Spring 2023 Fjord

Daniel Burris, MD

KC Graham, PA-C

Rebecca Hendryx, MD Henry In, DO

Andrew Kwon, MD

Amanda Proctor, ARNP Carlos Rubio-Reyes, MD

BRING ON THE DAY TIDES.

Rachel Hansen | editor

It has been a very busy winter for the Fjord team. The new venture, Fjord Oyster Bank in Hoodsport opened in December; Christmastown and its subsequent tree maze were a happy success and now it's time to raise the Babe and Bunyan and begin thinking of duck races, Canal crossings, and low tide exploration.

The longer days herald the re-emergence of daytime low tides. As we deal with yet another cold snap, it is difficult to imagine that spring is on its way – finally.

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 daytime low tides herald the coming of Hama Hama Oyster Rama – the event that inspired this quarterly magazine nearly six years ago- but that event is still on hold so its up to us to find other shellfish ways to amuse!

You can still stop by the Hama Hama Saloon to grab a dozen with a side of spectacular fjord view. It's not quite the Rama but definitely packs its own magical flavor. Head over to our new Oyster Bank in Hoodsport for a steaming bowl of manillas, shrimp fettuccine or an icy tray of Sea Nymph oysters pulled from the briny waters just hours before.

Feeling adventurous? Grab a license and find your own way to the public beaches to celebrate the harvest with your families.

The area’s unique events are fueled by an enthusiasm and passion that represent generations who embrace the heritage of their community. First up is the Old Timers Fair in Matlock, followed by the iconic Mason County Forest Festival in Shelton. At the Matlock Fair you can leave with a homemade apple-rhubarb pie while Forest Festival features a Grand Parade and a fireworks show as well as a carnival.

This year Shrimpfest has been re-branded as "Fjord Fest" to incorporate other "bounty of the mountain and canal" so be sure to support this Memorial Day celebration event – and yes, don't fret, there are still plenty of shrimp -- just other things as well.

Fjordin Crossin in Hoodsport is another niche event that have found a place in our hearts and schedules over the years.

ISSUE 24 | VOLUME 6

EVENTS -6

SPRING GARDEN FEATURE

Blooming on the hood – 15

WORTHINGTON PARK

Year round destination - 29

FJORDIN CROSSIN - 34

DOSEWALLIPS ROAD TRAIL

Craig Romano feature hike - 44

BOOK THERAPY

A concise guide to good reads - 34

PORT TOWNSEND

A town preseved in Amber- 36

RAILRIDERS NEW SEASON

May 20, Shelton - 56

SHELLFISH FEATURE- 58

It's fascinating to see how this event has evolved with Jan and Kerry's loving direction each year as more community members get involved. Although the tide will push the revelers out from the "under -the-pier" Aquavit Grotto by mid-afternoon, there's no need to rush home. Stop by the Potlatch Brewery, Stottle Winery or the Hardware Distillery to sample more celebratory treats or head over to the Fjord Oyster Bank and watch the sun set with live music and fresh baked oysters by the fire pits.

There are also some great single day events this spring. The Mason County Concert Association once again inviting world-class entertainment to perform in Shelton. In March be sure to catch the Celtic inspired troupe - Sultans of String, March 17.

After a COVID break, the Harstine Island Community Club has restarted their Inquiring Minds Speakers Series with three great conversations for 2023 at the Historic Harstine Island Community Hall. Check out the events calendar in the following pages or visit harstinecc.org/ inquiring-minds for details. These historical presentations are free to the public.

In this issue of the Fjord we also delve deeper into some local history. A perennial favorite of ours is to visit cover story town, Port Townsend. There's something for the whole family to do here whether its wander the docks, check out the shops, or stop for a bite to eat. One of our favorites is Tommyknocker's on Water Street. The Mac & Cheese cannot get any creamier and the mint and lamb pasties take you back to the Yorkshire dales. Also in this issue guide book author, Craig Romano brings us along on yet another area hike – the Dosewallips River Road (page 42).

Yet, if you're more into a rainy day indoors curled up with a good book – we invite you to visit us at the Fjord Oyster Bank in Hoodsport for a meal or a locally roasted coffee. With a little help we've curated some of our favorite local books and filled the bank vault. See page 34 for details and let us know what books you'd like to see in there. Happy Spring! As always, share your happenings with us and be sure to drop us a line if you have any questions or comments while you are tracingthefjord.com.

REOCCURING

Monthly

4-H Robotics with WSU Extension

210 West Franklin Street, Shelton

Drop in on the WSU Extension 4-H team the first Wednesday of each month for STEM learning opportunities. 6:00 – 7:30 pm at Memorial Hall. All youth are welcome to join, you do not need to be a 4-H member. Reserve your spot by emailing: Heather. Doran@wsu.edu.

Mondays

Live Music

Mondays, 10 AM - Noon

The Hub, 111 NE Old Belfair Hwy, Belfair

Bring a snack to share and dust off your dancing shoes. $1 members, $3 for non-members.

Tuesdays

Shelton Parks & Rec Pickleball

Tuesdays, 9 - 11 AM

Community Transit Center (MTA)

Adult drop-in pickleball. Similar to tennis but indoors with smaller paddles and a plastic ball. Great fun and exercise. Coed, all skill levels welcome. $3.00/drop in.

Bookmobile in Brinnon & Quilcene

Tuesday, 10am- 12 noon

Brinnon Community Center

Tuesdays, 1:30 - 4:00 PM

Quilcene Community Center

EVENT CALENDAR

Hood Canal Lions Club Meeting

3rd Tuesdays each month, 5:30 PM

330 E Country Club Drive E, Union Join an interesting group of civic-minded folks and help make our community stronger!

Wednesdays

ZUMBA at the Hub

Wednesdays, 8:30 AM

The Hub, 111 NE Old Belfair Hwy, Belfair.

Evening Yoga at Shelton Civic Center

February 8 - March 29, 6-7 PM

525 W Cota St, Shelton

This flow yoga class is open to beginning and experienced yogis! Increase balance, strength and flexibility. Kids 12+ are welcome! Please bring a yoga mat and water bottle for added comfort. Drop-in $15 .Register at www.sheltonwa.gov.

Thursdays

Shelton Parks & Rec Pickleball

Thursdays, 9 - 11 AM

Community Transit Center (MTA)

Adult drop-in pickleball. Similar to tennis but indoors with smaller paddles and a plastic ball. Great fun and exercise. Coed, all skill levels welcome. $3.00/drop in.

Live Music at the Hook & Fork

Thursdays, 3PM - 5PM

Union City Market, 5101 SR 106, Union Check unioncitymarket.com for schedule.

Fridays

Shelton Family YMCA FREE Teen Night

Fridays, 5 PM - 8 PM

3101 N Shelton Springs Rd, Shelton YMCA open for teens (7–12 grade) to get active, spend time together, play basketball, swim.

Bingo at the Hub

Every 3rd Friday of the month, 6:30 PM 111 NE Old Belfair Hwy, Belfair

Live Entertainment at the Drift

Fridays, 9PM, 19330 US Hwy 101, Skokomish

Trivia at Hoodsport's Potlatch Brewery

4th Friday of the month - Feb 24, Mar 24, Apr 28 and May 26.

Saturdays

Bookmobile in Brinnon & Quilcene

Saturdays, 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Brinnon

Community Center; 2- 4 PM Quilcene

Community Center

Hama Hama Oyster Class

Saturdays, 12 -3 PM

February 4, 11, 18, 25, 26 (Sunday) March 4, 18

Hama Hama Oyster Co, Lilliwaup

A shucking lesson followed by lots of practice as you work your way through a comparative oyster tasting of bivalves near and far. Classes include ~2 dozen oysters of at least 4-6 different types, snacks, handouts, wine and beer pairings, and a tour of our oyster farm facility. $125/person. 21+. hamahamaoyster.com.

FEBRUARY

For the Love of Pollinators

Saturday, February 4, 9:30 - 12 PM

Mason County Public Works, Shelton

Through The Garden Gate is offering both in person and zoom options for the workshops this year. See Page 22 for details.

Theler Wetlands Bird Walk

Thursday, February 9, 8 -10 AM

Theler Wetlands, Belfair

Drop in on the Tahoma Audubon Society for a Theler Wetlands Bird Walk, co-led by John Riegsecker and Faye Hands. This walk is on level, well-maintained trails. Theler is primarily an estuary habitat, with wooded areas as well - creating a lot of edge habitat for a diversity of birds.

Chocolate and Rose Valentines Culinary

Experience in the Adventure Tent

Thursday thru Saturday, February 9 -11, 6:30 PM

Alderbrook Resort, 10 E Alderbrook Drive, Union Be immersed in four courses of locally sourced ingredients curated by resort chef. Reservations Required alderbrookresort.com

Peninsula Art Association Meeting

Saturday, February 9, 1- 4 PM

Shelton Civic Center 525 Cota St, Shelton Wire wrapping precious stones.

Spaghetti Lunch Fundraiser

Friday, February 10, 1-3 PM

HUB, 111 NE Old Belfair Hwy, Belfair

Enjoy a spaghetti lunch for just $5 proceeds go to support independent living for seniors and people with disabilities.

Medicinal Mushrooms Workshop

Saturday, February 11, 1:00 - 3:00 PM

Salish Roots Farm, 541 W. SR 108 , Shelton This workshop focuses on the use of several me dicinal mushroom. Participants receive instruc tions for growing and preparing mushrooms, as well as recipes and a basic working knowledge of how to use them for personal, family, and community health. RSVP at metamimicry.com/ spore. Limited space, priority given to tribal members.

Through the Garden Gate Plant Workshop

Saturday, February 11, 9:30 - 12 PM

Mason County Public Works, Shelton

Through The Garden Gate is offering both in person and zoom options for the workshops this year. See Page 22 for details.

Harstine Island Indoor Farmers Market

February 11, 10 AM - 12 PM

3371 E Harstine Island Road N, Shelton

During the Winter months, the Farmers Market moves indoors. Stop by to shop items from local artists and crafters, as well as baked goods and vegetables. Interested vendors contact leeswoods51@gmail.com. harstinecc.org

13th Annual Polar Bear Plunge

Saturday, February 11, 12 - 2 PM

10 E Alderbrook Drive, Union

Plungers collect donations to help the provide for the Mason County Sheriff’s Department’s chaplain fund, K-Team and Marine Patrol, and the Mason County volunteer fire departments in Union and Hoodsport/Lake Cushman. The 2022 Polar Bear Plunge raised more than $10,000 for emergency services. Email Plunge4Purposes@gmail.com.

Mason County Forest Festival Coronation

Saturday, February 11, 7 – 9 PM

Shelton High School

Area students compete for the honor of joining the 2023 Forest Festival Royalty Court as part of Mason County Forest Festival. FREE

Galentines Crafternoon

Sunday, February 12, 11 AM -2 PM.

