Explore the Fall Fjord

Ron Adams, Verle's Sporting Goods & Marine

The lush green flora found in abundance around the Hood Canal are giving way to a wonderful mosaic of shades of red, yellow, brown and green. An exquisite display of nature's grandeur against a backdrop of the majestic Olympic Range.

Those of us who live on or around the Hood Canal are privy to what I consider one of the most beautiful and diverse places in the world. The diversity lies in the beauty and the activities. Fall is harvest time and there is an abundance to forage while having fun and making memories.

Salmon are making their epic journeys through our briny waters to the rivers they were born in to perpetuate their species. Anglers from all over make their way here every year hoping to intercept the abundant runs not only for the challenge of a battle, but also because they are delicious.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife plants an abundance of trout into lakes every year. The fishing really picks up in the lakes in the fall with fish trying to fatten up for winter eagerly accepting baits, flies, spinners, and spoons. The cooler water in the fall also improves the culinary aspect of the fish with a higher fat content and firmer meat as compared to summer.

The state also teams up with sporting goods stores for a free contest where anglers have a chance of catching tagged fish. The tags in the fish have a WDFD phone number and a code. Call and supply the code number and they tell you where to retrieve your prize. Lots of incentive and plenty of fun.

Shellfishing is also fun for the whole family. Hood Canal has an abundance of oysters and several varieties of clams. State parks and public beaches provide free harvesting for license holders. Razor clamming on the coast is also extremely popular and just a short drive from the fjord.

Hiking and mushroom picking near Hood Canal is also popular in the fall. The canal's proximity to the Olympic National Forest and Park provides pristine locations to harvest chanterelles, hedgehogs, and varieties of edible fungi. Trails abound throughout these public lands. Hikes consist of short day hikes to challenging endeavors that take several days to complete, rising and falling hundreds of feet in elevation but rewarding your efforts with breathtaking views and amazing flora fauna.

There are many waterfalls within easy distance. Dosewallips State Park has close to five miles of hiking with views of the river and a 130' waterfall that hauntingly runs into a dark chasm. Farther north, near Brinnon, cascades Rocky Brook Falls. Both are stunning.

Hopefully I have inspired you to go out and enjoy what this area has to offer. If you need a license or want local know-how, stop by and talk with myself or one of the other pro staff at Verle's Sporting Goods Verle's Sporting Goods was established in 1948, is still family owned and has had its finger on the pulse of the Hood Canal and Olympic Peninsula for 71 years. The business was started with worm sales and has grown into a local institution. Verle's carries virtually everything you may need for fishing, boating, clamming, hunting and exploring the local area. Name brand fishing equipment such as Okuma, Lamiglas and Abu Garcia line the shelves and many more. Verle's also carries Murffs Claminator clam guns.Verle's carries fishing, hunting and marine accessories including GMU and Greentrail Maps for the hiking trails on the Olympic Peninsula.

The store has had 71 years to dial in the local recreation scene and the staff is friendly, knowledgeable and wants to make your adventure a success.