their necks straight when in flight, whereas herons curve necks into an S-shape. Herons are able to do this because of specially shaped vertebra. Great blues also fly with their legs ‘hanging” which is unique from most birds. (continued next page)

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#4. FACT

Herons are called “Dinosaur Birds.” Fossil records date back 1.8 million years, but they are thought to have existed about 25 million years ago during the Cenozoic age.

#5. MYTH

Great blue herons can’t swim. The great blue swims in deep water with apparent grace and comfort. Swimming is a testament to the great blue heron’s adaptability.

#6. FACT

They have adapted “bib” feathers. Specialized feathers on their chest grow continuously and fray into a fine cleaning powder. This powder is used to help groom their entire body and clean off fish slime.

#7. MYTH

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Great blues are monogamous. Great blues are known to be ‘serial monogamous’ — they have one partner for a year but choose a different one each mating season. They generally return to the same breeding grounds each year with different partner choices.

#8. FACT

Mates work to build the nest, as well as incubate and feed their young –together. They also take turns feeding regurgitated prey to the young chicks.

#9. MYTH

Heron chicks have yellow eyes when they are born. Heron chicks have gray eyes when born that become bright yellow when they are adults.

#10. FACT

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Great blue herons’ colors show age, sex, and mating season. Adult males are larger and generally have bright orange legs. During breeding season, the lore will turn a bright blue, the iris will turn reddish, and the yellow bill will take on an orange hue.

SHELLFISH & BEACH

Guide

SOUTH PUGET SOUND & HOOD CANAL

PULL-OUT GUIDE TO SHELLFISH, WATER EXPLORING & BEACH ADVENTURES ON HOOD CANAL AND SOUTH PUGET SOUND

COVER PHOTO: GEORGE STENBERG

GUIDE PRODUCED BY MASON COUNTY TOURISM

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MASON COUNTY'S B

shellfish Forage on Washington’s Wild Side.

Our Local Bivalves

Mason County’s saltwater bays and inlets OLYMPIC along Hood Canal and South Puget Sound are renownFOREST for NATIONAL some of the tastiest and freshest bivalves in the OLYMPIC Northwest. Visit for the NATIONAL PARKpristine waters, open wilderness and public beaches stocked annually for families to enjoy! EAGLE CR Hamma

Get to know a few species NATIVE LITTLENECK CLAM

Up to 3.5” with rounded shell displaying concentric rings and radiating ridge lines, cream, grey, brown, or mottled. White inside shell; found at 6-10” deep in gravel, mud, mid-tide level.

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MANILA LITTLENECK CLAM (NOT NATIVE)

Up to 2.5”, oblong shell, Color can vary—typically grey,brown, or mottled and often times with what appears to be hand painted designs; some purple on the inside shell; found at 2-4” in gravel, mud, sand, typically above the half-tide level.

LILLIWAUP STATE PARK

Full off on Hwy 101, stairway to beach at north opening of Lilliwaup Bay. Walk north or south when tide is out. Oysters and Clams. Eagles andOLYMPIC osprey. Overnight RV camping permitted; no restrooms. NATIONAL FOREST

BUTTER CLAM

Up to 5”, shell with concentric rings (no radiating ridge lines), Yellow to grey/white colored; found at 1-1.5’ in sand, gravel, or cobble; lower intertidal or shallow subtidal zone. Butter clams retain marine biotoxins longer than other clams.

TAYLOR SHELLFISH 130 SE Lynch Rd Shelton (360) 432-3300 Taylor’s product line includes worldwide export of geoduck, clams, mussels and oysters. Headquartered in Kamilche, retail store is open daily. taylorshellfish.com

COCKLE CLAM

Up to 5” with round shell; prominent evenly-spaced radiating ridges fanning from hinge; mottled, light brown color; found at 1-2” in sand, mud in intertidal or subtidal zone.

HOODSP

Visitor Informat

HOODSPORT

Public boat dock with beach access. Starfish and crabs at low tide. Closed to shellfish gathering. Picnic tables & restrooms,nearby dining, grocery and shopping.

POTLATCH

POTLATCH BEACH PARK

Longest stretch of public beach, popular for swimming, kayaking, and picnics. Camping & restrooms.

Traditionally held in October at Shelton Airport, the two day festival features seafood delicacies prepared by local non-profits as well as the Northwest Oyster Shucking Championship & live music.

Up to 12”, white/gray oblong shell with irregular, wavy edges; found in intertidal zone; tumbled (farmed) Pacifics have cupped shape with fragile shells.

OLYMPIA OYSTER

M AT LO C K

Up to 3”, rounded shell, white to purplish black and may be striped with yellow or brown; oyster’s flesh is a light olive green with a metallic flavor. Native oyster to the area and currently protected in wild habitats.

S HELT WALKER PARK

MUSSELS

Beach access, playground, restrooms, picnic shelte basketball court. Olympic Hwy to Arcadia Rd, from Rd take Left on Walker Park Rd, Park is on right. No shellfish harvest. No passes required.

Blue Mussel (native) up to 3”, California Mussel (native) up to 6”, Mediterranean non-native) up to 5”. Oblong shell, blueblack or brown, attaches to rocks, pilings, boats, gravel, or other hard surfaces in the intertidal zone with bissel threads.

OYSTER BAY

Easy beach access on marshy estuary. Popular for bird watching and salmon observing/fishing. Pullout on Hwy 101 near Mile Marker 356; near KENNEDY CREEK INTERPRETATIVE TRAIL.

GEODUCK

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OYSTERFEST

PACIFIC OYSTERS (NOT NATIVE)

Up to 10”, 2.5 – 10 lbs. Gaping oblong shell with concentric rings; white shell with flaky brown skin; siphon and mantle are too large to withdraw; found at depth of 2-3’ in mud, sand, gravel in the subtidal zone (extreme low tides).

Expansive beach w property signs. Exc Warm enough for Parking across from

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explorehoodcana

CHECK. CHILL. COOK.

BEACH &

map

T RI TO N 101

EL D O N

HAMA HAMA OYSTER SALOON 35846 US-101, Lilliwaup 5th generation farm serves oysters prepared to order with an ever changing menu of seasonal local ingredients. Retail store and farm dining. hamahamaoyster.com

COOK: Cook shellfish in summer months when Vibrio illnesses can occur. To kill Vibrio bacteria cook shellfish to 145° F for at least 15 seconds, cooking does not destroy biotoxins.

Small beach with dramatic view of the Olympics. Lots of ripe berries in late summer. From Belfair: take the Befair-Tahuya Road to Dewatto Rd. Continue four miles to Dewatto. Parking limited.

REEK

when tide is out, obey cellent oyster beach. swimming in summer. m Eagle Creek Saloon.

Do not harvest in areas with pollution closures. Ask your doctor before eating raw shellfish if you have any concerns about allergies, are taking medications, or have a weakened immune system (such as cancer, liver disease, or HIV). Shellfish are a great and healthy food.

BELFAIR STATE PARK

Nice beaches for walking and exploring with summer water temperatures surprisingly warm. Restrooms, camping and picnic facilities.

101

DE WATTO

B E LFAIR

300

MENARD’S LANDING

101

NORTH BAY

ALLYN

Expansive beach (at low tide), picnic area, and views of the Olympics. RENDSLAND CREEK, DNR owned clams and oysters open all year.

tion

Gazebo, garden, play area, pier, restrooms and beach access with boat A LLYN launch.

TA H U YA

202

302

TWANOH STATE PARK 106

UNION Visitor Information

Excellent camping, swimming, kayaking, picnic sites, and shellfish harvesting. GRAPEVIEW

UNION CITY MARKET

921 WA-106, Union | (360) 426-2222 Direct farm to market retail includes Hood Canal oysters at the general store located on the farm.

3 101 S 1st St

Visitor Information

E Pine St

HOPE ISLAND STATE PARK

c Hwy S SE Olympi

101

CHELSEA FARMS OYSTER BAR

KA M I LC H E

222 CAPITOL WAY N, OLYMPIA | (360) 915-7784 Eld & Totten Inlet, South Puget Sound Chelsea Farm have made a priority of farming the native Olympia oyster that was on it’s way to extinction. Visit their oyster bar in Olympia for local seafood experience! chelseafarms.net Visitor Information 101

al.com

Each July, enjoy vendors, wine and beer garden, live music and seafood throughout the weekend. allyntown.com

Local Seafood

Here are a few locations that serve local Hood Canal & South Puget Sound seafood. Call for hours & reservations. Bistro at Lakeland Village

Robin Hood Restaurant

Boat House Restaurant

Smoking Mo’s

Hama Hama Oyster Saloon

Spencer Lake Bar & Grill

Hook & Fork

Squaxin Island Seafood Bar

Model T Pub & Eatery

Taylor Station

Restaurant at Alderbrook

Tides Family Restaurant

18340 E WA 3, Allyn (360) 275-2954

A 106-acre marine camping park reachable only by boat. Covered with old-growth forests and saltwater marshes, the park features a beach oneand-a-half miles long. Access by boat only.

er and Arcadia

ALLYN DAYS & GEODUCK FESTIVAL | Allyn, WA

470 E Country Club Dr, Allyn (360) 277-4137

Community park offers beach access, a picnic area and portable restroom and is very popular with kayakers, fishermen and local residents. Located on SR-3 at the south end of Allyn. The parking area is open only during the shellfish season.

5101 E State Route 106 | Union | (360) 898-3500 3 Art, gifts, seafood and grocery items and seasonal cafe DNR 24/GRAPEVIEW, DNR beach clams and oysters open within a working marina. all year. Access by boat only.

HUNTER FARMS 101

Avoid illness by following the 3 C’s above and enjoy!

Visitor Information

PORT

106

CHILL: Harvest shellfish on the outgoing tide and put on ice as soon as possible to prevent bacterial growth. Keep them cold until ready to eat. Cover in fridge with a wet cloth to prevent drying out.

DEWATTO BAY

HAMMA HAMMA

L ILL I WAUP

CHECK: Health closures and advisories: doh.wa.gov/shellfishsafety Harvesting closures: wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfishing-regulation Signs on the beach: Follow posted warnings and respect private property.

