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Nature Preserves —



Theler Wetlands


Theler Wetlands, in nearby Belfair, is located at the Mary E. Theler Community Center on State Route 3 across from Belfair Elementary School. Look for the trailhead and "Welcome" kiosk positioned between the community center and the south parking lot.

Visitors walk the 3+ miles of trails year-round and enjoy the changing seasons of this beautiful jewel in Belfair's backyard. The winter months will amaze you with the highest tides of the year as Hood Canal's salt waters lap at the trail's edge.

Springtime brings new growth of many native plants along the trail and in the gardens surrounding the North Mason School District Wetlands Classroom.

Summer provides many opportunities for viewing migratory birds and resident wildlife, while fall brings a blazing palette of color and an opportunity to view the endangered run of summer chum salmon as they return to the Union River to spawn.

To learn more, call the Theler Center at (360) 275-4898.


State Parks



Belfair State Park


Belfair State ParkWide grassy lawns, two year-round streams, and gentle access to the waters of Hood Canal make this a great place for an outing. Families are drawn to the shaded, cozy picnic areas, playground, and summer salt water warm enough for swimming. Visitors also enjoy fishing, shellfish gathering, kite flying and sea kayaking through the nearby Union River estuary.

The park campground serves as a popular base camp for mountain bikers and ORV enthusiasts who come to ride on the Tahuya State Forest trail system. Three miles west of Belfair, this park is open year-round.


Jarrell Cove State Park


This 43-acre marine camping park is hidden away at the northwest end of Harstine Island, about 11 miles from Grapeview. Densely forested with easy access to the clear waters of Puget Sound, Jarrell Cove State Park offers excellent opportunities for beach exploration, boating, swimming, fishing and easy hiking. Tent and trailer sites are available near the 650-foot dock, or visitors can camp on the rolling grass.

Satellite parks nearby include Harstine Island, McMicken Island, Stretch Point and Hope Island State Parks. Except for Harstine Island, the others are accessible only by boat.


Twanoh State Park


Twanoh, a Skokomish Native American word meaning "gathering place,” is still home to much of the marine life that made the area attractive for the native Twana people.

Twanoh State Park sits on one of the warmest saltwater beaches in the state, and has become known for its enhanced oyster beds whose bounty makes for excellent beachside barbeques. Visitors flock to the park to enjoy picnics, easy hikes, shallow water play, swimming, water skiing, and other outdoor activities.

The boat launch at Twanoh State Park remains busy throughout the summer; it is arguably the most popular public access boat ramp on Hood Canal. Picnickers can pick up food, drinking water and supplies at stores just minutes away in either direction on Highway 106.


Potlatch State Park


Potlatch State Park sits on the banks of the Hood Canal where the Skokomish Indian Tribe historically set their winter villages. Today, nearly 10,000 feet of shoreline and abundant wildlife make Potlatch State Park a great recreation destination. Activities include hiking, camping, fishing, shellfish harvesting, bird watching and sea kayaking.

The park’s amphitheater hosts summer interpretive shows, and an active Junior Ranger program helps kids learn about nature and history of the surrounding area. The park is also known among scuba divers for its easy access and gentle descent to view Hood Canal marine life. Just 3 miles south of Hoodsport on US Highway 101, the park is open year-round for camping and day use.