Quilcene & Brinnon The small towns of Quilcene and Brinnon are nestled among the trees near Olympic National Forest (p. 57). These “Emerald Towns” offer wonderful outdoor recreational opportunities and other fun things to do. You will find good camping, boating, scuba diving, fishing, bird-watching, fairs and festivals, shopping, food and lodging. Their visitor centers are a good place to start if you’re planning a visit. In Quilcene, the North Hood Canal Visitors Center is at 295142 U.S. Highway 101, 360-765-4999. In Brinnon, the Brinnon Visitors Center is at 306144 U.S. Highway 101, 360-796-4350. Some campsites are in the seclusion of quiet forests, while others are adjacent to or within easy walking distance of Hood Canal and the four main rivers that flow out of the Olympic Mountains to Hood Canal — the Big Quilcene, Dosewallips, Duckabush and Hamma Hamma. Accommodations, from well-appointed cabins to lodges to B&Bs, also are available. For those looking to get some fishing in, the Big Quilcene River, Duckabush River, Tarboo Lake, Leland Lake, Pleasant Harbor and Indian George Beach are great places to cast a line. There are five public or private boat launch ramps from Quilcene to Triton Cove, south of Brinnon, and three marinas. Consider Homeport Marina and Pleasant Harbor Marina, both in Brinnon. While exploring the beaches, riverbanks and forest roads or trails, visitors can observe an abundance of wildlife including a variety of bird species, seals and perhaps one of the several bands of majestic elk that roam throughout Brinnon’s Dosewallips and Duckabush valleys. The Emerald Towns are well known for their oysters and clams. There’s an abundance of clams and treasured Quilcene and Dabob Bay oysters for you to enjoy, and you can gather your own shellfish in season here! If you want to collect your own oysters on the shore, it is advised that you bring proper shucking tools, sturdy gloves for safety and scrub brushes. Be careful where you collect them; most tidelands in Hood Canal are private. Most beaches will have rules and identification guides clearly posted along with emergency rule changes. Oysters are usually open to harvesting from mid-July to mid-September. Please familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations before harvesting (p. 18). Otherwise, check any of the local eateries, and you will surely find delicious fresh oysters on the menu. Visit emeraldtowns.com for more.
Counterclockwise from top: The Big Quilcene River is a great fishing spot for coho. Dosewallips State Park’s glacial river slopes down to a shell-strewn delta on Hood Canal. Leland Lake is a relaxing spot. Oyster harvesting is best through mid-July.
Port Ludlow
For water lovers, rent kayaks from Port Ludlow Marina on calm days or try power Port Ludlow is a residential and recreboating, fishing or windsurfing. ational community built around the shores Explore the gravelly shores at low tide at of Ludlow Bay. Shine Tidelands, a state park property next The natural environment and developed to the Hood Canal Bridge. facilities offer hikes on wooded trails and Stop and eat at one of the quaint restaurants available. Check out the local paths, clam digs along the beach, drives through scenic countryside, oyster harvests, theater group, The Ludlow Village Players, too (ludlowvillageplayers.org)! bicycling and jogging.
36 OLYMPIC PENINSULA VISITORS GUIDE • SUMMER 2018