35846 US-101, Lilliwaup (360) 877-5811

5101 E State Route 106, Union (360) 898-3500 24281 N US 101, Hoodsport (360) 877-9883 10 E Alderbrook Dr, Union (360) 898-2200

6790 E State Route 106, Union (360) 490-8168 233 S. 1st St, Shelton (360) 462-0163 1180 E Pickering Rd, Shelton (360) 426-2505

91 West State Route 108, Shelton (360) 432-7120 62 SE Lynch Rd, Shelton (360) 426-8501 27061 US-101, Hoodsport (360) 877-8921

View more area dining at explorehoodcanal.comFJORD 33

Pacific Oyster

Manila Clam

Mussel

Go play on the beach. HARVEST SHELLFISH

Come prepared with license (purchase online: fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov), shovel, gloves, buckets, boots to harvest clams and oysters on Hood Canal and South Puget Sound beaches. Regulations vary from beach to beach— ALWAYS check the rules at wdfw.wa.gov before harvesting.

Purchase your license online: FISHHUNT.DFW.WA.GOV Toll-free: (866) 246-9453

DAILY LIMIT:

HOW TO CATCH A BIVALVE

K18 OYSTERSL Oysters consumed on beach

XCHECK TIDE

count toward a limit.

Look at a tide chart online for the bay or inlet you are harvesting. The lower the tide the bigger the reward!

Oysters may only be harvested by hand or with a hand-held manually operated prying tool (no hammers, etc.). Min. size 2.5” measured across longest distance of shell.

the Shellfish Emergency Rule Change Hotline (866) 880-5431, or contact the WDFW customer service desk (360) 902-2700. Each harvester must use a separate container.

YOUR BEACH for clams, oysters, or 2. musselsCHECK at wdfw.wa.gov/places-to-go/shellfish-beaches,

OYSTERS

CLAIM THE CLAMS

DAILY LIMIT: K40 CLAMSL

Look for little sand holes/dimples called the “show.” MANILAS (2-4” deep) & LITTLENECKS (6-10”) can be found using a rake. Use a shovel for BUTTERS (1-1.5’ below the surface) and GEODUCK (3’).

FILL HOLES

To reduce clam mortality, push undersized clams into the refilled hole.

AW SHUCKS

Oysters must be shucked on the beach. Leave shells on the same tideland and tide height where they were taken.

Clam limit not to exceed 10 lbs in the shell, all species combined [excluding horse (7) & geoducks (3)].

SAND PURGE

Manilas, litttlenecks and small butters should soak in cold seawater for at least 4 hours to purge sand and grit.

Purchase Licenses locally

BAYSHORE TEXACO 3841 SR# 3, Shelton | (360) 427-0709 FRED MEYER #603 Shelton | (360) 427-2979 VERLE’S LLC 741 E Golden Pheasant Rd, Shelton (360) 426-0933 | Verles.com WALMART 2121 Shelton | (360) 427-6226

MUSSEL seasons in Puget Sound are the same as clam seasons on each beach. No min. size. Daily limit 10 lbs. in shell. WE'RE HERE TO HELP:

Hoodsport Visitor Center

150 N Lake Cushman Rd, Hoodsport | (800) 576-2021

North Mason Chamber Visitor Center 30 NE Romance Hill Rd, Belfair, WA | (360) 275-4267

Shelton Visitor Center

FJORD 34 The Red Caboose, 230 W Railroad Ave (360) 426-2021

Hood Canal Spring Bounty

FISHING, SHRIMPING & SHELLFISH Ron Adams, Outdoor Pro Staff, Verle's Sporting Goods

I love this time of year. Spring is just around the corner and so are recreational opportunities in the Hood Canal area.

Fishing

Winter fishing for resident king salmon known as "Blackmouth" and harvesting clams and oysters on the Hood Canal and South Puget sound in the months of February and March is rewarding for those willing to bundle up. Head over to Verle's Sporting Goods to get your gear and license-- and a little local insight. Verle's carries everything you need for an excellent local adventure – along with friendly and local knowledge. According to a Department of Fish and Wildlife recent press release, coho returns to Puget Sound and surrounding rivers are mostly forecast to be up in 2021 over the previous year, at about 615,000 wild and hatchery coho. About 504,600 fish returned in 2020. The middle and south Sound areas in particular are expected to see an increase of more than 45,000 fish.

Puget Sound Chinook and chum, however, are once again expected to experience a down year. As has been the case in other recent years, low returns of some stocks – particularly mid-Hood Canal Chinook – are likely to hinder fisheries in the region. April marks the beginning of trout season and there is no shortage of great fishing opportunities in the best lakes nestled around the Hood Canal. The lakes are generously stocked with state reared trout with many lakes receiving trout that weigh in excess of 5 lbs. Whether hiking to a remote lake or heading out on marine waters, fishing opportunities abound in Washington. Be sure to review the rules and regulations and purchase the proper fishing license before you go. The state annually runs a fishing contest for prizes sponsored by local sporting goods stores such as Verle's Sporting Goods. Check with the WDFW current fishing pamphlet for details, wdfw.wa.gov.

Washington's lowland lakes offer some of the best fishing opportunities in the state with great access for families and many being regularly stocked by the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Carved by glaciers and ice, high mountain lakes around the Olympic Mountain range offer anglers a recreational experience unmatched by any other waters in the state. The fishing is spectacular in these high elevation gems and the experience is punctuated by fantastic camping, hiking, wildlife watching and the scenic vistas.

Shrimping

In May even more opportunities are offered to those seeking a great fishing adventure. May marks what the Hood Canal may be most famous for: Spot Shrimp season. Spot shrimp are abundant in Washington waters but nowhere in our state are they more abundant than in the Canal.

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Spot shrimp are considered by many as the tastiest shrimp in the world with a texture closer to lobster. So come on out and turn an opportunity into a family adventure you will treasure. Shrimping is fun and family-oriented and rewarding. Hood Canal is the epicenter of shrimping and families travel from all over to participate in the short but sweet season.

2020 was a banner year for spot shrimping on Hood Canal, reported Katelyn Bosley, WDFW Puget Sound crustacean biologist. “Shrimpers were very successful this year in Hood Canal, harvesting the quota in just five days of fishing” she reported, adding “the number of harvesters catching full limits in Hood Canal increased from 43 percent in 2019 to 68%” in 2020. The WDFW will release 2021 dates later this season. Visit wdfw.wa.gov for details. It is important that fishers continue to wear their masks, follow physical distancing protocols and #recreate responsibly, especially as they return to the dock, where crowding can occur.

Harvesting Shellfish

Clam, mussel and oyster harvesting seasons vary by beach throughout Puget Sound. For size and harvest limits, the best place to start is on the new statewide resource website: eregulations.com/washington/fishing/. For at-a-glance, site-specific harvest seasons, please see the 2021 Puget Sound clam, mussel, and oyster season guide.

st!

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Unlike national banks, we’re in the business of helping local businesses. Columbia Bank takes pride in supporting communities and making sure that decisions affecting your business are made right here, with you. Find out more at columbiabank.com or call 360-426-5581.

Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender

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Current water quality information, beach locations, harvest seasons, and health advisories can be found by searching for the beach name in the search tool on this page, or by visiting the Department of Health's (DOH) shellfish safety interactive map at fortress.wa.gov/doh/biotoxin/ biotoxin.html. You can also visit shellfishtrail.org for a list of area restaurants and stores that serve or sell fresh seafood if the tides or time are not cooperating when you are in the area. For a quick overview check out the details on pages 31-24.

Welcoming the return of

HERRING Stella Wenstob | Story & Pictures Mid-March last year we were greeted with the spectacle of the herring spawn in Dabob Bay between Quilcene and Brinnon. The water went white with milt released by the male fish and the female’s eggs stuck to eel grass and other seaweeds like tiny, opaque grapes. The ocean was alive with sea lions, harbor seals, herons, sea gulls, eagles, and even the occasional killer whale, all taking advantage of this keystone forage fish and its roe. The Pacific Herring is a small, schooling fish which returns to the same area to spawn. It ranges from Southern California’s Baja Peninsula up into Alaska, the Bering Strait, and South into Japan. It prefers protected waters and estuaries to spawn, making Dabob Bay’s long meandering tidelands a natural spot. Before overfishing and the destruction of spawning grounds in the late 20th century affected the herring stocks, herring would have spawned in nearly all of the shallow bays and inlets along the Hood Canal and Puget Sound. However, thanks to careful management, restoration of eelgrass beds, and just sheer luck, the Quilcene Stock are making a strong come back. Observing the sea bleach with milt is a rare treat that Dabob Bay offers. Dosewallips State Park, Seal Rock Campground, and the Dabob Bay Natural Area Preserve offer potentially good viewing spots. With binoculars, stand on the shore and look

for the sea gulls first. A congregation of gulls out over the water usually is a tell-tale sign of a herring “ball.” A herring ball is a boiling look to the water as a school of herring twists and turns – usually because the school is being pursued by underwater predators, such as salmon, ducks, harbor seals, and/or sea lions. If you are watching from a dock or pier you will notice that the herring’s whole body flashes silver as the fish darts and swims– this is opposed to pilchards (another schooling fish) which only flashes in the gill area. The 4-to-8-inch fish are dark on top with silver undersides, that help them camouflage in the water, but viewing from above they are given away by the flashes of silver. If you walk out on to the beach to get a closer look, watch your feet. Don’t step on the millions of small eggs. One female can lay up to 20,000 eggs in one spawn!

As the whole female population of the school goes into spawn, one school may produce up to 6,000,000 eggs per square meter! Unfortunately, due to predation the survivability of the offspring is very low, with only one out of every ten thousand eggs laid expected to survive to adulthood. Native Americans have long valued the roe and fish for food. Researchers McKechnie and Moss (2016) recently demonstrated that herring were a prime food source to Native Americans. After surveying archaeological sites from Northern British Columbia to Puget Sound, researchers found herring bones in the majority in a dominant number of the sites. Place names also echo the importance placed upon herring stocks. Ethnologist, William Elmendorf recorded that the beach to the east of Quilcene Bay, was known as a “landing for herring,” by the Twana speaking people.