24341 N US Hwy 101, Hoodsport, WA

Grab a friend for a fun afternoon crafting valentine themed crafts with real plants from Pint Size Posies. The Fjord Oyster Bank will have a menu and open cash bar available during the entire event. Reserve: www.pintsizeposies.com

BIG GAME PARTY at Little Creek Casino

Sunday, February 12, 3:30 PM

Little Creek Casino, Kamilche

Watch the big game with dancers and a welcome speech by Hall of Fame player Steve Largent. Drawings every quarter for Seahawk Memorabilia. $25/person. littlecreek.com

CHOCOLATE AND ROSE: CULINARY ADVENTURE TENT

Thurs - Sat, February 16 -18, 6:30 PM

10 E Alderbrook Drive, Union

Be immersed in four courses of locally sourced ingredients curated by resort chef. Reservations Required, +21 ONLY. alderbrookresort.com

Mardi Gras Masquerade Party

Saturday, February 18, 6 PM – 1 AM

Woodshed Bar and Grill

23698 NE State Route 3, Belfair

Wer your favorite party mask. Karaoke with KJ Nick starts at 9pm.

Through the Garden Gate: Veggies in Abundance

Saturday, February 25, 9:30 - 12 PM

Mason County Public Works, Shelton

Through The Garden Gate is offering both in person and zoom options for the workshops this year. See page 22.

Adult Prom Fire and Ice

Saturday, Feb 25, 6 -10 PM

1060 West Eells Hill Road, Shelton

Get dressed up and head to the Ridge to support our first responders and this 21+ event featuring DJ Topflight mixing your favorite hits. $45/person.

Atomic Washington: Our Nuclear Past, Present, and Future

Sunday February 26, 1:30 - 3 PM

3371 E Harstine Is Road N, Shelton Washington State’s role in the nuclear era ranges far beyond the construc tion, operation, and ongoing cleanup of the Hanford nuclear reservation. Drawing from history, science, and popular culture, author Steve Olson reveals the ways in which our state has been a pioneer in the atomic age.

MARCH

OFFSHORE: Culinary Adventure

Tent at Alderbrook

Thur- Sat , Mar 2- 4, 6:30 PM

10 E Alderbrook Drive, Union

Be immersed in four courses of delicious locally sourced ingredients. alderbrookresort.com

Through the Garden Gate: Is a Victory Garden For You?

Saturday, March 4, 9:30 - 12 PM

Mason County Public Works, Shelton

Through The Garden Gate is offering both in person and zoom options for the workshops this year. See page 22.

Free day at WA State Parks

Thursday, March 9, all day

Celebrate the legacy of Billy Frank Junior's Birthday.

Through the Garden Gate: Native Bees a Buzzin'

Saturday, March 11, 9:30 - 12 PM

Mason County Public Works, Shelton n person and zoom options for the workshops this year. See page 22.

Harstine Island Farmers Market

Saturday, March 11, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

3371 E Harstine Island Road N, Shelton

Stop by to shop items from local artists and crafters, as well as baked goods and vegetables.

Floral Design - Make & Take Bouquet

Sunday, March 12, 11 AM - 2 PM.

24341 N US Hwy 101, Hoodsport, WA

Join us for an afternoon to celebrate the arrival of Spring by creating a floral design with local, seasonal blooms. Grab a friend or come solo for a fun afternoon with Pint Size Posies. The Fjord Oyster Bank will have a menu available during the event. Reserve online: pintsizeposies.com.

SULTANS OF STRING

Friday, March 17, 7:00 PM 9:00 PM

The Sultans of String are a genre-hopping passport of Celtic, flamenco, gypsy and Arabic rhythms that celebrates musical fusion with warmth and virtuosity. This amazing trio excites audiences utilizing fiery violin dances with rumba-flamenco guitar and unstoppable grooves. Acoustic Strings Meet Electronic Wizardry. masoncountyconcerts.org

Free day at Washington State Parks

Sunday, March 19, all day

Celebrate the State Parks’ 110th Birthday with free admission to Washington State Parks.

11TH Annual Kids Egg Hunt

Saturday, March 25, 12:30 PM

2102 E Johns Prairie Rd, Shelton

For kids ages 0-11, 20,000+ eggs filled with candy, toys, free stuff and discount cards from local businesses. Door prizes, Prizes hidden in eggs, Raffles, concession stand and five age groups. Admission $6.00 per child, (no charge for adults). armstrong-foundation.org

2nd Annual Mardi Gras Gala

Saturday, March 25, 5:30- 9 PM

10 E Alderbrook Drive, Union

Join The Youth Connection fundraiser. Call 360-462-0125.

Historical Lecture: After the Blast: Mount

St. Helens 40 Years Later

Sunday, March 26, 1:30 – 3:00 PM

3371 E Harstine Island Road N, Shelton

On May 18, 1980, the world watched in awe as

Mount St. Helens erupted, killing 57 people and causing hundreds of square miles of destruction. Everyone thought it would take ages for life to return to the mountain, but scientists who visited soon after were stunned to find plants sprouting up through the ash and animals skittering around downed trees. Ecologists have since spent decades studying life’s resilience in the face of seemingly total devastation. Through their work, the eruption of Mount St. Helens has become known as the greatest natural experiment in Pacific Northwest history.

APRIL

Shelton Arts Commission's Empty Bowls

April 12, 5 - 7 PM Create a bowl

April 19, 5 - 7 PM Glaze your bowl

April 26, 5 - 7 PM Soup & Bread

Shelton Civic Center, 525 Cota Street, Shelton Create, play, and eat with friends and support your neighbors in need. You will be able to unleash your creative side by building a unique ceramic bowl to keep. All supplies provided by the Shelton Arts Commission. Can't make all three dates don't worry, there will be some extra bowls at each step. No registration needed, just come drop-in. Open to everyone and all ages.

Andreas Andreadis

Sarah Lynn Perkins

Bill Barnet

Justina Sutherland

Harstine Garden Club Farmers Market

Saturday, April 8, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

3371 E Harstine Island Road N, Shelton Stop by to shop items from:local artists and crafters, as well as baked goods and vegetables. Vendors wishing to participate should contact leeswoods51@gmail.com. harstinecc.org

Floral Design - Make & Take Bouquet

Sunday, April 16, 11 AM - 2 PM.

24341 N US Hwy 101, Hoodsport, WA

Join us for an afternoon to celebrate The spring bounty by creating a floral design with local, seasonal blooms. Grab a friend or come solo for a fun afternoon with Pint Size Posies. The Fjord Oyster Bank will have a menu available during the event. Reserve online at pintsizeposies.com.

HERE WITH THE TIDE: CANAL COOKOUT

Thursday, April 20, 2023, 6:00 - 9:00 PM Union City Market, Union Taste authentic, Pacific Northwest fare through our interactive, beach-side feast. Located at the Hood Canal Marina, watch the sunset behind the Olympic Mountains while chatting with the chef and the team as they prepare locally sourced delights. #133.79/person with tax and service fees. Reserve at alderbrookresort.com.

FREE DAY at WA State & National Parks

Saturday, April 22, all day

Celebrate Earth Day with free admission.

Olympus Rally

Saturday April 22- 23, Shelton

A Pacific Northwest tradition returns in 2023 as part of the American Rally Association National Championship. olympusrally.com

Port Townsend Victorian Heritage Festival

April 28 - 30

The "Welcome to the 'City of Dreams ' 1886 marketing motto reflected the dreams of Port Townsend's settlers who imagined commercial success in what was to become the 'New York of the West.' porttownsendvictorianfestival.org

MAY

Cinco Rocks

Saturday, May 6, 5 – 11 PM

318 W Railroad Ave, Shelton

SHELTON FARMERS MARKET

Sat, May 6 - Oct 28, 10 AM - 3PM

Evergreen Square, Shelton

Support local growers and crafters.

Saturday,

Matlock Old Timers Historical Fair

May 6 - 7, 9 AM – 4 PM Mary M Knight, 2987 Matlock-Brady Rd, Elma

The fair celebrates Matlock's heritage in timber industry, draft horses, blacksmithing, antique booths, kids activities, handcraft items, historical events, agricultural events, food, fire wood raffle, prizes, and live music. FREE

Mother's Day Dash

May 14, 12 PM, Shelton

Come run

Dash race in Shelton this

. Raceentry.com

Potlatch Brewery Fjordin Crossin

Beer Release Celebration

May 19, 6 - 9 PM

Potlatch Brewing Co, Hoodsport

Cody Morris, head brewer and founder of Potlatch Brewing Company, is creating a special beer for Fjordin.

FjordFest (formerly Brinnon Shrimpfest)

May 27 - 28, 10 AM – 6 PM

251 Hjelvicks Rd, Brinnon

The Brinnon ShrimpFest, now Fjord Fest, celebrates 30 years with a re-brand. Admission $10; Kids under 12 FREE with paying parent; Military Free (with ID). fjordfest.com

Quilcene Brinnon Garden Club Plant Sale

May 27 - 28, 10 AM – 4 PM

306144 US Highway 101 Brinnon

JUNE

Mason County Forest Festival

June 1-4, Shelton, WA

Carnival open Thursday, Saturday Grand Parade at 10:30 AM, and at 10 PM enjoy the fireworks. masoncountyforestfestival.com

Forest Festival Car Show-Off

June 4, Olympic Hwy North, Shelton WA

The event is hosted by the Shelton High School & supports ROTC cadets activities and the Forest Festival.

Tour de Mason Lake: Karen Hilburn

Cancer Fund Event

Saturday, June 10, 8:30 AM

2503 Olympic Hwy N, Shelton

The 32 mile course will begin and end in Shelton, traveling past Lake Limerick, circling Mason Lake, and returning to El Puerto de Angeles Restaurant. karenhilburncancerfund.org

Free days at Washington State Park

Saturday- Sunday, June 10-11, all day

Celebrate National Get Outdoors Day with free admission to Washington State Parks all weekend and Free Fishing Day Sunday.

Bon Jon Pass Out

June 17, 2022

151 W Columbia St, Quilcene, WA

After leaving Worthington Park, riders take the long ascent to Bon Jon Pass. After the race enjoy great food and beer garden. worthingtonparkquilcene.org

FJORDIN CROSSIN

Saturday, June 17, 11:00 AM 3:00 PM | Hoodsport

Join in on this quirky, fun, family event that celebrates Hood Canal with a ceremonial aquavit crossing, paddle, and Scandavian inspired fare, activities, music, and fun! fjordincrossin.com

Free day at Washington State Parks

Monday, June 19, all day

Celebrate the legacy of Juneteenth.

SAVE THE DATE

Bluegrass from the Forest Music Festival

Friday, July 7- 9

Shelton South Mason Soccer Park

2102 E Johns Prairie Rd, Shelton

Bluegrass from the Forest will return to the Olympic Peninsula for its 18th year in the outdoor festival format at the South Mason Youth Soccer Park in Shelton. Camping, jamming, workshops, and great bands are hallmarks of this event! Details and tickets available at bluegrassfromtheforest.com

Lake

Spring on the Fjord Spring will be here soon on the Fjord-we promise!

