Marmots, Douglas Scott photo
View the Wild Side
TOP VIEWING SPOTS ON THE FJORD Douglas Scott | Outdoor Society
Elk, Douglas Scott photo
We all know the world class scenic beauty and quirky, fun towns along Hood Canal, but few of the hundreds of thousands that visit are aware of the wildlife opportunities found along Washington’s fjord. From the craggy summits of rugged mountains, all the way down to the salty waters of Hood Canal itself, the region boasts numerous species of animals that call the area home. In every corner, one may find fauna thriving, helping to demonstrate the important and sustaining ecosystem of the eastern Olympic Peninsula. In your adventures around Hood Canal, you’ll have a chance to spot many of animals on the following pages. Keep your eyes open and follow our recommendations to make Hood Canal your wildlife destination. As always, stay far away from all wildlife and never feed them or approach them. Keep wildlife wild.
Eagles
Along the rivers, streams and Hood Canal itself, the iconic and majestic bald eagle is commonly spotted. From the Purdy Creek cutoff, out to Alderbrook and then up Hwy 101, a patient, watchful observer can see eagles every day of the year. While eagles can be seen throughout the drive, there are three consistent locations.
Just south of Hoodsport, near the winery, a towering tree with dead branches overlooks the southern end of Hood Canal. The tree, visible from Hwy 101, is a resting spot for eagles throughout the year. Near the mouth of the Duckabush, next to the bridges (especially in the fall, winter and spring months) eagles can be seen along the highway, looking down into the waters for salmon to feast on. Out along Hwy 106, as you drive east to Alderbrook from Hwy 101, is a great place to see eagles looking for salmon or flying over the fjord. These are by no means the only locations but are great spots to start your eagle watching adventures.
Elk
The elk of the eastern slopes of the Olympics can be tricky to see, but are most often seen in two locations. The first is tucked
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away, back along the North Fork of the Skokomish River at Olympic National Park’s Staircase region. During the fall, winter and spring months, when the snowpack limits travel upriver, elk tend to congregate close to where Lake Cushman meets the Skokomish. In the summer, elk are not spotted here as often. Further north on Hwy 101, the Dosewallips river valley is a very popular spot for elk. Those who frequent Dosewallips State Park and the town of Brinnon in the fall, winter and spring commonly see elk roaming the open areas, even crossing Hwy 101. This is your best bet for seeing elk along Hood Canal.
Bear & Mountain Lion
Chances are, you won’t catch a glimpse of a bear or mountain lion when visiting the Hood Canal region of Washington State.