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Native Americans harvest roe by laying spruce or hemlock boughs in spawning pools for the female fish to lay their eggs upon. This creates convenient bundles of eggs, these may then be plucked from the branches or dried in place. The fish were traditionally harvested using a variety of methods. Intertidal traps or weirs made of stones or woven sticks would contain the fish when the tide regressed. Netting from the shore and between canoes was also effective. Another method utilized was “herring rakes.” A long pole resembling an 8-to-10-foot comb with teeth made of fire-hardened wood, bone, or later nails, would be swept over the side of the boat, thereby impaling the fish and “raking” them into the canoe. Since the late 19th century, the fish was processed by commercial fishers for a variety of uses: for fish oil; tinned, pickled and fresh for food; made into meal for fish farms; bait for sports

fishing; and the roe is popular amongst international Asian markets for food. Today bait, roe, and fish food are still the prime uses for commercial harvest. However, dwindling stocks and a historically unsustainable fishing process has led the Pacific Herring fishery to be the subject of constant closures and protest. In Canada and Alaska, there are festivals each March celebrating the return of the Pacific Herring. This year many of these host a virtual component – making these events international to anyone with an internet connection. Why not support a Canadian event? Hornby Island’s 5th Annual HerringFest offers videos and educational lectures. Pacific Herring as a spectator sport is always rewarding. Low tide is best for viewing the action. Don your gumboots and hit the beach!

Hook & Fork provides physically distant outdoor dining with a side of fantastic view You simply cannot beat the views at Union City Market's pop-up gourmet and canal-centric dining solution located on the waterfront at the Union Marina.

Shelton Drive-In open for the 2021 Season After a short hiatus for inclement weather, the Skyline DriveIn theatre is open for the 2021 season. The local drive-in had an extended season in 2020 after outdoor theatre gathering restrictions were lifted. Open Friday-Sunday, gates at 6 PM each night, show at dusk (approx. 7PM).

Visit their website, skylinedrive-in.com for a list of current movies, coming events, parking policies, and information regarding the guidelines and requirements regarding COVID-19.

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An off-site location of Alderbrook Resort, stop in for Happy Hour every Friday from 12 - 6 PM or weekend brunch every Sat/Sun 10-3 and enjoy inspiring waterfront outdoor patio dining.

THERE’S A PASS

FOR THAT Christina Maloney, Hood Canal Adventures CEO

Over the past few decades tax-based funding for our national and state lands have dwindled, and our land use agencies have been supplementing this shortfall with user pay passes and permits. Because there are several land use agencies each requiring a different pass, this system can be very confusing and can cause considerable frustration. In this article, we lay out what you need to know while you’re exploring the Hood Canal area. Discover Pass The Discover Pass is needed when visiting Washington State Parks, areas managed by Washington State Fish & Wildlife (WDFW), and state managed tidelands. The Discover Pass is a parking pass for your vehicle and costs $10 for a day, or $30 for an annual pass. Around the Canal Discover Passes may be purchased at Dosewallips State Park and the Brinnon General Store (Brinnon); Eldon Store; Hoodsport Visitor Information Center and Hood Canal Outfitters (Hoodsport); Twanoh State Park (Union); the; and the North Mason County Visitor Information Center (Belfair); They can also be purchased in advance online at discoverpass.wa.gov. Discover Passes are required at following recreation areas: State Parks Belfair State Park (Belfair) Twanoh State Park (Union) Potlatch State Park (Skokomish) Triton Cove State Park (Brinnon) Dosewallips State Park (Brinnon) Pleasant Harbor State Park (Brinnon) Shafer State Park (Matlock) Jarrell Cove State Park (Harstine)

While camping at a state park you do not need to purchase a Discover Pass to use the campground’s facilities, trails, and beaches within the park. The Discovery Pass is a parking pass, therefore walk-ins, cyclists and boat-ins are exempt.

Did you know WA State Parks and state managed recreation areas grant you 15 minutes to use a restroom or stretch your legs without a pass?

Tidelands* Lilliwaup Tidelands (Lilliwaup) Eagle Creek Tidelands (Lilliwaup) Point Whitney Tidelands (Brinnon) Dosewallips Tidelands (Brinnon) Triton Cove Tidelands (Brinnon)

Northwest Forest Pass The Northwest Forest Pass is required at U.S. Forest Service (USFS) trailheads in Washington and Oregon that offer facilities such as restrooms, pit toilets and picnic tables. An annual pass costs $30 and day passes are offered at $5. You may purchase a Northwest Forest Pass at Hood Canal Adventures (Brinnon); the USFS Hood Canal Ranger Station (Quilcene); Eldon Store; Hood Canal Outfitters and the Hoodsport Visitor Information Center (Hoodsport); and the North Mason County Visitor Information Cente r(Belfair). Also available online at fs.usda.gov. The following local trailheads require a Northwest Forest Pass or America The Beautiful Pass. Big Creek 4 Mile Trail (Lake Cushman) Mt. Ellinor, Upper (Lake Cushman) Big Quilcene (Quilcene) Skokomish Lower South Fork Lena Lake / Brothers (Hamma Hamma) Mildred Lakes (Hamma Hamma) Duckabush Trail (Duckabush Rec) Ranger Hole (Duckabush Rec. Olympic

*Shellfish harvesting from state tidelands also requires a Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife shellfish license. Boat Launches Lake Kokonee* (Hoodsport/Cushman) Pleasant Harbor Boat Ramp* (Brinnon) Point Whitney Boat Launch* (Brinnon) Triton Cove Boat Launch** (Brinnon) *Washington State Fish & Wildlife parking passes are issued with some types of hunting and fishing licenses and may be used instead of a Discover Pass at WDFW managed locations. **Additional $7 launch fee

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L O C AT E D I N B R I N N O N O N H O O D C A N A L

Hood Canal Adventures

KAYAK RENTALS

STORE / OFFICE

Plant & mushroom tours US Forest Service pass sales Hiking/nature books & maps/information Outdoor equipment sales

KAYAK & SUP RENTALS GUIDED KAYAK TOURS LOCAL KAYAK / SUP DELIVERY, KAYAK CRABBING PACKAGES

YELVIK’S BEACH (Seasonal) 251 Hjelvicks Road Brinnon, WA

360-301-6310

306146 Hwy 101 N Brinnon, WA

hoodcanaladventures.com National Park Passes And if your head’s not spinning yet – this should do it! The Olympic National Park has a different fee system. The only vehicle access into the Olympic National Park within the Hood Canal area is at Staircase. Staircase is located at the far end of Lake Cushman and is usually accessed via Hwy 119 from Hoodsport. There are a variety of pass options to enter the Park. Pass types are outlined below. Olympic National Park Annual Pass $55 – 12 month vehicle pass for the ONP only. Vehicle Pass $30 – Up to 15 persons in one vehicle for 7 consecutive days Motorcycle $25 – Good for one motorcycle and driver for 7 consecutive days Person Pass $15 – Good for one person on foot or bike for 7 consecutive days (kids 15 and under free) Wilderness Camping Permit - $8 per person per night plus a $6 per permit fee (kids 15 and under free)

Passes to enter ONP are sold at Staircase Ranger Station. Other areas of the Olympic National Park may be accessed by foot via a number of trailheads beginning in the National Forest and no fee is required to walk into the Park for day use if accessing the park from these areas. The America The Beautiful Pass will also give you access to the Olympic National Park. America The Beautiful Annual Pass The America The Beautiful Annual Pass is a great option for travelers and folks who frequent the outdoors. This pass covers federally managed recreation lands such as National Parks, National Forests, National Wildlife Refuges, and Bureau of Land Management Recreation Areas throughout the country. Therefore, if you purchase this pass you may use it for both the Olympic National Park and for trailheads requiring a NW Forest Pass. The pass covers all people in your vehicle and covers two pass signers at walk-in locations, so at $80 per year, it’s a pretty good value.

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America The Beautiful Passes are available locally at the USFS Hood Canal Ranger District Station in Quilcene,* Hoodsport Visitor Information Center, or online at usgs.gov. Special America The Beautiful Passes such as the Lifetime Senior, Senior Annual, Handicap Access, Military, and 4th Grade Passes can be purchased locally only at the USFS Hood Canal Ranger District Station.* *As of printing of this article in February of 2021, the USFS Hood Canal Ranger District Station in Quilcene remains closed due to Covid protections. A reopening date for the station had not been announced. If you still find the pass system confusing, please visit us at Hood Canal Adventures in Brinnon. In addition to kayak tours, kayak rentals, forest tours, and retail store we offer free visitor information and local maps. You may also purchase your Northwest Forest Pass at our retail location (Hood Canal Adventures Basecamp). Now get out and explore!

Trip Tip: Parks are reporting high traffic during peak season since the pandemic. Plan to visit off season (Spring & Winter) or mid-week for the best possible experience. Practice physical distancing on trails.

Although the tallest peak, Mount Olympus, only reaches 7,965 feet, the steep manner they rise from the ocean gives the mountains the illusion of great height. In 1788, the explorer Captain John Meares named the tallest peak Mount Olympus in honor of the Greek explorer Juan de Fuca who had first passed by the mountain and named it Santa Rosalia in 1774. Since then the range has become associated with the ancient home of the Greek gods in name.

OLYMPICS: A RICH & STORIED

PLAYGROUND Despite their jutting appearance, the Olympic Mount Range are not volcanic. This is surprising given the proliferation of volcanic ranges in the Pacific Northwest, for example Mount Baker and Mount Rainer. As evidenced by the marine fossils found in the summits of the range, the Olympic Range once was part of the ocean floor. Approximately 120 million years ago, the Pacific Tectonic Plate crashed into the North American Plate and created the Olympic Range.

