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Recreation in Mason County Washington


Beachcombing
Shellfish Gathering
Walking & Biking
ORV Trail Riding
Golfing
Hiking


Recreation By Land —


Beachcombing...

Beach combing is one of the simplest, yet most fascinating, recreational sports for all. Interesting shells, weathered and twisted driftwood, old intact bottles or pottery, and Japanese glass fishing floats––though increasingly rare––are all potential “finds” for the avid beachcomber.

Beach combing provides exercise, sun on pleasant days, and a chance for families to share the joys of discovery together. It provides a living display of Nature, and a beautiful and stimulating classroom for teaching children about the natural world.

Can anyone just gather clams as they walk along?

Basically, all privately owned beach front property in Washington allows for public right of way along the beach below high tide line, though rules of common courtesy suggest (a) no unnecessary loitering and (b) no fires or gathering of shellfish or other items on another’s private property, unless you’ve sought and received permission beforehand.

Remember, it is not the tideland right of way in question, but your ACCESS to much of Washington’s privately owned beach property that is the issue: In other words, one cannot simply park their car and walk through private property to reach a beach.

Both the Beach House in Grapeview and the Cabin on Stretch Island come with full waterfront beach rights for your clam-digging and oyster-gathering pleasure.

Shellfish: Good for you, but . . .

Picking Oysters on Hood CanalShellfish gathering is allowed during all seasons on private property. Though very rare in Grapeview, a red tide or other temporary condition may exist that could make shellfish consumption potentially harmful.

The Department of Health offers the following tips to recreational shellfish harvesters:

  • 1) Always check the pollution and biotoxin status of the beach before you harvest. Public-access beaches are required to post visible warnings.
  • 2) Harvest as soon as possible after the tide goes out.
  • 3) Do not harvest shellfish that have been exposed to direct sunlight for more than four hours.
  • 4) Refrigerate or ice as soon as possible.
  • 5) Thoroughly cook the shellfish.

Don’t forget to buy a shellfish harvesting license. The Department of Fish and Wildlife web site (http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishcorn.htm) has details about seasons and limits.

The only way to be safe is to "Know Before You Dig." The Department of Health recreational shellfish map Web site (www.doh.wa.gov/biotoxinmaps.htm), state shellfish program (360-236-3330), and local health agencies are an excellent source of information.

The Shellfish and Water Protection Program (http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/sf/default.htm) web site has general information about recreational and commercial shellfish harvest and food safety. Information on marine biotoxins such as paralytic shellfish poisoning (also known as "red tide") is available on the toll-free Biotoxin Hotline, 1-800-562-5632.

Walking & Biking

The quiet, mostly level roads around Grapeview make perfect byways for those who enjoy the pleasure of walking, biking or jogging for exercise. Water views, morning mist, and the sounds of birds in the morning all combine to create the perfect backdrop for a morning stroll or ride.

We highly recommend you transport your bikes with you when you come to stay. The following suggested routes make excellent destinations for your ride, and provide plenty of scenery along the way. (Get detailed maps and travel guides at the North Mason Chamber of Commerce office at 23910 NE State Route 3 in Belfair (360-275-4267).

Very Near (for walking, too)

Stretch Island is full of history, romantic old vineyards, and rural homes with horses, acreage and gentle hills. It is about 2 miles to the farthest point and back.

Treasure Island is a small, colorful summer resort community. Visitors must cross a quaint wooden arched bridge to and from the tiny island.

Grapeview Loop Road is full of scenic surprises with every turn, including views of dramatic salt water inlets and precious waterfront homes.

Fair Harbor Marina is a stone’s throw from both the Cabin on Stretch Island and the Beach House in Grapeview. A covered pavilion, manicured lawns and flower beds, espresso bar, convenience-and-gift shop make it your nearest stop for treats or supplies––as well as the principal moorage site for boats up to 150 feet in length.

Or Bike a Little Further . . .

Consider biking to Mason Lake, which has winding, easy roads leading to and from a freshwater public swimming park. Biking along Hood Canal is another favorite past time, but be cautions of narrow shoulders and heavy traffic at times. Twanoh State Park, however, is a worthy destination on the Canal’s south shore.

Allyn is the nearest small town and reachable by both foot and bike. Pick up Highway 302 at the far end of Allyn and take it toward Key Center and further scenic points along the Key Peninsula.

Theler Wetlands in Belfair and Belfair State Park make other worthy (and relatively close) destinations, full of scenery and places to stop for food or refreshments.

ORV Trail Riding

The Tahuya State Forest on the Tahuya Peninsula, west of Belfair, is world-renown for its off road vehicle trails, with more than a hundred miles of challenging, exciting cross country paths and roads to master.

Golfing

Enjoy world-class golfing and spectacular scenery at one of Mason County's five destination golf courses.

LakeLand Village GolfNearest to Grapeview is LakeLand Village Golf Course, which challenges players with numerous ponds and gaping bunkers, offset by majestic views of the Olympics and Mount Rainier. At over 9,000 yards, this 27-hole golf course also offers driving ranges, practice chipping and bunker areas, as well as putting greens. The clubhouse serves gourmet lunch and dinner options on select days.

Located just off State Route 3 in Allyn Pro Shop: (360) 275-6100

Alderbrook Golf & Yacht Club

Alderbrook Golf & Yacht Club is consistently rated as one of the top 25 courses in the Northwest for its spectacular scenery and play-ability. The well-maintained par 72 course follows the natural contour of land. Reservations can be made 7 days in advance for individual groups, or up to a year in advance for tournament groups.

Top off your day by enjoying the fine dining at nearby Alderbrook Resort & Spa.

330 E Country Club Drive East, Union, WA Pro Shop: (360) 898-2560 Visit their website: http://www.alderbrookgolf.com .

Bayshore Golf Club

Bayshore Golf Club is a short and demanding course just four miles north of Shelton. It features a full service pro shop, rentals, carts, and 9 holes on a par 36 course. Open year round.

3800 E Hwy 3, Shelton (360) 426-1271

Lake Cushman Golf Course

Lake Cushman Golf Course, nestled in the foothills of the Olympic Mountains, offers nine-hole golf with elevated greens and modest fees. Get ready for fun and challenge, as water hazards come into play on a few holes.

210 N. Fairway Drive W, Hoodsport (360) 877-5505

Lake Limerick Country Club

Lake Limerick Country Club is a quiet and picturesque course surrounded by fir trees. Gentle hills and some sand make for a challenging and fun round of golf on this 5864-yard, easy-to-walk course. Facilities include a restaurant and pro shop.

790 E Saint Andrews Drive (6 miles north of Shelton) Pro Shop: 360-426-6290 or Toll free: 1-888-426-6290.

Hiking

Great hikes are everywhere near Grapeview. For the sake of brevity, it is best to understand that there are easy to moderate “family” hikes at all nearby state parks, excluding Stretch Point State Park, on Stretch Island, which is accessible only by boat.

For serious hikers and backpackers, you are advised to head to the Olympics, about an hour’s drive away. The topic of hiking is covered further in the State Parks & Nature Preserves section, under both State Parks and Olympic National Park and Forest.