10. HOODSPORT TRAIL

10. HOODSPORT TRAIL

A small park between Hood Canal and Lake Cushman, Hoodsport Trail isoverlooked by hikers heading to trails within the Olympic National Park andForest. Hoodsport Trail Park consists of about two miles of trails with majorloops and several connecting trails. The system can be a little confusing tofollow, but that just adds to the fun of hiking these wooded trails.

The Lower Loop makes a half mile loop in the lush mature second-growth forest that embraces Dow Creek. Two big rustic bridges will take you over the creek and back. The Hoodsport Timberland Library partnered with the Port of Hoodsport to transform the lower loop into a storybook trail. Families with small children will enjoy reading a story on separate panels as they hike along this delightful trail.

The Upper Loop is a little longer than a mile and climbs through a more open forest.

The highlight to this trail is a lone enormous bigleaf maple tree. The upper loop brushes along the periphery of the park which borders a DNR tract that was recently logged. This provides some sunnier hiking than the lower loop and some limited views out to the Olympic Mountain foothills.

NOTE:Currently (at the time of this printing)the Hoodsport Trail is closed due toextensive storm damage.

Highlights: Storybook Trail, bridges over Dow Creek, Bigleaf maple Distance: 2.0 miles of trails Difficulty: Easy Permits: None Elevation gain: 200 feet Season: Year round Kid and Dog Friendly: Yes Notes: Poorly marked trails, recent storms caused current trail closures; reconstruction work in progress. Amenities: Privy, picnic tables GPS: N47 24.903 W123 11.610 Contact: Portofhoodsport.us Trailhead Directions: From Shelton, travel north on US 101 for 15 miles to Hoodsport. Then turn left onto SR 119 and proceed 3.1 miles to Hoodsport Trail parking lot and trailhead. Additional parking can befound 0.2 mile north on SR 119.