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The actions of glaciers melting and freezing again created the “glacial horn” appearance of some of the more craggy mountains, a process that is also seen in heights such as Mount Everest and the Matterhorn. Today, the Olympic Range is considered the most glaciated area in the USA outside of Alaska. Remnants of ancient Ice Age glaciers (from 26,000 to 13,300 years ago) are thought to make up portions of the larger existing glaciers in the park — specifically, those glaciers found on Mount Olympus and Mount Anderson. The smaller glaciers in the park were formed during the last “Little Ice Age” of only three to five thousand years ago. Despite the ancestry of these glaciers their melting is a constant source of water for local watersheds. As well, the height and proximity to the ocean of Mount Olympus favors this mountain with an incredibly moist climate, making the Hoh Rainforest the wettest location in the United States. Contrastingly, parts of the rest of this horseshoe shaped range are in a rain shadow, creating a fairly dry climate. Most of this range is protected within the Olympic National Park. This massive park system offers plenty of opportunities for excursions and many of these services are open in the winter. Why not plan a day trip to the mountains to sample the snow? During early spring the Staircase Entrance of the National Park offers some opportunity for great hikes that offer a great deal of elevation and skill variety and with virtually no one else on them that early in the season! Take the kids or friends and plan a mountain adventure. Build an igloo, go snowshoeing, or just have a snow ball battle. Although the lower reaches may be drowning in rain, if you head to the hills you might just find a drier, fluffier version.

(Top) Olympic mountain range from across Hood canal near Union; (Bottom) The delightful Staircase Loop leads past great opportunities to explore the North Fork of the Skokomish River. explorehoodcanal.com

The more adventurous seasoned camper may want to try their hand at “winter camping.” Check the ONP website for road conditions before you answer the mountain’s call, as winter conditions can close areas. Be mindful that weather can be unpredictable and it is always better to be safe than sorry, as the Olympic National Park

If you are searching for more organized activities, Hurricane Ridge near Port Angeles, also an entrance to the Olympic National Park, offers ranger-guided snowshoe walks and economical ski day passes. FJORD

website warns - carry the "Ten Essentials:" map, compass, flashlight, knife, matches, nylon cord, extra food and water, and raingear with warm clothes. Let someone know where and when you are taking your hike. You may also consider visiting off season or mid-week to avoid disappointment and crowds.

THINGS TO DO

FALLS TO FISHING

43 MAP/LODGING

SHELTON & KAMILCHE

46 Situated between the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains in Mason County, is Hood Canal. A place filled with world-class activities, wild-caught fare, lively events, and plenty of places to hide away from it all when you just want the world to yourself.

MAP/LODGING HOOD CANAL AREA

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Hood Canal is Washington’s wild side. And it’s here for you, when you’re ready to discover yours. #WILDSIDEWA

KAYAKING

Whether you seek tide-ripped saltwater passages, challenging whitewater, or lakes big and small, Hood Canal is a kayaker, canoer, or paddleboarder’s ideal destination. A rich paddling community supports any adventurer’s vision; rental packages and lesson opportunities for the budding kayaker or paddleboarder are not in short supply. Get out on the water and enjoy a fresh perspective of the canal with colossal peaks towering overhead.

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EXPERIENCE THE

WILD SIDE OF WASHINGTON Like a giant fish hook weaving beneath the Olympics with a web of inlets, Hood Canal is poised to catch your imagination and reel in memories for years to come.This majestic saltwater fjord hosts unparalleled shellfish, shrimp, crab, and salmon and is renown as a diving mecca with its glacial formation causing underwater biomes that appear nowhere else.Venture away from the canal to Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest for hiking and thrilling vistas. Choose from hundreds of easy access freshwater lakes or revel in waterfall views including the iconic High Steel Bridge. Ablaze with wildflowers in the spring, hidden swimming holes in the summer, a chance to see spawning salmon in the fall, and snow-capped peaks in the winter, there is never an inopportune time to visit Hood Canal.

MOTORSPORTS

T he Ridge Motorsports Park racing course near Shelton includes a fantastic road course that's geared towards club racers and competitors. Head to the DNR forests for some unmatched off-road trail rides.

CLEAR YOUR MIND AND

GO CHASING WATERFALLS

Hamma Hamma & Rocky Brook are just two of the many falls on Hood Canal waiting to be explored. Want to plan a waterfall getaway? Visit waterfalltrail.org for 25 unique and special places to visit.

TRAILS & WALKS

World-class hiking trails lace the Olympic Mountain wilderness, leading from mountain stream beds through old growth forest to high-altitude ridge lines with breathtaking views of Hood Canal and beyond.

HIGH STEEL BRIDGE

Soaring 420' above the Skokomish River, the High Steel Bridge (1929), is the highest steel truss arch bridge in Washington. You won’t even need to leave the car for this breathtaking view. Follow Skokomish Valley Rd 11 miles from Hwy 101 to reach the bridge. FJORD

TAKE A LEAP We love the folks at SKYDIVE KAPOWSIN! Feel the adrenaline pumping rush of free-fall and experience the freedom of the air with highly trained professional instructors. Views of the fjord and the Olympics and a seven minute free fall adrenaline rush from 13,000 feet will definitely change your outlook.

RIDE THE RAILS

TASTING YOUR WAY AROUND THE CANAL & SOUND

May through October experience nature and history pedaling the timber rail on a

Do a farm-to-table dining loop experiencing some Northwest flavors – including Hama Hama, Hardware Distillery, Stottle, Hood Canal Winery, Olympic Mountain Ice Cream.

vancecreekrailriders.com

PICK A PEAK From easy day hikes with the family to overnights or “experience needed” excursions – you don’t have to go far for spectacular memories!

PHOTO: TOBY TAHJA-SYRETT

2- hour quadricycle excursion.

FISHING

From open water trolling on the sound to throwing dry flies on small lowland lakes, there are plenty of fishing opportunities in the area. Seek colossal coho in the fall and hungry trout in the spring to see why every season is fishing season in Hood Canal.

BIKING

Don the helmet and clip into your pedals, for there is no shortage of road or trail from which to experience the beauty and thrill of this landscape.

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UP YOUR GOLF GAME Award-winning courses with incredible views of the Olympics on lush fairways – Hood Canal and South Puget Sound are ideal destinations. ALDERBROOK GOLF

LAKE CUSHMAN GOLF

LAKELAND VILLAGE

SHELTON DISC GOLF

(360) 898-2560 | Union alderbrookgolf.com Par 72 course follows natural contours. Restaurant, lounge & proshop onsite.

(360) 877-5505 | Hoodsport lakecushmangolfcourse.com In the Olympic Mountain forest, this 9-hole course plays a challenging 18 holes.

(360) 275-6100 | Allyn lakelandliving.com With views of the Olympics and Mount Rainier, the 27-hole course has world class dining.

masoncountydiscgolf.com Different type of golf? 18hole disc golf course located in the watershed at the intersection of Wallace Kneeland Blvd & Shelton Springs Rd.

LAKE LIMERICK GOLF

SALISH CLIFFS GOLF

(360) 426-6290 | Shelton lakelimerick.com The gentle hills make this a challenging round of golf. Restaurant & pro shop.

(360) 462-3673 | Kamilche salish-cliffs.com 18-hole par & 72 championship course is adjacent to LITTLE CREEK CASINO RESORT, a full service resort & casino.

CRUISE THE HOOD

Explore the canal with your own boat or arrange with ALDERBROOK RESOR Scheduled & private charters availabl alderbrookresort.com FJORD

FOR THE BIRDS With a majestic and varied landscape, Hood Canal is a gorgeous place to come search for the over 250 species that call the Olympic Peninsula home. Chock full of life – birds like bald eagles, rhinoceros aucklets and more on premiere birding trails –this is a birder’s paradise! OLYMPICBIRDTRAIL.ORG

SCUBA DIVING Scuba sales, air, training, rentals, and charters available at Hoodport near renowned destinations like SUND ROCK and OCTOPUS HOLE. yssdive.com

ON THE WATER Hood Canal occupies 150 square miles of the Olympic Peninsula and bellies up to the Olympic National Park. It's home to thousands of species of fish and marine mammals and invertebrates like orcas, oysters, and octopus. There's hardly a better way to take it all in than on the water.

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SHELTON

Ridge Motorsports photo

CELEBRATING A RICH TIMBER HISTORY

SHELTON is the westernmost city on Puget Sound. Featuring a bustling heritage core, its landscape is marked by colossal forests which led to a title of “Christmas Tree Capital of the World.”

GET YOUR RACE ON

Dubbed CHRISTMASTOWN, USA, since 1962, Shelton

The Ridge Motorsports Park hosts events and karting, car, and motorcycle events.

successfully won the Guinness World Record for Most Lit Christmas Trees in 2019.

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Riptide Retreat | 291 East Agate Beach Drive, Shelton | riptideretreat.com

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Shelton Inn | 628 W Railroad Ave, Shelton | (360) 426-4468 | sheltoninn.com

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Super 8 Motel | 2943 Northview Circle, Shelton | (360) 426-1654 | super8.com

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City Center Best Rates | 128 E Alder St, Shelton | (360) 426-3397

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Explore Shelton Historical Museum, early life on Puget Sound, Hood Canal, and working in the woods and stick around for the annual Mason County Forest Festival Paul Bunyan Parade. 48 masoncountyforestfestival.org

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FOREST ROOTS

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Little Creek Casino Resort | W 91 State Route 108, Shelton | (800) 667-7711 | little-creek.com

RV Sites

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Kitchen

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Beach

Pool

TV/Cable

Harstine Island Beach Cabin | 21 E Dana Dr, Shelton | (253) 943-5264 | harstinerental.com

SHELTON AREA LODGING

Pets OK

Wi/Fi

Dining: Onsite (O) Nearby (N)

RIDGEMOTORSPORTSPARK.COM

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ALLYN Waterfront park features AL LYN gazebo and lawns, play Anderson Lake area, and beach access. NO FEE/PASS

TAH UYA

Potlatch State Park

Rock Crk

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108

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101

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SE Lynch

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To tten I nle t

Lit t

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Ka m ilc h e

N ew Ka m i l c h e 101

Totten Inlet

OYSTER BAY Beach,marshy estuary, for birding, salmon observing or fishing. TO GO: Parking pullout on Hwy 101, marker 356 /Old Olympic Hwy. NO FEE/PASS