Rachel Hansen | Tracing The Fjord

With the recent bout of frigid air enveloping us as it swoops down from the Olympic slopes, it's difficult to imagine that it will ever be spring again. However, everywhere you turn there are signs that it truly is just around the corner. The bulbs sending up their tentative fragile green shoots, the cedars with their tender lime green tips -- and even the chickens look better as they come out their bedraggled winter moults and start to get busy in the egg laying department as the days get longer.

In the spirit of the season the Fjord team reached out to some local businesses and farmers to see what their spring plans were shaping up to be. In Shelton, Elvia at Toziers Bros is setting up the greenhouses and nursery yards to bring in all new and beautiful plants. This really is a one stop shop for all your gardening needs as you start to work your veggie or cut flower plots. As Heather remarks in her profile for the Fjord, sometimes it's easier to plant flowers than cut grass incessantly!

Also in Shelton, Andrea and Joe have been busy propagating fruit trees and getting the grounds ready for a Spring opening at Hammersley Inlet Nursery on Arcadia.

In Belfair, Michael and Elton are getting their unique shop, Crazy Hill Garden & Botanicals, ready for their March 4th season opening. Across the street the White Barn Market is getting geared up for a busy market season. Also in Belfair, the Farm at Water's Edge is accepting wait-lists for their spring gardening workshops.

And don't miss the many fundraising garden sales throughout area. The Master Gardens of Mason County generally earmark a date around Mother's Day and the Quilcene & Brinnon gardeners encourage you to save a few hours on Memorial Day weekend to check out their offerings. See the events calendar for this event and more.

This section of the Fjord will encourage you to look towards a blooming spring –and perhaps inspire you to lay a few bulbs in the ground a well!

Spring on the Fjord The Thicket on Hood Canal

Heather Ollenburg

When the pandemic hit, my consulting work dried up, and I needed to “pivot” just as many did. While wishing the overgrown tough grasses and creeping swamp weeds in the middle of our yard would mow themselves, I got an idea. What if I smother the grass and plant cut flowers?! My husband and our three kids said, “do it!” Almost sounding like a dare encouraged me more, along with their buy-in to teamwork it with me. That area fits over 500 dahlia plants now! Yes, there is weeding, soil prep, spraying stinky fish fertilizer and everything else that goes into growing healthy plants, but it surely beats the monotony of lawn maintenance and arguing about who is going to do it.

With every garden bed, rhubarb plant, and tree we add to the yard, we see more wildlife coming in to live here. When I was little, I grew up on a farm (yes, I had experience in growing, so the lawn conversion was not scary…just unreal that we did not do it sooner).

On my parents' farm, my dad dug a fish/ swimming pond at the bottom of a hill below our house in a pine forest, and my mom grew gorgeous flower gardens terraced into that hill.

Wildlife and toads thrived there. Here on our hillside property overlooking Hood Canal, there were no toads for years until we found a big one making a home under a

rhubarb plant two summers ago, and more toads were in our gardens last summer! We are so excited to have them here! Western Toads are native to this area and need loose soil and mulchy-type materials to burrow into. Our hard-packed clay lawn was not a good habitat for them. If it was not good habitat for them, then surely other species have been affected, too.

The Thicket on Hood Canal came about as our little farm that is growing and nurturing the land in a way that will benefit nature while supplying our communities with fresh flowers that nourish our spirits and boost our mental health. “Grown, not flown” really resonates with us to grow and support local growers to minimize reliance

on imports. As we grow, we look forward to providing opportunities for people to enjoy and learn about flowers and growing in harmony with nature. It’s a work in progress that has been growing since 2017, and we have appreciated all the support and encouragement the community has given to our family. I’m Heather, Chief Farm Gal Boss at the Thicket. You’ll see Andy and the kids working markets and stopping to talk flowers, chickens, rabbits, and swim team at our local Hoodsport hangouts.

To learn more and follow what we are up to, give us a follow and say “hi” on Instagram: @thethicket_pnw or visit our website at www.thicketpnw.com.

Woodland Blooms Northwest Flower forage

Although daffodils and tulips will always be celebrated markers of spring, our native plants are often forgotten gems of the forests understory, here on our wet coastal woodlands, spring heralds delicate jewel tones on the forest floor. As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, ramble on 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 along the winding, scenic Olympic Highway. For an especially spectactular showing of the native rhodendrons, head up to the scenic outlook on Mount Walker.

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, 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 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. 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.

Common Camas

Orange Honeysuckle

Red Paintbrush

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 each winter (at time of printing they still have a limited number of plants available for selection) 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 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. Stop by the Vault bookstore in Hoodsport to check out the selection of ethnobotany books and plant identification guides.

Pint Sized Posies FRESH FLOWERS ON THE FJORD

Previously a horticulture teacher and landscape designer, now farmer-florist and owner of Pint Size Posies, Regina Grubb moved to Hoodsport after falling in love.

"Gardening has been part of my life since a small child in my grandmother's garden," Regina remarks, "for me it was a natural progression from being a horticulture teacher to becoming a flower farmer."

Regina raises flowers on a micro-farm of a 1/4 acre of land where she is currently building her home with her partner, Rich, on the Lake Cushman Golf Course. She plants over 50 species of flowers, including tulips, daffodils, anemones, and ranunculus in the spring, summer dahlias, zinnias, sunflowers and cosmos, and fall sunflowers, eucalyptus, dahlias and mums.

“Every flower we place in a bouquet or bring to market is harvested at a particular stage and with the utmost care to ensure they are enjoyed in the vase for as long as possible.”

Pint Size Posies sells bouquets by subscription. The “Bouquet Season Pass” subscribers get farm fresh bouquets from March to October either biweekly or weekly (12 bouquets $200, 24 bouquets $360). There are Spring, Summer and Fall subscription shares, each eight weeks long, either biweekly or weekly ($75 or $145 respectively). All subscriptions include bonus invites to open garden days and special events.

Regina also sells flowers for events, including weddings, and to local businesses. She additionally sells to florists and other designers in the South Sound region. On occasion an abundant harvest allows for a Fresh Flower Friday with bouquets available at local businesses, pop-ups, or at the farm as advertised on their Facebook page and Instagram account, or online at www.pintsizeposies.com.

Pink Fawn Lily

Business success is sustainable in Mason County

Mason County EDC Staff

Business leaders and entrepreneurs know the ideal location will go a long way toward delivering success. Whether involved in a startup, relocation or expansion, these key decision-makers seek sites that offer growth in sustainable models for years to come. Sustainability goes far behind just short-term economic success, however. It refers to a business model that is economically viable, socially responsible and environmentally friendly. Mason County is quickly becoming a region where businesses embrace sustainability and showcase the ability to achieve economic success.

Mason County businesses are embracing a sustainable business environment. Grant Jones had been living and working in Seattle for twelve years in 2017 before moving back to his family’s farmhouse on farmland in Shelton, the site of his family’s Hungry Hollow Farm since 1888. His great-grandfather began growing and delivering vegetables and grapes throughout the South Puget Sound region, but the farm has existed as a small-scale livestock operation since the 1940s. After purchasing the remaining cows from his uncle, Jones relaunched Hungry Hollow Farm in 2018 as an e-commerce, direct-to-consumer farming operation with a mission of providing convenient, local and pasture-based chicken, pork, beef and eggs as alternatives to factory farms. Jones’ farming philosophy is grounded - pun intended - in agroecology, indicating the practices utilized at Hungry Hollow are regenerative and fit into the natural environment.

Environmentally Friendly

Jones’ agroecological principles revolve around improving soil health, which improves animal health and, ultimately, the health of humans.

“The idealist in me knows that biodiversity is critical for our health,” he said. “I am drawn to creating health at every trophic level in the ecosystem because that will create health in us.”

Conventional mono-crop agriculture’s reliance on chemical fertilizers is an ecological paradigm, focusing on meeting the nutrient requirements of plants or "feeding the plants." Agroecological practices focus on "feeding the soil” because healthy soil will feed the plants and lead to healthier plants that are more resistant to pests and more nutritious food. Jones is also experimenting with rotating cover crops to improve the level of nutrients in the soil. Even more importantly, rotating cover crops improves soil structure and increases the organic matter in the soil, which creates a habitat for microbes and feeds the soil food web. Cash crops like corn or pumpkins leave a pasture over-compacted, so adding plants with deep root systems, like radishes, can improve water filtration and pump nutrients into the soil.

Socially Responsible

Another sustainability segment is social responsibility, in which businesses adopt policies that promote the well-being of their community, society and the environment. Socially-responsible themes fit naturally with Hungry Hollow’s farming practices, “ultimately, our products have a higher level of healthy characteristics for humans to consume versus those from a factory farm," remarks Jones.”

As an endeavor within a free market society, a business will only achieve long-term success and the ability to deliver socially responsible and environmentally-friendly products if it can maintain economic viability.

Jones started with local shipments in 2019, but as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold in 2020, demand for his products skyrocketed. They sold out of their meat for an entire year in less than a month. Instead of seeing a spike, the demand has remained high, said Jones. “The panic-buying for meat has led to more return orders,” he said. “The trend to keep more meats and food on hand has increased." That demand has led Jones to employ a farm manager and two part-time farmers. Other Mason County agriculture businesses have remained economically viable with a growing local food market.

Shelton’s Riverbird Farm is a new pastured-poultry operation raising chickens and ducks. The Humble Stump Farm produces vegetables with a mission “to produce the healthiest, and most environmentally and ethically responsible food possible.” Skokomish Valley Farms is a collection of Shelton neighbors that focus on agroecological principles and are the cornerstone of the Shelton Farmers Market. Aquaculture is a prime Mason County industry as well. The fifth-generation aquaculture business Hama Hama Oysters has built a reputation of quality in Lilliwaup. Taylor Shellfish Farms began in 1890 in Totten Inlet and continues to base its shellfish business on sustainable farming practices.

“We love to see so many suppliers meeting the demand of a burgeoning local food movement here in Mason County,” said Jones. “It is about connecting between what nature can provide and sustaining that for our community for years to come.”

Business Support

EDC Mason understands the importance of the sustainability of economic growth. Our team of experienced professionals who serve as consultants and facilitators ensures your business needs are met. Business owners can turn to us for free consulting services such as market intelligence, business development connections and site selection assistance. In addition, EDC Mason works with a wide range of community partners who can and will remain involved in supporting your needs!

Reach out to Jennifer or Karin at Mason EDC or call 360-426-2276 to see how your business may achieve sustainable success in Mason County.

Mushrooms love the rain

Mushrooms love this rainy weather we've had. Prospore is a family-run business here in Mason County. The family always had a passion for mushrooms since co-owner Damien suffered a severe spinal cord injury. They used Lion's Mane Mushrooms to help facilitate the healing and saw amazing results.

When relocating to Mason County, the plan was to put a barn on their property to use for growing mushrooms, but stumbled upon Skokomish Ridge Mushroom Farm's former owner Bob Ames, selling this business. They bought the business and are now produing several kinds of mushrooms grown and foraged locally. They put their love and energy into the mushrooms with hopes to share that energy with others. Their products are now available online. Learn more at www.prospore.us.

