- The Hood Canal is a great place for water skiing and para sailing
- Explore the nooks and crannies of the canal by kayak
- There are various beaches for public, seasonal shellfishing
What can I see and do at the Hood Canal?
- Water skiing: With the water temperature reaching 70 degrees in the summer, Hood Canal Washington is one of the best spots to water ski on the Olympic Peninsula.
- Boating: The expansive length and width make the Hood Canal WA great for zipping around on your jet skis, cruising with your crew in your electric party boat, or hooking up a para-sail to your speed boat.
- Kayaking: Kayaking on the calm waters of the canal is a great way to explore the various natural wonders of the valley, including waterfalls, hidden caves, and secluded valleys.
- Fishing: From shore or from boat, fishing in the Washington Hood Canal is a laid back affair. More for families than serious game fisherman, your best chance at catching “the big one” is in August and September when fish from the lower Hood Canal Salmon Fishery swim north into the mouth of the canal.
- Shellfishing: Oysters, crab, shrimp and clams love the Hood Canal’s brackish waters and can be harvested seasonally. There are four public shellfish beaches along the Hood Canal: Bellefair State Park, North Bay, Cushman Park, and Eagle Creek. Regulations change frequently, so be sure to check the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website [http://wdfw.wa.gov/] before you embark.
- Hiking: Explore the nature trails of the Mary E. Theller Community Center and Wetland Trails. Just off of State Route 3 across from Belfair Elementary School, hikers of all abilities can experience the beauty of the wetland plants and the songs of the birds that live among them.
Where is Hood Canal?
On the eastern edge of the Olympic Peninsula, there are three main roadways lead visitors to most points along Hood Canal:
- U.S. Highway 101 runs along Hood Canal from the Skokomish Nation and Potlatch in the south to Quilcene in the north, before diverting through the forest and continuing on around the Olympic Peninsula.
- State Route 106 runs up the south shore of Hood Canal, from the Skokomish Nation and Union in the south up to Belfair, where it meets up with Highway 3.
- State Route 300 begins in Belfair and parallels the north shore of Hood Canal toTahuya, where Belfair-Tahuya Road then traverses inland toward Dewatto Bay.
Who can I call if I have more questions?
Theler Wetlands, call the Theler Center at (360) 275-4898.