SCHAFER STATE PARK TRAIL THE KENNEDY CREEK SALMON TRAIL Trails, interpretive center, swimming, fishing. Chum salmon are on view as they make their way up river TO GO: 12 miles north of Elma on the East Fork TOPOGRAPHY: flat, viewing platforms, interpretive signs of the Satsop River. The park is also accessible TO GO: Hwy 101, Old Olympic Hwy; weekends, seasonally. via the Brady exit from Hwy 12. 49 NO FEE/ PASS DISCOVER PASS REQUIRED

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S End Rd

Island Rd S

sa HOPE ISLAND STATE Pas PARK Donly by water. 106 acre park Pugetreachable Sound Old-growth forests, saltwater marshes, fruit trees, beaches, historical buildings, friendly deer. Destination for kayakers and boaters! TO GO: access by boat, mooring available, beach landing, boats and kayaks can launch at Arcadia Point (0.5 miles). CAMPING FEES

Hope Island State Park

Harstine Island

E Agate Rd

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WALKER PARK Beach access, playground, restrooms, picnic shelter, kayak access. NO FEE/PASS Fa

ou th

N 13th St S 1st St

S 10th St

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SQUAXIN ISLAND TRIBE MUSEUM Stories, photos, art, artifacts dating back over 500 years. TO GO: Hwy 101 to Kamilche exit , follow signs. ADMISSION CHARGE

Squaxin Island

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TAYLOR SHELLFISH STORE Fresh seafood, tours available; open to public. Hwy 101 to Taylor Towne Exit.

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age

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Isabella Lake

Timber Lake

Arcadia

SE Arcadia Rd

Cr k

Pass

k Cr

Campbell

Jacobys Shorecrest County Park mersley Inlet Ham

Arcadia Ave

Agate

k Cr

HARSTINE ISLAND TRAIL 300 acres to explore McMicken EASY 1.5 mile, beach Island NO FEE/PASS

Peale

Rock

vd Bl

c Hwy S SE Olympi

ISABELLA LAKE TRAILS Dayton Peak EASY 2.5 mile loop, rolling meadows TO GO: Hwy 101 exit at SR#3 to Golden Pheasant Rd, right on Delight Park Rd. NO FEE/PASS

ee Coff

E Pine St

Turner Ave

Cr k

oad Ave

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Matlock

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Jarrell Cove State Park S En d Rd

B a y s h o re

3 N

information, handouts, and maps

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SHELTON

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SHELTON VISITOR CENTER TO GO: Red Caboose on Railroad Avenue

White Star

Island Lake

Phillips Lake

Crk

102

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Lost Lake

Spencer Lake

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Lake Limerick

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DAY TO N

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HUNTER FARMS Farm Market, seasonal events; Visitor Center

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Stretch Point State Park

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POTLATCH STATE PARK Longest stretch of PUBLIC BEACH in Mason County with shellfish, kayaking, and Hood Canal water access. DISCOVER PASS REQUIRED W Shelto n Ma tloc kR

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Reach Island

G ra p e vi e w

3 Shumocher

Pickering Passage

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S KOKOM I S H

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North Bay

Fair Harbor

Benson Lake

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106

VICTOR

Annas Bay

Skokomish Indian Reservation

and

302

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UNI ON

Kirkl

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Bay Rd

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Twanoh State Park

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Maggie Lake

POT LATCH

Lake West

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Grisdale Hill

Belfair State Park

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Potlatch State Park Campground

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Fl at Cr k

Crk

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Lake Kokanee

Frigid Crk

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Finch

Dennie Ahl Hill

NE B elf air Tah u

HOODSPORT

BE L FA IR

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Dow Crk

Kok Lk

Gibbon s C r

DEWATTO

Rd atto NE Dew

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Clark Crk

Hoodsport Trail State Park

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Sund Crk

Miller

Lake Haven

shm Cu

Crk

Wooten Lake

Dewatto Bay

Dow Mtn

119

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Brown Crk

Tahuya State Forest

Big

Lilliwaup Falls

Price Lake

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Skokomish Park at Lake Cushman

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Ranger Station is open in summer with information, exhibits, wilderness permits, map sales and wheelchair available. Road open year-round weather permitting. Call (360) 565-3131 NATIONAL PARK PASS TO GO: HWY 101 to SR#119, follow FS#24 to Staircase Entrance. RAPIDS LOOP: EASY family friendly 2 mile trail through old growth forest to a bridge over the North Fork Skokomish River; only 200-foot elevation gain. BIG CEDAR, a 0.6 mile spur trail, leads to a fallen cedar while a 0.5 mile section leads to a river viewpoint.

UPPER LENA LAKE TRAIL Steep with unstable bed; camping. MODERATE TO DIFFICULT 4.3 mile climb TOPOGRAPHY: 3,800 foot gain to sub-alpine lake TO GO: Same as Lower Lena Lake Trail above. WILDERNESS PERMIT FOR CAMPING NW FOREST PASS FOR PARKING

FOUR STREAM: EASY 1.2 mile to Beaver Flat, swampy section of alder/cedar forest. Elevation loss 100 ft.

BIG CREEK Great pack-in picnic destination with pools and footbridges. MODERATE 4 miles TO GO: Trailhead at FS#24 and SR#119 junction. NW FOREST PASS Tri t o n Triton Head

WAGONWHEEL LAKE: MODERATE TO DIFFICULT climbing 2.9 miles (elevation gain of 3,365 ft). FLAPJACK LAKES: DIFFICULT climbing 7.8 mile one-way hike (3,115 ft elevation gain). k Cr

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Hamma Hamma Campground et Wak

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HAMA HAMA STORE Beach access & parking, seasonal outdoor Oyster Saloon and fresh seafood market.

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Big

Lilliwaup Creek Campground Tenas Lake

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Big Crk

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Shumocher

Stretch Point State Park

Crk

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Reach Island

Weaver

Crk

S KOKOMI S H

Fair Harbor

Benson Lake

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North Bay

Lake

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DALBY WATERWHEEL TO GO: SR#106

302

VICTOR

Anderson Lake

106

Annas Bay

106

y Rd

Taggert Crk

Potlatch State Park

Skokomish Indian Reservation

AL LYN

vehicle/vessel/fishing/hunting northmasonchamber.com

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rk i C Enat

Ba orth EN

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UNION

Kirkl

rth

Rd ore Sh

Twanoh State Park

Lake West

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VISITOR CENTER/ BELFAIR LICENSING nal od CaGO: On Hwy 3 in Belfair HoTO PASSES FOR PURCHASE Park/

POT LATCH

Belfair State Park

Stre

Expansive beach with panoramic views of Maggie Lake Olympics. Picnic tables. NO FEE/PASS R

PASSES FOR PURCHASE

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er Cr k

N Lake Cus hm an

Crk

MENARD’S LANDING

Grisdale Hill

Potlatch State Park Campground

BE L FA IR

Crk

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– information, handouts, maps

DISCOVER PASS

Lake Kokanee

HOODSPORT VISITOR CENTER TO GO: Located just off Hwy 101 in Hoodsport

Skok omis

ya R d

e en

s Stin

Ha rp

NE B elf air Tah u

Crk

DEWATTO

Rd atto NE Dew

HOODSPORT Finch

Frigid Crk

Lake Haven

Dewatto Bay

Clark Crk

Hoodsport Trail State Park

Gibbon s C rk

Dennie Ahl Hill

ion

Sund Crk

Miller

is s

Dow Mtn

Dow Crk

ee an Kok Lk

Crk

Wooten Lake

LI LLI WAU P

119

Brown Crk

101

Riv

on ni

Cushman Hill

Big

Lilliwaup Falls

Price Lake

TAHUYA STATE FOREST

23,100 acre forest provides open spaces for sightseeing, camping, nature study, fishing, hiking,horse, ATV, ORV, and biking. State ATahuya “working forest” trail Forest may be closed due to forest management activities. TOPOGRAPHY deep woods TO GO: Hwy 300/Belfair 300 Tahuya Rd, 1.1 mile.

Rd ay

De wa

Saddle Mtn

Skokomish Park at Lake Cushman

tto wa

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Lake Cushman

Blacksmith Lake

Lake Melbourne

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Big Creek Campground

119

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Mt Rose

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North Br

Crk

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Creek round

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Mt Ellinor

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Copper Mtn

Cr k

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Mt Washington

Jeffe r Crkson

DEWATTO BAY Beach with dramatic view of the Olympics; excellent photography destination. Lots of ripe berries in late summer. TO GO: Befair-Tahuya Rd to Dewatto Rd, 4 miles. SERVICES AT PORT OF DEWATTO CAMPGROUND

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EAGLE CREEK Beach access & parking across from Eagle Creek Saloon. NO FEE/PASS

NE O ld Be lfa ir

k Cr

rk eC at

ELDO N H AMMA H AMMA

rk rson C Jeffe

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Mt Pershing

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Big Missi

Mount Skokomish Wilderness

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Ta hu ya Riv

Jefferson Peak

Cruiser

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Hamma Hamma River

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LIVING LEGACY TRAIL Spectacular views of the Mt. Skokomish and the Brothers ranges; interpretive signage. Trail passes Hamma Hamma Cabin built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (1930s). EASY TO MODERATE 1.5 mile loop. TOPOGRAPHY: First 0.25 mile is barrier free along the river; ascends bluff to creek. TO GO: Hwy 101 to FS#25, 5.5 miles. WILDERNESS PERMIT REQUIRED FOR CAMPING

eh e ors

Lena Creek Campground

HAMMA HAMMA

Miss

Boulder Crk

p le Ma

Wh it

Mt Skokomish

Le Crke

Mt Stone

Henderson

LOWER LENA LAKE TRAIL Well maintained popular trail leads to a small lake MODERATE TO DIFFICULT 3 mile climb,switchbacks TO GO: Hwy 101 at Hamma Hamma Recreation Area

STAIRCASE | OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK

HIKING & BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING

Clamber up the rugged trails, tiptoe through the quiet old growth forest, or careen through the pristine meadows of Olympic National Forest & National Park. Shoulder your pack and experience the sights and sounds of the vast wilderness home to some of the most beautiful flora & fauna in the world. Ablaze with wildflowers in the spring, cool hidden swimming holes in the summer, a chance to see spawning salmon in the fall, and snow capped peaks in the winter, there is never an inopportune time to hike Hood Canal.