HOOD CANAL | GEORGE STENBERG PHOTO

Farmers Markets

as a business driver

Mason County EDC Staff

Farmers markets are a favorite venue for folks seeking fresh, locally grown produce. But, in addition to being aisles of vendors shopping for their fruits and vegetables, farmers markets are big business. In 2020, the USDA reported that farmers markets and Community Supported Agriculture had $739 million in direct-to-consumer sales.

Farmers markets are critical in areas like Mason County for local job creation and cultivating strong, vibrant communities. Growers selling at local outlets create thirteen full-time farm operator jobs per $1 million in revenue earned, while those who do not sell locally create only three. The National Young Farmers Coalition reports that there are 3.5 times as many U.S. farmers over 65 as those under 35. Farmers markets offer a future for farmers, providing rare low-barrier entry points for new farmers, ranchers and food entrepreneurs to start small and test new products. Many opportunities exist to support these farmers markets and small businesses in Mason County.

Mason County Farmers Markets

Mason County area residents are fortunate to have an agriculture community committed to providing fresh, healthy produce and meats. The list of markets below is an excellent opportunity to access these products.

The Shelton Farmers Market is a forum for small local growers and others to make fresh, local and seasonal produce and handicrafts available to the community and to support farming efforts in Mason County.

306 Railroad Ave, Shelton

Saturdays, May – October, 10 am - 3 pm

The Belfair Saturday Market is the place to find art, sundries, produce and more.

22900 WA-3, Belfair

Saturdays thru September, 10 am - 4 pm

The Harstine Island Farmers Market is held year-round, outdoors from May through the fall as weather allows, before moving indoors.

3371 E Harstine Island Rd N, Shelton Saturdays, 10 am – 12 pm

Direct to Consumer Sales

There are plentiful options for consumers to access fresh produce and meats directly from Mason County farms, many of whom attend the farmers markets.

Skokomish Valley Farm is 720 acres owned by several families who provide fresh vegetables and eggs for the local community while supporting a truly local and sustainable food system.

Shelton’s Hungry Hollow Farm is a convenient, local and pasture-based alternative to factory farms. The owners offer chicken, eggs, pork, beef and various vegetables for home delivery or farm pickup.

The Thistle and Bristle LLC offers ethically raised hogs, chickens and eggs from its farm in Shelton.

Nuturing Growth

Like the produce they grow and sell, farmers markets, farmers and other agribusiness entrepreneurs need proper nutrients to grow.

Along with National Farmers Market Week, the SBA is promoting its collection of resources and tools it provides to help aspiring business owners bring their dreams to reality.

A complete list of these, like the Community Navigator Pilot Program, Women’s Business Centers, Veterans Business Outreach Centers and more, can be accessed at the SBA Resource Partners website or by contacting the Economic Development Council of Mason County. Contact their team, 360-426-2276, to learn more about local and statewide assistance programs and networking opportunities that are free or low-cost to local farmers.

Growing The Next Generation Work Force

Sierra Pacific Industries (SPI) has a fully operational stud lumber mill in Shelton in the footprint of the Simpson Timber Mill in downtown Shelton. The company, which has land across the West, manages over 300,000 acres of private forestland and planted 1.3 million seedlings in 2021. The Shelton mill sources lumber from various counties in Washington, including Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Thurston, Pierce, Kitsap, and Clallam. At Sierra Pacific in Shelton, the wood products aren’t the only sustainable resource, the workforce is as well. They’ve recently taken on three high-school students from Elma High School as part of a new program that is helping to develop a pipeline from school to industry.

The Fabrication Shop onsite in Shelton is using a youth apprentice program with The Aerospace Joint Apprentice Committee (AJAC), which works to provide on-the-job experience through internships in Automation & Machinery, Clean Energy, Wood Paper, and more.

Kaleb, Brandon, and Sonny embarked on an 18-month program with full-time work over the summer and part-time during school, where they are earning a wage during the 2000 hours of hands-on job in the morning and their regular high school classes in the afternoon.

As with any new program like this, there was some hesitation on both sides. Whether these high school kids would be able to handle the actual work pressures, not to mention the responsibility of a real-work situation was a concern for all involved.

However, the respect and trust that has been placed upon the sudents in these responsibilities has caused an increase in morale and excitement. Hands-on with projects is precisely what the students wanted. Everyone from SPI to the students to AJAC has benefited from this.

Mason PUD 3

Other schools are looking to join in and gather real work experience for thir students. It's important to see how the industry works today, not just through a textbook. SPI and other industries around our region are excited tosee the impact partnerships like these can have.

Owing to the success of this program, the Sierra Pacific Foundation awarded $519,000 in scholarships to 163 students for college, university, and trade schools in the 2022-23 school year. AJAC works across the Pacific Northwest in a variety of advanced manufacturing industries.

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Olympus Rally Returns

Hardware Distillery: Finding Proof

Jeff Slakey, Tracing the Fjord Hardware Distillery in Hoodsport takes pride in small-batch hand-crafted spirits and liquors. Over the years owners, Chuck and Jan Morris have painstakingly hand-crafted added a variety of types and flavors.

On a chilly Friday morning this January, I found Chuck poring over his papers and calculators, trying to determine how much water is needed to get this latest spirit to the proper proof. It’s trial and error at this level, he told me, working with tiny drops of some of the best tasting water in the world. At that momement his job is to make sure that it hits the proof he wants so it tastes just right.

Proofing had been part of this practice since liquor was taxed. Historically there are a few different ways to test the proof of liquor. One would be a test to see if the alcohol burned off. If the liquid ignited it would be above evidence and open to be taxed; if not, it wouldn’t. Another testing method was soaking gunpowder in the spirit. Chuck uses the now standard testing method of a hydrometer.

If the end product is too strong, Chuck adds water as the hydrometer shows exactly what proof the spirit can be labeled as. For example, for a 100 proof on either the digital tester or in the tube, take half that number, which would be the percent of alcohol the spirit has, or 50%.These numbers are regulated not only by the distillers to maintain high levels of quality but also by state regulators, who use scientific equipment to determine whether or not you’re saying what you should be.

After each little pour of water, half a liter, the mix is stirred, and some will again be tested until the desired proof is achieved. "Don’t start too heavy-handed with the water," remarked Chuck, "once you’ve gone over the edge, you can’t get back there and will have to sell a lower-proof spirit.

Next time you are in Hoodsport stop by the Hardware Distillery to find your own proof on why the local waters shedding off the Olympic Mountains into Chuck's spirits have set them apart.

April 22-23 | Shelton

Olympus Rally is back in our area for another exciting, race-filled weekend on April 22 & 23, 2023.

This event goes back to the 1970s in Mason County with a reboot in the early 2000s that helped reignite the excitement as some of the top rally racers in the country come to show off their driving and drifting skills. There will still be the traditional Downtown Shelton Expo on the Saturday of the event where fans can get an up-close look at the cars and meet the racers. The Shelton Fred Meyer this year is also going to host an event Sunday morning where you can again interact with the drivers.

It takes a lot of help to put on this event. As many as 250 people volunter to monitor spectator areas, coordinate the race track, and assist drivers and team. Interested? Sign up to help on their website, www.olympusrally.com.

This family-friendly event includes top competitors from all over the world. The Olympus Rally has a rich rally history as being one of the only rallies in the U.S. to have world acclaim. It began in 1973 as part of the SCCA Pro Rally Championship and quickly became known for its long, tortuous, and twisting stages.

The Rally World was shocked recently with the passing of Ken Block, one of the nation's premier drivers and owner of the rally-themed apparel brand Hoonigan. In 2008 and 2012 Ken won Olympus Rally and Ken’s legacy on the sport will be reflected at this year's Rally and also through other races along the schedule.

State Parks opens over 300 seasonal positions

Washington State Parks is recruiting seasonal park aides to work in its beautiful outdoor places this spring, summer and fall!

Parks is looking for 305 park aides and senior park aides to work from April through September in diverse environments like old-growth forests, channeled scabland and shrub steppe, as well as on Pacific Ocean beaches and the high desert and around Puget Sound and its islands.

Park aides enjoy a variety of duties. They may register campers, maintain trails, clean campgrounds and maintain facilities. They also may staff park offices, assist visitors and help with interpretive and educational programs. Park aides work in one large park or cover an area with several small parks. Each senior park aide leads a team of park aides. Most park aides appreciate the flexibility of seasonal outdoor work and the mix of public interaction and physical labor.

This opportunity is ideal for recent high school and college graduates, retired workers looking for an encore, military veterans transitioning to civilian employment and mid-careerists taking time to reinvent themselves.

Park aides have the chance to grow with Parks, and several have gone on to success in the agency’s customer service, planning, conservation and construction departments. Former park aides also have found work in the outdoor industry, for environmental nonprofits or with other public lands agencies. For more information on positions available throughout the state, visit www.parks.wa.gov/774/Jobs.

State Parks 2023 Free Days

January 1

First Day Hikes; New Year’s Day

January 16

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

March 9 Billy Frank Junior's Birthday

March 19 State Parks’ 110th Birthday

April 22 Earth Day

June 10 National Get Outdoors Day

June 11 Free Fishing Day

June 19 Juneteenth

Sept. 23 National Public Lands Day

Oct. 10 World Mental Health Day

Nov. 11 Veterans Day

Nov. 25 Autumn Day

Weddings, Circuses and Races

Worthington Park | Quilcene a Year-Round Destination

Worthington Park in Quilcene has emerged from 2022 as a year-round destination – welcoming private and public events for every season. Families booked overnight stays at the newly opened and restored Victorian mansion over the winter holidays – and more and more visitors are seeking out the Park for unique and memorable experiences.

The “10 acres of possibilities” were extensively landscaped over the winter to host an even broader range of special private and public events.

The historically charged and elegant setting of the mansion and surrounding grounds offer couples who might be tying the knot – or those who just want an overnight retreat - an opportunity to pamper themselves in a regal setting for their big day … or night.

Visitors will enjoy expansive views of the Olympic Mountains while they enjoy their events alongside the historic barn, beside a tranquil pond or rippling river, wandering the forested trails, or dancing the night away at the Linger Longer covered pavilion. The unencumbered freedom of the meadow and surrounding grounds offers a sprawling space to entertain hundreds of guests at the foot of the mountains and minutes away from the picturesque Quilcene Bay.

While Worthington Park increasingly offers a unique experience for private events –every year it has also expanded its schedule of public events.

First up will be the third annual Gravel Unravel “gravel grinder” endurance bike race returning to the Park on June 17.

The event is produced by Peninsula Adventure Sports in partnership with Worthington Park. Gravel Unravel is a race series, with the Quilcene raceBon Jon Pass Out, the second of three races. Riders do not have to do all three, and can sign up for just one or two.

2023 Calendar Get involved with the Hood Canal Improvement Club

New to the area and hoping to meet your neighbors? There are lots of ways you can help and have fun with a great group of people!