ITINERARY 3: HOODSPORT & NORTH HOOD CANAL

DIVE DEEPER

Watercraft

RV Sites

Kitchen

Beach

Pool/Spa

CUSHMAN, ELDON, HOODSPORT, POTLATCH & LILLIWAUP

Pets OK

WEST HOOD CANAL LODGING

TV/Cable

Giant octopus, wolf eels and swarms of ancient rock cod add to the wonder of this special place. AIR, GEAR & SCUBA LESSONS, RENTALS & CHARTERS available.

Wi/Fi

CANAL SPIRIT

HOODSPORT WINERY, STOTTLE WINERY, and HARDWARE DISTILLERY offer tastings amongst shopping, dining and the famous Olympic Mountain Ice Cream.

FORAGE DINNER

Come prepared with buckets and boots. Check regs at wdfw.wa.gov before digging – or stop by HAMA HAMA STORE & OYSTER SALOON for freshly prepared seafood.

Dining: Onsite (O) Nearby (N)

HUG THE CURVES

As Hwy 101 navigates the bays of HOOD CANAL, imagine relaxing dockside of a beachside cabin, watching the seals roll off the rocks.

Alice’s Little Beach House | 112 N Allie Ahl Ln, Lilliwaup | (360) 877-9226 | aliceslittlebeachhouse.com

Creekside Inn | 27131 N Hwy 101, Hoodsport | (360) 877-9686 | creeksideinnwa.com

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Glen Ayr Waterfront Resort | 25381 N Hwy 101, Hoodsport | (360) 877-9522 | glenayr.com

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Mike’s Beach Resort | 38470 N Hwy 101, Lilliwaup | (360) 877-5324 | mikesbeachresort.com

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The Moose House at Lake Cushman | Lake Cushman | themoosehouse.com

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Pali-Kai Canal House | 327000 N Hwy 101, Lilliwaup | (360) 426-2224

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Sunrise Motel & Dive Resort | 24520 N Hwy 101, Hoodsport | (360) 877-5301

Waterfront at Potlatch | 21660 N Hwy 101, Potlatch | (360) 877-9422 | thewaterfrontatpotlatch.com

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Yellow House | 23891 N Hwy 101, Hoodsport | (360) 877-6818 | hoodsportndive.com

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Kitchen

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RV Sites

Pool Beach

TV/Cable

Pets OK

Allyn House Inn | 18350 State Route 3, Allyn | 535-2198 | allynhouseinn.com

Wi/Fi

Allyn

Dining: Onsite (O) Nearby (N)

ALLYN/ BELFAIR/UNION LODGING

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Belfair & Tahuya Belfair Motel | 23322 NE State Route 3, Belfair | 275-4485 | belfairmotel.net

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Gladwin Beach House | 391 Gladwin Beach Rd, Belfair | (360) 337-2960 | explorehoodcanal.com

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Sisters Point Waterfront Cabin | 12121 NE North Shore Rd, Belfair | (360) 275-6816

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Summertide Resort | 15781 NE Northshore Road Tahuya | (360) 275-9313 | summertideresort.com

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Alderbrook Resort & Spa | 10 E Alderbrook Drive, Union | (360) 898-2200 | alderbrookresort.com

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Blue Heron Resort Condos | 6520 E SR106, Union | (360) 614-3191 | attheblue.com

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Cameo Boutique Cottage & Suite | 6871 E SR 106, Union | (360) 490-7006 | cameoboutique.com

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Harmony Hill Retreat Center | 7362 E SR 106, Union | (360) 898-2363 | harmonyhill.org

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Hood Canal Events Accommodations | curated short term rentals | hoodcanalevents.com

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Hood Canal Resort Properties | 8761 E SR 106, Union | (360) 842-9779 | hoodcanalresort.com

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Robin Hood Village Resort | 6780 E State Route 106, Union | 898-2163 | robinhoodvillageresort.com

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Union

ALLYN & GRAPEVIEW enjoy gorgeous views of the protected harbor waters of Case Inlet. The area features quaint shops, waterfront lodging, restaurants, and beach parks. Annually, the Grapeview area hosts the Water and Art Festival, a day-long event featuring entertainment and juried artists.

ITINERARY 4: ALLYN/GRAPEVIEW LOOP A CUT ABOVE

The largest chainsaw carving outlet, BEAR IN A is a great place to explore this unique art. They also teach chainsaw carving.

WATERFRONT WANDERINGS

GRAPE VIEWS

Waterfront Grapeview is the location of first winery and vineyards of the Pacific Northwest.

BEACH WALK

There are plenty of great public beaches to explore and launch The area features quaint shops, a variety of points for your kayaks. restaurants, and beach parks. FJORD

ALLYN

ITINERARY 5: BELFAIR AREA TAKE A WALK ON BOARDWALK

TAKE TO THE TRAILS

Hood Canal’s wild 139 acre THELER WETLANDS hosts two miles of trails. 1,700+ feet of floating boardwalk, native plants, and interpretive kiosks to experience wetland wildlife. olympicbirdtrail.org

23,100 acre TAHUYA STATE FOREST for camping, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, ATV, ORV, and mountain biking. dnr.wa.gov

SALMON STRONG

THE SALMON CENTER provides education and recreation through a series of collaborative activities at their certified organic farm. They also host seasonal events. pnwsalmoncenter.org

VISITOR INFORMATION & RESOURCES HOODSPORT VISITOR CENTER 150 N Lake Cushman Rd, Hoodsport, WA (360) 877-2021 | (800) 576-2021

BELFAIR VISITOR CENTER 30 NE Romance Hill Rd, Belfair, WA (360) 275-4267 | northmasonchamber.com

UNION VISITOR INFORMATION

Located at Hunter Farms, E 1921 SR 106, Union, WA

SHELTON CHAMBER VISITOR CENTER

215 W. Railroad Ave, Shelton, WA | (360) 426-2021 Open 8 AM - 5 PM | Monday through Friday

MASON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM 427 W. Railroad Ave, Shelton, WA 11 AM - 4 PM | Tuesday through Saturday

KAMILCHE VISITOR CENTER 31 West State Route 108, Kamilche, WA (360) 432-0921

RIDE FREE IN MASON COUNTY From ferries in Seattle to trailheads in Hood Canal, Mason Transit offers free rides – masontransit.org

OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK nps.gov

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APRIL SHOWERS

BRING MAY FLOWERS Although the Pacific Northwest is known for its temperate rainforests accompanied by an abundant amount of green, with the spring approaching, we can start to look forward to the colorful relief offered by the return of the flowers.

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May to June is the best time of year for finding the delicate jewel tones out here on the wet coast. Whilst domesticated daffodils and tulips will always be celebrated markers of Spring, our native plants are often forgotten gems of the forests understory. As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, take a ramble down one of Hood Canal's forested walks, like Twanoh State Park Trail or for the more adventurous, try Mount Ellinor Trail. Keep your eyes peeled for the first nodding, purple blossoms of Henderson's Shooting Star (Dodecatheon hendersonii) and the showy, pinky-purple blooms of our local variety of Rhododendron (Rhododendron macrophyllum). There are nearly 30 varieties of Rhododendrons native to North America. The Pacific Rhododendron is Washington’s State flower and is found in drier parts of the Hood Canal in the understory of coniferous forests. Pacific Rhododendron can also be seen in partly sunny, open areas, such as along roads. The Pacific Rhododendrons and also Goat's Beard (Aruncus dioicus) can be found in proliference along the winding, scenic Olympic Highway. For an especially spectactular showing of the native rhodendrons, head up to the scenic outlook on Mount Walker.

Common Camas

emerge during this time. Other blossoms to look for in the late spring are the azure, crocus-like flowers of the Common Camas (Camassia quamash). Found in full sunlight in open places, such as fields, parklands, the bulbs from the Camas were an important part of the diet of Native Americans. Known as k’a’w˜up to the Skokomish and sxa’dzaêb by the Squaxin, this bulbous flower was actively cultivated and traded between Nations throughout the Pacific Northwest who would harvest the bulbs in the early spring and roast them in pit cooks. On one of those calm days when you believe it might just be summer here early, pack a lunch and hop in the boat and travel to Hope Island Marine State Park. Here you will be greeted by lovely trails and beautiful naturalized gardens with a mix of introduced and native species.

In sunnier, damper areas, near streams, look for the bright pink flowers of Pink Fawn Lily (Erythronium revolutum) or the iconic, if not slightly smelly, “West Coast Daffodil”— Skunk Cabbage (Fritillaria lanceolata). Also in sightly shady, waterside spots, look for carpets of pink Bleeding Heart (Dicentra formosa)— a more delicate version of our domestic variety. Try the Kamilche Kennedy Creek Trail for these humid loving flowers. As the weather gets warmer (from May to June) search in the partly shady area of the woods for the trailing tender beauty of Orange Honeysuckle (Lonicera ciliosa), and the yellow blossoms of Tall Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium). The delicate, orange-red blooms of Red Columbine (Aquilegia formosa) also

Orange Honeysuckle

Once settled as a farm, Hope Island has historic fruit trees mixed in with native camas, honeysuckle and the elegant red, trunks of Madrone (Arbutus menziesii). An unusual looking plant found along sun-facing, beach banks is the Red Paintbrush (Castilleja miniata), whose tiny green flowers are hidden in bright red leaves that give the appearance of a brush dipped in red paint. Since most of these species are protected against picking or transplanting, remember to keep your enjoyment to viewing. FJORD

Pink Fawn Lily

CRUSHING THE MYTH OF

FREEZE DRY FOOD I don't mind admitting that I'm wrong. And I can change. But I have to say I was pretty blown away when I tested an assortment of freeze dried backpacker meals on a recent impromptu trailside picnic. Maybe you've tried astronaut ice cream? This iconic flaky bar is akin to insulation foam, dry and foreign in your mouth but managing to still have the aftertaste of a real ice cream treat. This was nothing like that. I may be showing my age, but things have come along way from dried eggs and gummy potato flakes!

rated until rehydrated, claiming products are "filled with adequate protein, calories and nutrients to fuel you as you hike." Whatever the process, they are surprisingly flavorful and even though anything that lasts until 2050 makes me suspicious, I encourage you to give them a try on your next adventure.