The following is the preliminary event schedule for HCIC's events. Everyone is welcome to attend these social events for opportunities to network, volunteer and improve our local communities. For additional information contact Nancy at (206) 604-5871.

February 7, 5:30 – 7PM HCIC Kick-off

March 7, 5:30 – 7PM Speaker Series:

The Importance of Shellfish Farms

Sam Klein, Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers

April 4, 5:30 – 7PM Speaker Series:

Creating Backyard Habitat

Mason Conservation District

April 22 Earth Day Dalby Waterwheel Clean up

May 2, 5:30 – 7 PM Speaker Series: FEMA

First 72 Hours – Emergency Preparedness

May 13, 10 – 4 PM Community Market

NCCU 951 E Dably Rd, Union

June 6, 5:30 – 7 PM Speaker Series – TBA

June 17, 12 – 4 PM Fjordin’ Crossin

Hoodsport Marina, Hoodsport, WA

July 4, NO MEETING

July 8, 1 – 4 PM Union ReUnion

Alderbrook Golf & Yacht Club, Union, WA

August 1, 5:30 – 7 PM Ice Cream Social

August 13, 1 – 4 PM Dalby Waterwheel

100th Birthday Party, Hood Canale Grotto, 6871 SR 106, Union, WA

September 5, 5:30 – 7PM Speaker Series – TBA

October 3, 5:30 – 7PM Chowder Cook-off

October 7 & 8, OysterFest, Shelton, WA

Nov 7, 5:30 – 7PM, Union Story Tellers Panel

December 1 & 2 Holiday Market

NCCU, 951 E Dalby Rd, Union, WA

December 5, NO MEETING

December 10, 1 – 4PM Christmas Party at the McReavy House – 10 E 2nd , Union, WA

Activity to be held at the Union Fire Hall, 50 E Seattle Street, Union, WA

Participants can choose one of three different distances, all summiting Bon Jon Pass in the Olympic National Forest. There are seven racing categories, or participants can choose the non-competitive Gran Fondo ride. Find more at GravelUnravel.com.

Back by very popular demand in July is the Up, Up, Up circus for their third year. Founded in 2020, the troupe is a non-profit touring circus ensemble bringing their performances all over the Hood Canal region. Their stage is a flatbed truck with a hand cranked crane for aerial acts and a 100 year old baby grand piano for live music. Their whimsical and fun performances last for an hour and are geared for all ages. As in years past the circus will be followed by an outdoor movie on Linger Longer stage – free to the public. Families gather at the Park’s Linger Longer meadow for this event to be entertained for the entire afternoon and evening in a beautiful setting.

August 11 will see the return of the Annual Tasting Gala which, in partnership with local wineries, breweries, and distilleries, is held in the afternoon where visitors enjoy libations and live music under majestic shade trees alongside the historic pond. The annual Oyster Races half marathon, 10K and 5K, presented by Pacific Seafood, are also returning on September 17.

This year they have teamed up with two other nonprofit Olympic Peninsula races – the Rhody Run (May 21) and the North Olympic Discovery Marathon (3-4 June) for a series they have called Olympic Summer Running! Runners can now look forward to participating in three great summer foot races across the Peninsula in jaw-dropping locations to benefit those in need. QuilRaces.com.

The fall will also bring the very popular Sheep-2-Shawl Quilcene Fiber Festival (now scheduled for October 7) – showcasing regional fiber artists and our local wool industry. Last year’s event brought a record number of vendors and attendees and for the first time encompassed much of the Park’s ten acres. This year’s event is expected to further expand its offerings. Finally, the heart and soul of the Park, the Quilcene Historical Museum, is enjoying a refresh of its exhibits over the winter. This work has included updating the museum layout and exhibits to improve visitor appreciation of the region’s history and prepare for what promises to be another year of record visitation. The museum is open from April through September (Friday – Monday).  More details on the happenings at Worthington Park can be found at: worthingtonparkquilcene.org.

SAVE THE DATE:

June 17 |

Hoodsport, WA

Fjordin Crossin & Paddle the Canal

Hood Canal Events and The Hardware Distillery are excited to announce the 6th Annual Fjordin Crossin. It will take place this year on Saturday, June 17 at the Port of Hoodsport dock located at the Hoodsport Marina.

Fjordin Crossin is a fun family event that celebrates the old Linie Aquavit tradition of sending a barrel of Aquavit in a ship from Norway across the Equator and back to Norway. The rocking of the boat and the salt air is meant to improve the taste of the Aquavit spirit. The Hardware Distillery pays homage to that spirit by sending a barrel of its aquavit across the Hood Canal, (a Fjord), with a festive celebration.

Fjordin Crossin has been growing each year. The event begins with a parade from the distillery to the dock with the barrel of Aquavit. For the first year, the parade had only the distiller, the port maintenance engineer, and the barrel of aquavit. By the third year, the parade was led by Scandinavian fiddle and accordion musicians, followed by many participants.

Meanwhile under the pier, the adult Aquavit Garden serves cocktails on the beach as attendees await the arrival of the tide which will eventually send them to higher ground and move the events into the lively main street of Hoodsport. Also at the Grotto, Potlatch Brewing will be brewing a special Scandinavian Farm House Ale, using an old Scandinavian brewer’s recipe and Kviek, “kweek,” a specialty Scandinavian yeast.

The Procession arrives at the dock, and the Distillery launches a barrel of aged Dill Aquavit on Lee Geist’s boat, Twanoh. Traveling from Hoodsport's dock to Tahuya and back, when it returns, the Aquavit has been "Fjordin Crossin."

To celebrate the launch, Hood Canal Events sponsors a Paddle the Canal Challenge that follows the Twanoh in canoes, kayaks, SUPs and/or small sailboats. Registration fee is open to all ages and abilities. Paddle the Canal Challenge is $39. The Lady Alderbrook offers a 2-hour cruise, which departs from the Alderbrook Resort & Spa’s dock at noon, and travels toward Hoodsport. On board, Aquavit cocktails are served, and participants take in the day’s festivities from the center of the action. Spectators can purchase advance tickets from the Alderbrook Resort and Spa.

Along with other Scandinavian delights, Chef Patchen’s fire pork sandwiches are paired with Scandinavian potato salad and herring, and mushrooms with lingonberry.

This year the parking lot at the Hood Canal School District at the corner of Hwy 106 and Hwy 101 has been reserved for

transportation to the event. A small school bus will run continuously between the school and Hoodsport. The shuttle is free.

The activities at the Port will end at 3 PM, and move to Hoodsport, which we have named the “after-party.” Its sole purpose is to support the local businesses, by giving the participants an opportunity to visit, shop, and eat at our local establishments.

Be sure to visit all the many other businesses in Hoodsport that join in on the Fjordin Crossin celebration. The Fjord Oyster Bank and Welcome Center will be hosting live music and Scandinavian heritage culinary creations created by Chef Xinh Dwelley. The Hardware Distillery will be hosting their open house to celebrate the Aquavit Launch while the Potlatch Brewing Company will have their new Fjordin Crossin beer available.

For details on the event and schedule updates visit explorehoodcanal.com/fjordin.

Fjordin Schedule of Events

11:00 AM Food, libations, and vendors open at the Hoodsport Dock. For those not pre-registered, registration for Paddle the Canal is open.

12:40 PM Parade from the Hardware Distillery to the dock with the barrel of Aquavit. (parade led by Scandinavian musicians, followed by all who want to join).

1:00 PM Crossing the Fjord begins: barrel of aged Dill Aquavit rides across the fjord on the MV Twanoh. It travels from the Port of Hoodsport toward Tahuya and back, and when it returns, the Aquavit has been Fjordin Crossin.

The Paddle the Canal challenge begins. Canoes, kayaks, SUPs and/or small sailboats.  Family friendly, prizes, entry fee $39.

The MV Lady Alderbrook arrives.

2:00 PM Award ceremony and prizes for the Paddle Challengers.

3:00 PM Tide comes into the grotto; celebration moves onshore. Visit shops

4 PM – Close Live music & Oyster Party at the Fjord Oyster Bank

Literary treasures in the Fjord Oyster Bank Vault

There’s a new book stop on the Hood Canal, the Vault, located in the Fjord Oyster Bank Café, Hoodsport. This unique shopping experience is situated within the retired vault of a bank – what once held gold bars and financial capital, now keeps literary treasures and intellectual wealth. Carefully curated to provide bookish stimulus to the visiting traveler, the local coffee hound and the gourmand exploring the unique canal experience.

Saluting the wet coast ecology that is Hoodsport, there are many volumes on the local flora, fauna, and fungi. The Vault has classic guidebooks such as: Pojar and Mackinnon’s essential Plants of the Pacific Northwest (1994) as well as new favorites like Deur’s Pacific Northwest Foraging (2014) – which aids the reader in identification of edible forest delights from huckleberries to nodding onions.

For the mycologist in our midst, the Vault has essential titles on local fungi identification, harvesting and safe consumption. Do not judge Arora’s All the Rain Promises and More (1991) by its zany cover, this book is a well-researched necessary to anyone

interested in mushrooms and identifying these delicious morsels. For those more interested in the global impact of fungi, Paul Stamets’ Mycellium Running (2005) is an illuminating read. Made up of both thoughtful scientific analysis and personal observations, this book offers a compelling case for fungi as the key to human survival. A world class mycologist, Paul Stamets is passionate about growing and understanding fungi and is a well-known unique character of the Pacific Northwest. He is the founder of Shelton’s own Fungi Perfecti (fungi.com) and was featured in Louie Schwartzberg’s 2019 film Fabulous Fungi (available on Netflix).

If you are interested in understanding more about the traditional cultural-botanical heritage of the Olympic Peninsula, Gifted Earth: the Ethnobotany of the Quinault and Neighboring Tribes (2021) presents a fresh and innovative approach. Gifted Earth was created in partnership between Deur and the Knowledge-Holders of the Quinault Indian Nation. Although the Quinault are located on the west coast of the Olympic Peninsula the Knowledge-Holders have familial connections throughout the penin-

sula and many of the plants discussed may be found along Hood Canal. Gifted Earth could be described as a guidebook, but it is much more – it delves into the fascinating intersections of indigenous ways of doing and being and the plant-world. It includes Indigenous plant names next to the English and Latin and careful descriptions about harvest, sustainable management, and the medicinal and cultural role each plant plays. This book makes an excellent more localized companion to Kimmerer’s internationally recognized Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants (2013).

Stewart’s Cedar: Tree of Life to the Northwest Coast Indians (1995) is a favorite at the Vault. Although outdated in some of its terminology (i.e., Indian), Stewart’s illustrations and careful explanation of Indigenous traditional methods of harvesting and using cedar products is engaging. Cedar bark, roots and timber were worked with only stone, bone, and shell tools or fire by Native Americans to create nearly

everything necessary to flourish on the west coast including clothing, rope, kitchen ware, canoes, and housing.

The photographs and the well-researched stories of From the Hands of a Weaver: Olympic Peninsula Basketry through Time (2014) (edited by Jacilee Wray) make an excellent introduction to the traditional weavers of the Olympic Peninsula. Each chapter is contributed by a leading expert in the field. Covering issues such as the rise of the basket collector trade and the poaching of bear grass and other weaving materials to close analyses of weavers and their weaving techniques– this volume is a great primer to both the interested amateur and the dedicated researcher. Anthropologists Thompson and Marr provide the chapter on the Hood Canal’s Native American weavers: The heritage of Twana basket making. This book is a great adjunct to a viewing of the beautiful and intricate basketry on display at the Skokomish Tribal Community Center (located on Highway 101).

If you are looking for fewer pictures and more words, The Vault has plenty of local novels to give you literary escape. Ken Kesey, Tom Robins and Jack Hodgins secured the Pacific Northwest as a mecca of Magic Realism and Port Townsend’s own Jack Caddy, (and winner of Nebula, Phillip K. Dick, World Fantasy, and the Bram Stoker awards!) just provides more concretion to that fact. The Hauntings of Hood Canal (2001) is an uncanny novel set in a small fictional town on the Hood Canal. With revenge, murder cover-ups and a supernatural force in the canal that demands retribution – this book is magic realism with a dash of horror.

Jim Lynch’s 2006 The Highest Tide is a lyrical coming of age story about the difficulties of growing up geek and the solace of the ever-changing tidal flats. Packed with detailed descriptions of sea life as important metaphor to the changes in the life of the protagonist, (Miles O'Malley) this book is one of those gems that you want to highlight and save.

If mystery is more your thing, Olsen’s new thriller Lying Next To Me (2023) is sure to please. Set on the Hood Canal, there are elements of Flynn’s Gone Girl (2012) as a husband witnesses the abduction of his wife and their fragile marriage and private life are put under investigation.

Next up, no self-respecting Pacific Northwest bookstore would be complete without a copy of the iconic and enduring memoir of M. Wylie Blanchet, The Curve of Time (1962). Canadian travel writer Blanchet presents vignettes of summertime boating excursions with her five children (and sometimes dog) up the Inside Passage of British Columbia during the 1920s and 1930s. Not simply a travelogue, Blanchet describes the book as "neither a story nor a log; it is just an account of many long sunny summer months, during many years when the children were young and old enough to take on camping holidays up the coast of British Columbia.” As a single mother widowed in 1926 when her husband was mysteriously lost at sea, the adventures in this book are a remarkable testament to overcoming grief. However, grief is not what colors the passages – instead wonder in the natural beauty of the coast is the undercurrent that drives the writing. This book is lauded as a great literary maritime masterpiece, and it is perfect to be read when you are on your own Northwest adventure.

Above is only a taste of the books loved at the Vault. Oh yes, they have quite a TASTE for seafood cookbooks and oyster manuals too at the Vault – but those did not make this review. Additionally, beautiful children’s books (Maurice Sendak anyone?) and philosophies are also available – but you’ll have to come look for yourself! Embrace the rain and enjoy a book.

Hood Canal Communications believes everyone should have fast reliable internet and participates in the Affordable Connectivity Program. ACP is a federal government program providing qualifying households a discount of up to $30, $75 on tribal lands, off their monthly internet service.

To learn more and apply visit

A town trapped inAmber port townsend local seaport

Known as ‘Key City,’ the ‘New York of the West Coast,’ and that place where Richard Gere trained for the navy (in the 1981 An Officer and a Gentleman), Port Townsend has a colorful past of boom and bust, and boom and bust again. Once the second most populous port on the Pacific Northwest, this town has experienced high hopes and deep disappointments. Today, its rich and checkered history adds flavor making it a great place to spend a day shopping, eating and exploring near the fjord.

Story by Stella Wenstob

ABOVE

The Clam Cannery,1873

BELOW

The docks and harbor feature active boat building and plenty of antique vessels in restoration.

ABOVE AND BELOW

Port Townsend hosts plenty of shops including mercantiles, books, toys and high end gifts and galleries along Water St. and surrounding areas.

BELOW

Vintage by Port Townsend Wineries is located in the Clapp Building. Built by Cyrus F. Clapp in approximately 1885, it first housed Peyser Brother Dry Goods. This was followed by the Merchants Bank operated by Feuerbach and Clapp. Clapp was a major investor in the Port Townsend & Southern Railroad, after that venture failed the building had a variety of uses, but mostly it was a saloon. According to the Jefferson County Historical Society there was a 1930s sign found in a later renovation of the Clapp building that stated: “Dancing on Mill Pay Days Only.”

Birth of a Seaport

During the 1850s Port Townsend served as the official Port of Entry for the Puget Sound Customs District as its sheltered bay was a perfect stopping place for shipping into Southern Puget Sound. The gradual replacement of sail by steam power in the 1870s and 1880s allowed vessels freedom from the contrary winds of Puget Sound and made the staging port unnecessary. No longer the “key” to Puget Sound, now ships that did not need to check in with customs could steam right past Port Townsend on their way to Southern Puget Sound.

Promises of a western terminus for the new continental railway served as a recurring disappointment for the little town as various schemes were dashed. The Northern Pacific Railroad chose Tacoma in 1873 as its terminus. Port Townsend’s own Port Townsend & Southern Railroad ran out of money after laying only one mile of track in 1889. After Washington got its statehood later in 1889, the Union Pacific offered to link Port Townsend along the Hood Canal to Olympia, if the town raised $100,000 and granted them the rights of way and franchise of the Port Townsend & Southern Railroad. All this was accomplished, but by November of 1890 the railway was bankrupt again. They managed to lay the rail to Quilcene at the foot of Mount Walker, which according to historian Steve Hauff in a Peninsula Daily News interview (2011): “somebody noticed that Mount Walker was there. They found there was really no way to get around this, and that was the end of it.” The Quilcene rail line ran for many years, but the dream of a western terminus was never realized for Port Townsend.

Romanesque Architecture

The years of speculation and hope that the dream of a railroad brought was the stimulus for the construction of some of Port Townsend’s most iconic buildings. The Jefferson County Courthouse, the Custom’s House and Post Office and the City Hall which was converted to Jefferson County Historical Society Museum in 1951.

All three buildings were built in the Richardson Romanesque style with carved stonework, towers, and steep gabled copper roofs. Unfortunately, the City Hall lost its elaborate Richardson Romanesque style roof in a winter storm, and it was rebuilt with a flat roof. Likewise, the Post Office has had its roof replaced several times each time alternating between copper and slate. The strong winds of Port Townsend forced the Washington Street entrance of the Post Office to be permanently close. Located above this entrance are Corinthian style stone carvings that feature portraits of the S’Klallam chief Chetzemoka, his two wives, See-hem-itza and Chill-lil, and his older brother, S’Hai-ak. Chetzemoka was an important chief in the early settlement of Port Townsend, maintaining peace amongst the early settlers who called him the “Duke of York” as they had difficulty pronouncing his S’Klallam name. Unfortunately, these buildings were finished just as Port Townsend was hitting its first major slump.

The town had been precariously built on the prospect of a trading port – as its special drier climate (under the rain shadow of the Olympics) made its agricultural prospects limited and logging was never established (Southern Puget Sound’s ports filled the forestry gap already).

With the advent of steam, the dissolution of railway dreams, and in 1911 the loss of the Port of Entry status for Customs to Seattle, Port Townsend was barely propped up by the navy presence at Fort Worden (established in 1902).

It was not until 1927, with the establishment of a kraft-paper plant at Glen Cove by the National Paper Products Company (a Zellerbach Corporation) that a steady opportunity for employment allowed Port Townsend to grow again.

From then on, the town has steadily developed, but it has not experienced again a rabid boom like the railroad craze of the 1880s.

Many historians argue that besides the lucky absence of fire, the busts in the economy protected the celebrated Victorian architecture. Nothing was torn down to make way for new developments – leading many to describe Port Townsend as a town trapped in amber.

Now there are heritage conservation societies behind the scenes that tirelessly work to showcase the remarkably persevered architecture and to ensure further development is kept within the special aesthetic that is Port Townsend.

"Nothing was torn down to make way for new developments – leading many to describe Port Townsend as a town trapped in amber.

The Clam Cannery. The 6,482-square-foot building dates to 1873. It is now a private residence.

Dosewallips River Road

Craig Romano | Author

Hike Overview

Distance: 13.4 miles roundtrip

Elevation Gain: 1300 feet High Point: 1600 feet

Difficulty: moderate Snow free: year round

Trailhead Pass Needed: None,

Notes: open to bikes, dogs allowed on leash (but prohibited on radiating trails in Olympic National Park)

GPS waypoints: Trailhead: N47 44.508 W123 02.902

Dosewallips Campground: N47 44.249 W123 09.991

Features: Historic CCC road, kid-friendly, dog friendly, waterfalls, rhododendron, walk-in campgrounds.

Trailhead directions: From Shelton, drive north on US 101 for 41 miles turning left (one mile beyond state park) onto the Dosewallips Road. (From Quilcene, drive south on US 101 for 11.0 miles to Brinnon turning right at Milepost 306 onto the Dosewallips Road). Then continue for 8.5 miles to trailhead at the site of a washout.. It might be necessary to park here—or if passable, continue another 1.2 miles to trailhead (elev. 600 feet) Trailhead facilities: none

Built by the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) in the 1930s, the Dosewallips River Road follows the crashing waterway up a narrow canyon to a placid bench graced by towering firs and showy rhododendrons. One of only two road accesses to Olympic National Park from the east; the “Dose” road leads to a river side campground, ranger station and trailhead for several trails traveling deeper into the Olympic wilderness. In 2002 the river, swollen and raging from heavy rainfall, swept away a huge stretch of the road placing its fate into limbo. You’ll probably never be able to drive this stretch of road again. But you can explore it by foot or by bicycle and enjoy and admire the beauty and power of the wild Dosewallips River.

Hit the Trail

Before 2002, the Dosewallips Road provided car access to two wonderful river side campgrounds and several trails leading deep into the Olympic National Park wilderness. A couple of easy hikes could be made too from road’s end.

When the raging river washed out a chunk of road in the Olympic National Forest, it soon became apparent that repairing the road would not be an easy task. The narrow valley, unstable slopes and shifting river would require some serious funding and permitting to reopen the road.

And while initially, pubic officials and many recreationists were supportive of reopening the road, other recreationists and several environmental groups supported permanently converting the road to trail.

More than 20 years later the road’s fate remains in limbo and appears it will probably never be reopened to vehicles again. On the other hand a full conversion to trail has never taken place either. An obvious place to start would be to actually build an official trailhead with facilities and perhaps even a car campground to replace the two that were lost. Complicating things further was that the remaining open stretch of road leading up to the main washout was left to deteriorate. A side creek has washed out a section of the road making the walk to the old Dosewallips Campground even farther.

Nevertheless, beyond the washouts the road remains in decent shape for hiking,

running or mountain biking. And while stretches can feel like a slog through forest and away from the river, there are sections that are pretty with views of the crashing river—including a breathtaking waterfall.