Inspired by the purchase of a Jetboil stove, I grabbed an assortment of Backpacker’s Pantry Meals. They were practically in the same aisle. Ranging in price from $5 - $12 these flavorful and easy to prepare meals come in a variety of flavors (vegan and gluten free available too) and most include two servings. Created in Boulder, Colorado by a family-run business, Backpacker's Pantry prides themselves on keeping flavors sepa-

As far as the Jetboil camp stove goes, ranging $110 - $160 depending upon model, this is a great backpacking accessory! Light, compact, and ever so quick to the boil – it's fantastic to have a cup of tea or chocolate on a springtime hike. And remember, everything tastes so much better outside!

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You can take as many photographs as you like, but refrain from taking bouquets and let the native flowers thrive. If you are interested in growing your own native plants, Mason Conservation District in Shelton (450 W. Business Park Road) hosts an annual native plant sale (deadline past this year) and hosts a website with lots of resources for successful cultivation and use of native plants to target problem areas in your landscaping — such as stream side planting to minimize erosion; marine shoreline species; deer resistant, water management, and shady area plants. They especially recommend native planting to promote birds, bees and other beneficial wildlife. If casual enjoyment of our native plants is what your after, Washington Native Plant Society has plant identification resources online, (wnps.org) and there are plenty of guide books to help. Pojar and Mackinnon’s Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast (2014) and Nancy J. Turner’s Food Plants of Coastal First Peoples (1995) offer excellent information, photographs and tidbits that add color to an already polychromatic subject.

Red Paintbrush

SOUTH PUGET SOUND & HOOD CANAL | OLYMPIC PENINSULA & COASTAL REGION

pacific coast scenic

waterfall trail

SCENIC WATERFALL

guide Let’s go Chasing

WATERFALLS The Olympic Range and proximity to Pacific Coastal marine moisture flow set the perfect scene for spectacular and hidden waterfalls. Here are a few of our favorites for you to explore.

GUIDE TO 25

OLYMPIC PENINSULA

WATERFALLS

waterfalltrail.org FJORD

25 SCENIC WATERFALLS

Hood Canal to the Pacific Coast & points between Receiving hundreds of inches of rain annually, the Hoh, Quinault and Queets Rainforests are located on the coastal foothills of the Olympics. With 21 feet of snow or rain at its peaks, it’s no wonder there is a myriad of 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!

9. Dosewallips Falls (9.0 MILE ROUND-TRIP – MODERATE)

Olympia & Hood Canal

Brinnon | US 101 Milepost 306, Dosewallips Rd 9.7 miles to trail Olympic National Park, no pass, kid-friendly, dog-prohibited Spectacular 100’ waterfall previously had vehicle access but now to reach waterfall you must hike or mountain bike closed road..

1. Tumwater Falls Loop (1 MILE – EASY)

Olympia | Exit #103 off of I-5 S to Deschutes Way Tumwater Falls Park, no pass required, kid/dog friendly Iconic landmark, multi-tiered showy falls separated by gorge. 2. Kennedy Creek Falls (6.8 MILE RT – MODERATE) Kamiliche | US 101 N, left at Old Olympic , mile to gate Forestry & WA DNR, no pass required, kid/dog friendly Descend to a grove of big trees — and the falls. Here Kennedy Creek tumbles over basalt flow.

10. Fallsview Falls (0.2 MILE ROUND-TRIP – EASY)

Quilcene | US 101 at Falls View Campground. Trail in picnic area Olympic National Forest, pass required, kid/dog friendly, ADA Trail is ADA accessible to a falls cascading 100’. By late summer it trickles—but during the rainy season the falls put on a little show.

Lake Crescent & Elwha River

3. Vincent Creek Falls (ROAD ACCESS – EASY)

11. Striped Peak Falls (2.2 MILE RT– MODERATE)

Skokomish Valley Rd; 5.6 miles to FR 23; 2.3 miles to FR 2340 Olympic National Forest, no pass, caution: low guardrail Arched truss 685’ High Steel Bridge (1929) spans 375’ and is the 14th highest bridge in USA. Falls drop 250’ over canyon.

Salt Creek County Park | SR 112 , 7.2 miles, R. @ Camp Hayden Rd Clallam County Parks and WA DNR, no pass, dog-friendly Small but location in remote cliff-enclosed sea cove is stunning.

12. Madison Creek Falls (0.2 MILE ROUND-TRIP – EASY)

4. Big Creek Cascades Loop (4.2 MILE – MODERATE)

Elwha River Valley | Olympic Hot Springs Rd 2.1 miles Olympic National Park, no pass, kid-friendly, ADA, dog-friendly Short walk to mossy maple and cedar lined grotto. This path is one of the few within the national park that is open to leashed dogs. 13. Wolf Creek Falls (0.8 MILE ROUND-TRIP –MODERATE) Elwha River Valley | US 10, milepost 240, Olympic Hot Springs Rd, 4.0 miles, left onto dirt Whiskey Bend Rd, 4.2 miles to trail head Olympic National Park, pass required, dogs prohibited After a steep descent to river walk along the gravel bank of Wolf Creek to a fanning 25’ falls. Step back to see another tier above it.

Lake Cushman / Hoodsport | SR 119 for 9.3 miles to trail head Olympic National Forest, pass required, kid/dog-friendly Loop utilizes old logging roads, new trails and series of bridges constructed by volunteers that continue to improve this loop. 5. Staircase Rapids Loop (2 MILE – EASY) Lake Cushman/Hoodsport | SR 119; FR 24 for 14.7 miles Olympic National Park, pass required, kid-friendly, no pets Follow river to suspension bridge, cross river and complete loop on North Fork Skokomish River back to Ranger Station. 6. Hamma Hamma Falls (ROAD ACCESS – EASY) Lilliwaup | FR 25 for 13.3 miles Olympic National Forest, pass required, kid-friendly Bridge spans two-tiered falls (80’). Overhead view decent year round. On drive back, enjoy views of secondary falls along river.

14. Goblins Gate (3.6 MILES ROUND-TRIP – MODERATE)

Elwha River Valley | milepost 240, Olympic Hot Springs Rd, 4 miles onto dirt Whiskey Bend Rd, 4.5 miles to trail head ONP, pass required, kid friendly, dogs prohibited Hike to a Elwha River gorge to a series of rapids.

7. Murhut Falls (1.6 MILES ROUND-TRIP – EASY)

15. Boulder Creek Falls (8.4 MILES ROUND-TRIP – MODERATE)

Duckabush River Valley | FR 2510 6.3 miles, FR 2530, 1.3 miles Olympic National Forest, no pass required, kid/dog-friendly Well-built trail to 130’ two-tiered waterfall. Pacific rhododendrons line the trail in May and June.

Elwha Valley | Milepost 240, Olympic Hot Springs Rd, 10 miles Olympic National Park, pass required, dogs prohibited A series of cascades in valley with luxuriant old-growth forest. The hike is an all-day event but is remoter than nearby popular sites.

8. Rocky Brook Falls (QUARTER MILE – EASY)

Brinnon | Milepost 306 on US 101, Dosewallips Road 3 miles Private, no pass, kid/dog-friendly - check for closures Classic horsetail waterfall crashes more than 200’ from hanging valley. Summer, the cascade pool is a popular swimming hole. FJORD

Thank you. 58

pacific coast scenic

waterfall trail

Waterfall project made possible with Mason County Lodging Tax funding. explorehoodcanal.com

®2020 | Information and images courtesy of Craig Romano. Craig has written more than 20 guidebooks including Day Hiking Olympic Peninsula 2nd Edition.

www.waterfalltrail.org 16. Marymere Falls (1.8 MILES ROUND-TRIP – EASY)

Lake Crescent | milepost 228, right at Lake Crescent Lodge Olympic National Park, no pass, kid-friendly, dogs prohibited A popular waterfall on the Olympic Peninsula, if it was harder to reach, this 90’ horsetail cascade would still be well-visited.

17. Sol Duc Falls (1.6 MILES ROUND-TRIP – EASY)

Sol Duc River Valley | Sol Duc Hot Springs Road, 14 miles to trail Olympic National Park, pass required, kid-friendly, no dogs ONP’s most photographed waterfall. The falls tumble about 40’ into a tight slot and abruptly flow at a right angle into the gorge.

Pacific Coast & Quinault

18.Strawberry Bay Falls (3.6 MILES ROUND-TRIP – EASY

Olympic Coast | SR 110 to Quillayute Prairie, 3.8 miles to trail Olympic National Park, no pass, kid-friendly, dogs prohibited Hike to Third Beach to witness this waterfall tumbling more than 100’ from a towering headland into the surf.

For full descriptions on all these waterfalls including maps, updates and images, visit: WATERFALLTRAIL.ORG Wynoochee River Valley

23. Spoon Creek Falls (6 MILE ROUND-TRIP – MODERATE)

Wynoochee Valley | FR 22 34 miles, FR 23 2.5 mile to trail Olympic National Forest, no pass, kid-friendly, dog friendly 93’ falls plunge into a box canyon. Trail goes through old-growth forest to a viewpoint of falls dropping into the gorge.

24. Maidenhair Falls (1 MILE ROUND-TRIP – EASY)

Wynoochee Valley | FR 22 34 miles, FR 2312 5.8 miles, FR 2385 Olympic National Forest, no pass, kid-friendly, dog friendly Overlooked by many due to its close proximity to Wynoochee Falls, this is a pleasant surprise in a quiet corner of the Olympics.