You can catch some nice glimpses of towering peaks along the way, too. And with a bicycle you can cover the old road stretch to the old campground and then continue hiking on wilderness trails if you want to get deeper and farther into the wilderness.

Start walking the road west, passing a rocky washed out section. Pass the trailhead for the brutally tough way to Tunnel Creek. After 1.2 flat miles come to the large 2002 washout that wiped out a huge hunk of road. The alders began colonizing that patch of disturbed slope 20 years ago.Head right on a slide bypass trail that was built by the WTA.

Kayak & SUP Rentals and Tours

Waterfall Tours

Mushroom & Native Plant Tours

Tourist Information & Outdoors Gift Shop

Steeply climb 100-plus feet on the bank above the slide. Descend 100' reaching the road bed after 0.4 mile. Then start walking up the road along the churning river. Notice how fast vegetation has reclaimed the road bed. The road soon pulls away from the river and comes to a junction at 2.5 miles. The road-trail to the left leads to the Olympic National Forest Service’s old Elkhorn Campground. You can camp here without a permit.

The Dose road trail continues right and resumes climbing. The river is now far below in a canyon out of sight, but it can be heard crashing and churning in the distance. After passing beneath some ledges and crossing a cascading creek, enter the scorched remains of a forest from a 2009 lightning-caused fire. At just over 5 miles enter Olympic National Park.

Next cross Constance Creek before coming to the Lake Constance Trail, one of the toughest trails in the Olympics. The road then continues climbing, passing a big overhanging boulder along the way. After a short descent the road skirts beneath a big ledge before coming to the hike’s highlight—a dramatic 100' plus waterfall. Now steeply climb aside the raging cascade admiring its hydrological force—especially during autumn and winter rains.

Beyond the cataract the road takes on a much gentler course entering a hanging valley. The river flows gently here too, now emitting soothing sounds. At 6.7 miles reach the old Dosewallips Campground— where you can also camp without a permit. Set in a grassy flat shaded by big maples and frequented by docile deer, this is a great spot to spend the night, take a lunch break, or just sit and contemplate the surrounding beauty.

If you still have some energy left you can continue hiking on the 1.1 mile Dosewallips Terrace Nature Trail Loop or continue up the rhododendron-lined Dosewallips Trail (dogs prohibited on both trails) for a short distance. If you are planning on backpacking beyond, be sure to secure your wilderness (overnight) permit beforehand. Otherwise start heading back. If you biked in, enjoy a fairly long stretch of downhill cruising!

Land Agency Contact: Olympic National Forest, Hood Canal Ranger District, Quilcene, (360) 7652200, http://www.fs.usda.gov/olympic; and Olympic National Park, Wilderness Information Center, (360) 565-3100, www.nps.gov/olym

Recommended Guidebook: Day Hiking Olympic Peninsula 2nd edition (Romano, Mountaineers Books).

THINGS TO DO FALLS TO FISHING

45

MAP/LODGING SHELTON & KAMILCHE

48

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.

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

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.

MAP/LODGING HOOD CANAL AREA

49-55

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.

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.

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.

MOTORSPORTS

The 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.

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.

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.

TASTING YOUR WAY AROUND THE CANAL & SOUND

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

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!

RIDE THE RAILS

May through October experience nature and history pedaling the timber rail on a 2- hour quadricycle excursion.

vancecreekrailriders.com

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

PHOTO: TOBY TAHJA-SYRETT

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 (360) 898-2560 | Union alderbrookgolf.com

Par 72 course follows natural contours. Restaurant, lounge & proshop onsite.

LAKE CUSHMAN GOLF (360) 877-5505 | Hoodsport lakecushmangolfcourse.com

In the Olympic Mountain forest, this 9-hole course plays a challenging 18 holes.

LAKE LIMERICK GOLF (360) 426-6290 | Shelton lakelimerick.com

The gentle hills make this a challenging round of golf. Restaurant & pro shop.

LAKELAND VILLAGE (360) 275-6100 | Allyn lakelandliving.com

With views of the Olympics and Mount Rainier, the 27-hole course has world class dining.

SALISH CLIFFS GOLF (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.

SHELTON DISC GOLF

masoncountydiscgolf.com

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

CRUISE THE HOOD

Explore

SCUBA DIVING

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

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

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.

SHELTON

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.” Dubbed CHRISTMASTOWN, USA, since 1962, Shelton successfully won the Guinness World Record for Most Lit Christmas Trees in 2019.

SHELTON AREA LODGING

GET YOUR RACE ON

FOREST ROOTS

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

LakeCushman

ALLYN

Waterfront park features gazebo and lawns, play area, and beach access. NO FEE/PASS

POTLATCH STATE PARK

Longest stretch of PUBLIC BEACH in Mason County with shellfish, kayaking, and Hood Canal water access.

DISCOVER PASS REQUIRED

HUNTER FARMS

Farm Market, seasonal events; Visitor Center

HARSTINE ISLAND TRAIL

300 acres to explore EASY 1.5 mile, beach DISCOVER PASS

SHELTON VISITOR CENTER

TO GO: Red Caboose on Railroad Avenue information, handouts, and maps

ISABELLA LAKE TRAILS

EASY 2.5 mile loop, rolling meadows

TO GO: Hwy 101 exit at SR#3 to Golden Pheasant Rd, right on Delight Park Rd. DISCOVER PASS

TAYLOR SHELLFISH STORE

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

SQUAXIN ISLAND TRIBE MUSEUM

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

SCHAFER STATE PARK TRAIL

Trails, interpretive center, swimming, fishing.

TO GO: 12 miles north of Elma on the East Fork of the Satsop River. The park is also accessible via the Brady exit from Hwy 12.

DISCOVER PASS REQUIRED

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

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

HOPE ISLAND STATE PARK

106 acre park reachable only by water. 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

THE KENNEDY CREEK SALMON TRAIL

Chum salmon are on view as they make their way up river

TOPOGRAPHY: flat, viewing platforms, interpretive signs

TO GO: Hwy 101, Old Olympic Hwy; weekends, seasonally. NO FEE/ PASS

STAIRCASE | OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK

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.

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

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).

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

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

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

HAMMA HAMMA

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.

HAMA HAMA STORE

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

EAGLE CREEK

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

WILDERNESS PERMIT REQUIRED FOR CAMPING

DEWATTO BAY Beach with dramatic view of the Olympics; excellent photography destination. Lots of ripe berries in late summer.

TO GO: Belfair-Tahuya Rd to Dewatto Rd, 4 miles.

SERVICES AT PORT OF DEWATTO CAMPGROUND

TAHUYA STATE FOREST

23,100 acre forest provides open spaces for sightseeing, camping, nature study, fishing, hiking,horse, ATV, ORV, and biking. A “working forest” trail may be closed due to forest management activities.

TOPOGRAPHY deep woods

TO GO: Hwy 300/Belfair

Tahuya Rd, 1.1 mile.

DISCOVER PASS

MENARD’S LANDING

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

VISITOR CENTER/ BELFAIR LICENSING

TO GO: On Hwy 3 in Belfair

HOODSPORT VISITOR CENTER

TO GO: Located just off Hwy 101 in Hoodsport – information, handouts, maps

PASSES FOR PURCHASE

SkokomishValleyRd

PASSES FOR PURCHASE Park/ vehicle/vessel/fishing/hunting northmasonchamber.com

DALBY

WATERWHEEL

TO GO: SR#106

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

CANAL SPIRIT

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

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.

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.

DIVE DEEPER

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.

WEST HOOD CANAL LODGING

ALLYN/ BELFAIR/UNION LODGING

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

The area features quaint shops, a variety of restaurants, and beach parks.

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 points for your kayaks.

ALLYN & GRAPEVIEW enjoy gorgeous views of the protected harbor waters of Case Inlet. The area features quaint shops, waterfront lodging,

and beach parks.

the Grapeview area hosts the Water and Art Festival, a day-long event featuring entertainment and juried artists.

ITINERARY 5: BELFAIR AREA

TAKE A WALK ON BOARDWALK

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

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

TAKE TO THE TRAILS

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

FJORD WELCOME CENTER

24341 N US Hwy 101, Hoodsport, WA

FREE Conceirge Service: maps, lodging, dining & hikes information (360) 877-2102

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

Season Opening May 20, 2023

EXPERIENCE the other side of the tracks

Opening day for Vance Creek Railriders 2023 Season is May 20.

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.

The rails are part of a former logging track built by the Simpson Timber Company, so along with clacking past serene wooded scenery and crossing creeks lined with ferns, the 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. 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 road to Camp 1. You will soon find yourself at Vance Creek Railriders' office.

Arrive thirty minutes early for a briefing before getting settled in your seats. As you pedal the multi-seat "railrider" along the track you will see old growth and new forests as well as meadows teeming with wild flowers and maybe even a glimpse of some wildlife – although the cheering, laughter, and rail clacking may put them on the alert. The route follows Goldsborough Creek and returns up a gradual grade.

Despite the 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 wiggle worms can use a car seat. Visit the Vance Creek’s FAQ page for answers to common questions.

Be sure to dress in layers as you will travel wooded areas where it can go from shade to sun in an instant. Also bring snacks and 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 20 with daily departures of the 2-hour excursion Thursday through Monday. As mentioned, be sure to arrive 30 minutes early to check in and hear the safety briefing.

With limited seating capacity, 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.

ShrimpFest rebrands as Hood Canal Fjord Fest

ShrimpFest was started in 1993 by volunteers to celebrate the local Hood Canal spotted shrimp harvest while raising funds to support local nonprofits. In its 30 years, it has been through both prosperous and challenging times.

Inflation specifically has been a challenge for ShrimpFest in recent years – driving the cost of shrimp to a record high. The inability to meet shrimp demands during ShrimpFest has brought the festival’s name into question.

The ShrimpFest board and volunteers determined that celebrating other favorites like oysters, clams, crab, fish, mushrooms, and local farm produce as well as shrimp, will ease the burden of rising costs while preserving the spirit of ShrimpFest.

Showcasing music, artists and crafters, the mission is to create a sustainable event that will continue to support and highlight the local community for years to come.

The dedicated volunteers working to keep this local treasure alive look for your support during this rebranding transition. If you are interested in being a part of Fjord Fest, join them at the Brinnon Community Center on the second Monday of each month until June at 6:30pm.

As they rebrand the event, homage is paid to the founders and volunteers whose hard work has established an amazing event to build upon for the community.

We look forward to seeing you all at the new “Hood Canal Fjord Fest," May 27-28 in Brinnon. Details? Visit fjordfest.org.

~ $10

Come experience the essence of the Hood Canal! Fjord Fest, previously Shrimpfest, will feature local music, arts & crafts, kids activities and local flavors that highlight all our region has to offer! kids under 12 & military free

Jeff Slakey, Tracing the Fjord

The way climbs a little hump before making a gradual descent toward the river. While the surrounding forest can be dark at times, come spring hundreds of trilliums line the way adding whites, pinks, and purples to the emerald landscape.

in has helped grow their reputation of a high-quality food establishment. Besides the daily operation of Smokin Mo's on Grove Street with teattached brewey, one of the main sources of their revenue comes from catering which is why the partnership with The Ridge works on so many levels.

You will know Mo as a long time restaurant owner in Shelton, and before that Union. Along with her husband Tom, Mo have owned and run Smoking Mo’s in Shelton for many years. More recently the couple started a small brewery as well, the High Steel Beer Company.

The Bebens are no stranger to hard-work and a fast paced environment. Cooking is their passion and sharing their various BBQ recipes with those who’ve come

Smoking Mo's & the Ridge Motorsports Park –high performance partnership

Soon the Duckabush River’s roar becomes more audible. During the wetter months it is quite loud. You are almost there. The trail makes a short steep drop and emerges along the banks of the Duckabush. A short distance beyond reach the famed fishing spot. Here the river crashes and thunders through a narrow rocky chasm to a deep pool. Frothy gurgling waters crash up against the narrow cleft. Be sure to keep children and dogs nearby while admiring this landmark.

When The Ridge general manager, Tracie Schmitt, looks over their annual race schedule, she sees the potential for tens of thousands of people to come through The Ridge gates and offering these guests high quality food is part of her formula.

When the sun is shining, its ray reach this spot, providing a little warmth and light and providing a nice contrast to the dark and damp surrounding forest.

When these supercars and superbikes come to town, Tracie knows that not just any meal will satisfy the riders. It was time to form a partnership with a high caliber food caterer.

Looking into possible candidates with the Mason County EDC, they quickly saw Smoking Mo’s as a place to start the conversation. In no time, Tracie and Mo found themselves agreeing on a beneficialcatering partnership at the Ridge.

Chinook salmon, chum salmon, pink salmon, coho salmon, and steelhead trout still ply the Duckabush’s waters. And while their numbers are a fraction of what they were back in Finch’s time, fishing (be sure to check regulations and seasons) is still allowed and can be good on the Duckabush. And perhaps you have a favorite fishing hole on this river or another in the national forest. A secret spot you don’t have to reveal to anyone!

The Performance Center can host over one hundred people for catered events and it’s also available for VIP access during The Ridge’s national events that come to the area like MotoAmerica. Now guests will be assured that Mo's will be overseeing the quality of their catered events.

Additional Details

Land Agency Contact: Olympic National Forest, Hood Canal Ranger District, Quilcene, (360) 765-2200, www.fs.usda. gov/olympic; and Olympic National Park, Wilderness Information Center, (360)565-3100, nps.gov/olym

Recommended Guidebook: Day Hiking Olympic Peninsula 2nd edition (Romano, Mountaineers Books)

This spring and summer, make time to head out to The Ridge MotorSports Park to watch some high speed action and get some high quality food with The Ridge and Smoking Mo’s – a High Performance partnership.

It’s hard to work when there is so much going on around the track – a struggle Monica “Mo” Beben has now realized since joining the Ridge MotorSports Park to manage their full service café.

TACOMA

FUEL

53 Country Store (360) 898-7400

1031 E McReavy Rd, Union | Texaco Gas

32 Hood Canal Outfitters (360) 877-9444

24171 Hwy 101, Hoodsport

45 Twin Totems Store (360) 427-9099

19390 Hwy 101, Skokomish | Shell Gas

GROCERY

4 Brinnon General Store (360) 796-4400

306413 US-101, Brinnon

9 Hama Hama Oyster Co. (888) 877-5844

35846 Hwy 101, Lilliwaup

47 Hunter Farms (360) 426-2222

1921 E SR 106, Union

36 IGA Grocery Store (360) 877-9444

24151 Hwy 101, Hoodsport

10 Lilliwaup Store (360) 877-0002

28621 Hwy 101, Hoodsport

50 Union City Market (360) 898-3500

5101 E State Route 106, Union | year round

DINING

LODGING

58 Alderbrook Resort & Spa (360) 898-2200

7101 E SR 106, Union

57 Cameo Boutique Cottages (360) 490-7006

130 NE Dulalip Landing, Belfair

20 Dow Creek Resort (360) 877-5022

2670 N. Lake Cushman Road, Hoodsport

14 Glen Ayr Resort, Motel & RV Park (360) 877-9522 | 25381 Hwy 101, Hoodsport

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

5 Hood Canal Vacation Homes (360) 796-3450

vacationhomesonhoodcanal.com

8 Mike’s Beach Resort & Iliana's Glamping Village (360) 877-5324 | 38470 Hwy 101, Hoodsport

SEATTLE

13 Rest-A-While RV Park (360) 877-9474 27001 Hwy 101, Hoodsport

52 Robin Hood Village (360) 898-2163 6780 SR 106, Union

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

17 Skokomish Park at Lake Cushman (360) 877-5760 | 7211 N Lake Cushman Rd, Hoodsport

64 Summer Tide Resort & Marina (360) 275-9313, 15781 NE North Shore Road, Tahuya

WINE & SPIRITS

57 Cameo Boutique & Wine Shop

(360) 898-3200 | 6871 E SR 106, Union

41 Hoodsport Winery & Tasting Room

(360) 877-9508 | N 23501 Hwy 101, Hoodsport

63 Mosquito Fleet Winery

(360) 710-8788 | 21 NE Old Belfair Hwy, Belfair

34 Stottle Winery Tasting Room

(360) 877-2247 | 24180 Hwy 101, Hoodsport

28 The Hardware Distillery & Tasting Room

51 2 Margaritas Restaurant (360) 898-2462

5121 E SR 106, Union

61 Alderbrook Clubhouse Grille

(360) 898-2560 | 330 Country Club Dr E, Union

58 Alderbrook Resort & Spa

(360) 898-5500 | 7101 E SR 106, Union

39 El Puerto de Angeles Restaurant

(360) 877-5921 | 24080 Hwy 101, Hoodsport

24 The Fjord Oyster Bank

tracingthefjord.com | 24341 Hwy 101, Hoodsport

6 Geoduck Family Restaurant

(360) 796-4430 | 307103 US-101, Brinnon

9 Hama Hama Oyster Co.

(888) 877-5844 | 35846 Hwy 101, Lilliwaup

25 Hoodsport Coffee Co.

(360) 877-6732 | 24240 Hwy 101, Hoodsport

26 Model T Pub & Eatery (360) 877-9883

24281 Hwy 101, Hoodsport

46 NorthFork Grill (360) 877-2300

Lucky Dog Casino, 19330 Hwy 101, Skokomish

7 Pleasant Harbor Marina Resort

(360) 796-4611 | 308913 US-101, Brinnon

23 The Burger Stand (360) 877-6122

24311 Hwy 101, Hoodsport

12 The Tides Family Restaurant

(360) 877-8921 | 27061 Hwy 101, Hoodsport

55 Union Square Deli & Espresso

(360) 898-3354 | 310 E Dalby Rd, Suite 100, Union

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

42 The Waterfront at Potlatch (360) 877-9422 | 21660 Hwy 101, Hoodsport

INFO

9 Brinnon Visitor’s Center (360) 796-4350 306144 US-101, Brinnon

24 The Fjord Oyster Bank Welcome Center tracingthefjord.com | 24341 Hwy 101, Hoodsport

21 Hoodsport Visitor Info (800) 576-2021 (360) 877-2021 | 150 N Lk Cushman Rd, Hoodsport

55 Hunter Farms Visitor Center (360) 426-2222 1921 E SR 106, Union

SHOPPING

57 Cameo Boutique & Wine Shop (360) 898-3200 | 6871 E SR 106, Union

32 Hood Canal Outfitters (360) 877-9444 24171 Hwy 101, Hoodsport

48 Kari’s Collectibles (360) 898-0277 4941 E SR 106, Union

27 Laurie’s Gift & Liquor (360) 877-5252 24230 Hwy 101, Hoodsport

35 Octopus Garden Jewelry (360) 877-5530 24202 Hwy 101, Hoodsport

(206) 300-0877 | 24210 Hwy 101, Hoodsport

31 Potlatch Brewing Company

(360) 877-2391 | 24180 Hwy 101, Hoodsport

BANK

56 Our Community Credit Union (OCCU) (800) 426-5657 | 320 E Dalby Rd, Ste A, Union

POST OFFICES

Brinnon 144 Brinnon Ln, Brinnon

Hoodsport 76 N Lake Cushman Rd, Hoodsport

Lilliwaup 8621 Hwy 101, Lilliwaup Union 310 E Dalby Rd, Union

Our Local Bivalves

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.

MANILA LITTLENECK CLAM (NOT NATIVE)

Up to 2.5”, oblong shell, Color can vary—typically gray,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.

BUTTER CLAM

Up to 5”, shell with concentric rings (no radiating ridge lines), Yellow to gray/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.

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.

PACIFIC OYSTERS (NOT NATIVE)

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

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.

MUSSELS

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.

GEODUCK

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,

MASON COUNTY'S BEACH shellfish

Forage on Washington’s Wild Side.

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

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 and osprey. Overnight RV camping permitted; no restrooms.

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

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 BEACH PARK

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

OYSTERFEST

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.

WALKER PARK

Beach access, playground, restrooms, picnic shelter 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.

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.

EAGLE

Expansive beach property signs. Warm enough Parking across

BEACH AND map

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

DEWATTO BAY

CHECK. CHILL. COOK.

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.

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.

CREEK

beach when tide is out, obey signs. Excellent oyster beach. enough for swimming in summer. across from Eagle Creek Saloon.

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

BELFAIR STATE PARK

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

MENARD’S LANDING

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

ALLYN

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

TWANOH STATE PARK

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

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.

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

NORTH BAY

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.

ALLYN DAY

JULY 17 | Allyn, WA

Enjoy vendors, wine and beer garden, and live music - one day revised event. allyntown.com

Local Seafood

Here are a few locations that serve Hood Canal & South Puget Sound seafood on their menus.

Bistro at Lakeland Village

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

Boat House Restaurant

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

Restaurant at Alderbrook 10 E Alderbrook Dr, Union (360) 898-2200

Smoking Mo’s 233 S. 1st St, Shelton (360) 462-0163

HOPE ISLAND STATE PARK

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.

CHELSEA FARMS OYSTER BAR

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

Burger Claim & More 24171 WA 3, Belfair (360) 277-5141

The Fjord Oyster Bank

24341 N US Hwy 101, Hoodsport (360) 877-2102

Hama Hama Oyster Saloon 35846 US-101, Lilliwaup (360) 877-5811

Hook & Fork

5101 E State Route 106, Union (360) 898-3500

Model T Pub & Eatery

24281 N US 101, Hoodsport (360) 877-9883

Spencer Lake Bar & Grill 1180 E Pickering Rd, Shelton (360) 426-2505

Squaxin Island Seafood Bar 91 West State Route 108, Shelton (360) 432-7120

Taylor Station

62 SE Lynch Rd, Shelton (360) 426-8501

Tides Family Restaurant 27061 US-101, Hoodsport (360) 877-8921

DNR 24/GRAPEVIEW, DNR beach clams and oysters open all year. Access by boat only.

HAMA HAMA OYSTER SALOON