25. Porter Falls (1.6 MILE ROUND-TRIP – EASY)

Porter Creek Rd, 2.9 miles B-0150 Rd, .5 mile, B-Line 0.9 mile

19. Mineral Creek Falls (5.0 MILES ROUND-TRIP – EASY)

Capitol State Forest, Discover Pass required, kid/dog friendly

Hoh Rainforest | Upper Hoh Rd from US 101, 18 miles to trail Olympic National Park, pass required, kid-friendly, no dogs Tucked within towering Sitka spruces, firs, and maples in the rain forest this pleasant hike follows along the glacier-fed Hoh River.

20. Cascade Falls Loop ( .7 MILES LOOP – EASY)

Quinault Rainforest | South Shore Rd 2.3 miles to trail Olympic National Forest, no pass, kid / dog friendly Not the tallest, nor most popular of the waterfalls within the Quinault Rainforest, Cascade Falls is perhaps the prettiest.

21. Merriman Falls (ROADSIDE—MINIMAL WALKING)

Quinault Rainforest | South Shore Rd from US 101, 6.7 miles Olympic National Forest, no pass, kid-friendly, dog friendly The falls plummet 40 feet over a mossy and ferny ledge into a mossy tangle of boulders and saturated logs.

22. Enchanted Valley of 10,000 Waterfalls

(26 MILES ROUND-TRIP – MODERATE BACKPACKING TRIP) Quinault Rainforest | South Shore Rd from US 101, 13 miles to Quinault River Bridge,right on Graves Creek Rd 6.2 miles ONP Wilderness Permits required, kid-friendly, no dog Behold its stunning backdrop of sheer cliffs 3,000 feet high streaked with waterfalls and hanging snow and ice.

Full descriptions: waterfalltrail.org

Located at the confluence of the South and West Forks of Porter Creek. Here one branch cuts through a cleft while the other plunges over a ledge into a big punchbowl.

CAPE FLATTERY

LAKE CRESCENT

LAKE OZETTE

17 LA PUSH

12 14

PORT TOWNSEND

13 QUILCENE

Olympic National Park

18 KALALOCH

PORT ANGELES

QUINAULT

23 25

8 9 7 6

BRINNON

SEATTLE

HOODSPORT BELFAIR

SHELTON TACOMA

ABERDEEN

2 1

OLYMPIA

59 NOTE: MAP NOT TO SCALE, FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY. FJORD

SOUTH PUGET SOUND & HOOD CANAL | OLYMPIC PENINSULA & COASTAL REGION

Enjoy the adventure of finding the falls as much as the falls themselves!

25 WAYS TO WATERFALLS

1 Tumwater Falls 2 Kennedy Creek Falls Northwest Washington is home to the Olympics and 3. Vincent Creek Falls three of four temperate rainforests on the planet. 4. Big Creek Cascades 5. Staircase Rapids Receiving over 150" of precipitation annually, the Hoh, 6. Hamma Hamma Falls Quinault and Queets are located on the coastal foothills 7. Murhut Falls 8. Rocky Brook Falls of the Olympics. Mount Olympus receives over 260” of 9. Dosewallips Falls rain each year. That’s 21 feet of precipitation. 10. Fallsview Falls 11. Striped Peak Falls 12. Madison Creek Falls 13. Wolf Creek Falls 14. Goblins Gate 15. Boulder Creek Falls Hood Canal & South Puget Sound 16. Marymere Falls 150 N Lake Cushman Rd, Hoodsport 17. Sol Duc Falls (800) 576-2021 | explorehoodcanal.com 18. Strawberry Bay Falls Olympic National Park Visitor Center 19. Mineral Creek Falls 3002 Mt Angeles Rd, Port Angeles 20. Cascade Falls (360) 565-3130 | nps.gov 21. Merriman Falls 22. Enchanted Valley Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center 23. Spoon Creek Falls 18113 Upper Hoh Rd, Forks 24. Maidenhair Falls (360) 374-6925 | nps.gov 25. Porter Falls CAPE FLATTERY

N47 00.895 N47 04.663 N47 22.088 N47 30.464 N47 31.173 N47 34.531 N47 40.458 N47 43.241 N47 43.921 N47 47.466 N48 09.757 N48 02.516 N47 58.446 N47 57.414 N47 57.974 N48 02.994 N47 57.085 N47 52.381 N47 52.167 N47 27.774 N47 30.018 N47 40.296 N47 21.197 N47 27.106 N46 58.654

QUESTIONS?

LAKE CRESCENT LAKE OZETTE

17 LA PUSH

12 14

QUINAULT

21 20

PORT TOWNSEND

Olympic National Park

18 KALALOCH

PORT ANGELES

11 16

W122 54.256 W123 07.619 W123 16.889 W123 13.451 W123 20.086 W123 15.631 W123 03.040 W122 56.500 W123 09.164 W122 55.787 W123 40.921 W123 35.364 W123 35.454 W123 34.510 W123 42.835 W123 47.324 W123 49.178 W124 34.638 W123 53.058 W123 50.483 W123 47.075 W123 23.408 W123 33.900 W123 33.591 W123 16.052

24 23 25

8 9 7 6

QUILCENE BRINNON

SEATTLE

HOODSPORT BELFAIR

SHELTON

TACOMA

KAMILCHE

2 OCEAN SHORES

OLYMPIA

NOTE: MAP NOT TO SCALE, FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY.

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FULL DESCRIPTIONS AT WATERFALLTRAIL.ORG

PEDALING THE

TRACKS

Vance Creek Railriders offers a unique adventure combining nature and history in Mason County

Opening day for Vance Creek Railriders 2021 Season is May 22. Interested in making reservations for this unique two hour excursion? Here’s what to expect when you pedal the rails on the historic Simpson Logging Railroad near Shelton on a modified quardricycle. 61 FJORD

RAIL RIDING 2021 Feeling a little “off the rails” lately with COVID isolation? Mason County has just the right activity with universal appeal to all ages – not to mention exercise, fresh air, forest bathing and even a little history – Vance Creek Railriders is now taking reservations for their May opening. What to expect en route The rails are part of an old track built by the Simpson Logging Company, so along with clacking past beautiful wooded scenery and crossing over creeks lined with ferns, Vance Creek’s rail journey provides a snapshot of the Northwest’s rich logging history. Until not that long ago, timber trains moved logs along these very rails to the mills in nearby Shelton. In fact this system was the last operating privately-owned logging railroad in the continental US.

When you arrive, don't be alarmed by leaving the main road for a short hop on a gravel logging road to Camp 1. The gravel road is maintained (even the rural school bus follows it), you will soon find yourself at Vance Creek Railriders' office. Arrive 30 minutes early for a safety briefing before getting adjusted in your seats. Masks are required during check-in and when 6' can not be maintained between people outside the household.

As you pedal the multi-seat "railrider" along the track you will have the opportunity to see old growth and new forests as well as meadows teeming with wild flowers, moss, and maybe even catch a glimpse of some wildlife – although the cheering, laughter and rail clacking may put them on the alert! You will pedal down across the winding Goldsborough Creek and return up a gradual grade. Despite its leisurely pace, this is a physical adventure. Most guests are able to pedal the average .75% grade back up to Camp 1 with a portion of the rail at a 2% grade (it’s all downhill on the way there). But don’t worry – if you struggle, the little “engine” will give you a push back up if needed. This gentle, but vigorous ride is suitable for (and enjoyed by) all ages. Children under 12 years old need to be accompanied by an adult on their railrider (four seats). The typical age to be able to help pedal is 6-8 years old depending on leg length. Smaller children who can’t touch the pedals or who are known to be a wiggle worms can use a car seat. Visit the Vance Creek’s FAQ page for answers to common questions.

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Be sure to dress in layers as you will be traveling in wooded area where it can go from shade to sun. Also bring snacks and 62 water as the location is remote.

Reserve in Advance The popular pedal-powered rail rides with Vance Creek Railriders will be opening for their season May 22 with three daily departures of the 2-hour excursion at 9 AM, 12 PM, and 3 PM, Thursday through Monday. Arrive 30 minutes early to check in and hear a safety briefing. Tickets are $30/adults and children 12 years and older; $16/ children 11 and under. Vance Creek will begin the 2021 season following Covid guidelines until recommendations change. With limited seating capacity and social distancing, advance reservations are encouraged. Reserve at vcrailriders.com Getting There The rail head is at 421 West Hanks Lake Road, nine miles west of Hwy 101 on the Shelton/Matlock Rd.

North Mason's Wildland Firefighter Student Program Each Spring, the North Mason Fire Authority selects four volunteers/ students for the Wildland Fire Volunteer Program. Students receive basic wildland firefighter training and certification during April and May.

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The Program enlists recently graduated North Mason High School students and young adults in North Mason to serve on wildland fire deployments throughout Washington. Students serve a six month term that corresponds with the wildland fire season.

• View Accounts • Pay Bills • Transfer Money • Deposit Checks • Manage Cards

The initial 40 hour training is held in the evenings and on weekends. Participants must have satisfactory academic standing and be at least 18 years of age. Wildland fire training continue through the summer, until fire deployment requests come in. Students receive a $500 stipend per month for reimbursement during the months of June, July and August. This stipend is in addition to any pay received from the state for work performed during a fire deployment. Washington pays $14/ hour for state wildland fire fighting. Students will also receive a $2,000 tuition assistance allowance.

• And more!

Convenient, secure & from anywhere!

Enroll today at ourcu.com

Copy that

Did you know that all Timberland Regional Library patrons get $10 worth of free prints at any Timberland library? You can make copies or prints (black and white or color), scan, and send faxes! To make copies during COVID closures, call when you get to their parking lot and they will walk you through the steps. To print items, visit printing.trl.org and upload your documents. Then, head on down to the library and call. Staff will print out your items and bring them right out to you. The $10 allowance resets weekly!

Volunteers interested in learning more about participating in this program should contact the North Mason Fire Authority at northmasonrfa.com. Click on the "Wildland Application" and return the application to Ryan Cleveland at Belfair Station 21 located at 460 NE Old Belfair Highway Belfair.

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KEEP CALM AND ADVENTURE ON.

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