50 Ways to Spend your days on Hood Canal

#1: FIND A BEACH- Hood Canal to Hope Island, it’s surprising how many spots have free & easy beach access. Pack a picnic, towels, sunblock and plenty of water. Visit https://issuu.com/northwestevent/docs/wa_shellfish_guide for a full map.

#2: HIKE A TRAIL- From a quiet city trail behind Shelton, forest walk at Twanoh State Park Trail (2.3 miles EASY) or Theler Wildlife Refuge (3.5 miles) where boardwalks over wetlands reveal flora and fauna. Visit explorehoodcanal.org for a full list.

#3: CATCH A FISH - Salmon season starts on Hood Canal and South Puget Sound in July and area lakes are stocked with trout and steelhead each Spring. The site wdfw.wa.gov has all th details.

#4: FLY A KITE- Pick an afternoon low tide on Hood Canal and take advantage of the winds. The Port of Shelton (Hwy 101) has plenty of open fields.

#5: TAKE A LEAP - Views of the fjord and the Olympics and a seven minute free fall adrenaline rush from 13,000 feet will change your perspective. You must be 18 years of age to skydive in the US. Tandem flights $185- $215. Call Kapowsin Air Sports (360) 432-8000.

#6: SING- ALONG -There are plenty of opportunities for open mics, beer choirs and karaoke in the area. Check out Union City Grill and Robin Hood on the Canal or Bards Bounty in Shelton.

#7: GO PADDLING- Alderbrook Resort (Union) rents everything from waterbikes to classic rowboats. In Brinnon, visit Yelavik Beach, where Kayak Brinnon has 24 kayaks for rent by the hour, day or week, and they'll deliver to your home or rental! Belfair's Hood Canal Kayak Rentals has the boats ready for you at the park.

#8: PARTICIPATE: Summer is packed with fun and unique events – head to Tahuya for their annual Salmon Bake (July) where fire fighters serving up salmon, potatoes, coleslaw, cake, and more, or check out the Fair and Parade in Quilcene (September)

#9: DIVE DEEPER- Giant octopi, friendly & curious wolf eels, and swarms of ancient rock cod add to the wonder. Scuba lessons, rentals (including air), and charters are available. explorehoodcanal.org, "scuba."

#10: WATERFALLS CHASE- The best time to view waterfalls is in the spring but it’s fun to swim in the pools in warmer weather. Visit https://issuu.com/northwestevent/docs/waterfall_brochure_2020/s/10633689 for a brochure or hit the waterfall trail.org site.

#11: GET HIGH - Soaring 420 feet above the Skokomish River – the High Steel Bridge (1929) is the highest steel truss arch bridge in Washington. Follow Skokomish Valley Rd from U.S. 101 to bridge.

#12: ON THE WATER -Take the boat out and explore the islands and passages like this bridge into Case Inlet. Landlocked? Check out a new road or discover one of the many area lakes and parks!

#13: DRIVE IN MOVIES -Pack the pillows, the Sky-line Drive in (off Hwy 101) offers double features all summer. $8, kids 6-11 $3, under 5 free!

#14: CATCH A CRAB - Dungenese can be caught by hand at low tide, off the dock in Hoodsport or by boat. wdfw.wa.gov

#15: PICK A PEAK- The Olympic National Forest and the Olympic National Park offer great climbing for all skill levels. Visit Mt. Ellinor or aim for a more challenging peak. nps.gov

#16: PATIO DINE - Alderbrook Resort has patio dining with favorites like fish tacos and berry lemonade. 2 Margaritas in Union and El Puerto de Angeles at Hoodsport Marina have dockside dining. Th BBQ House on Olympic Highway and Ritz Drive-In are local hangouts for outdoor dining in Shelton.

#17: EAT OYSTERS - Hama Hama north of Lilliwaup is open year round. Eat oysters – raw, baked and grilled, or try the crab cakes! The views alone will excite you. Make reservations online for a table in the Saloon and enjoy th freshest seafood and great ambiance. hamahamaoysters.com

#18: LET THEM EAT PIE - Head to the Halfway House in Brinnon or Blondie's in Shelton for fresh pies in flavors only your grandma knows the recipe for!

#19: SIP AROUND THE CANAL - Stottle Winery, Hardware Distillery, and Hoodsport Winery in Hoodsport; Finn River Cider, Chimacum, Bent Bine Brewery and Mosquito Fleet Winery in Belfair; and Walter Dacon, Shelton, all have tasting rooms open during the summer. Visit explorehoodcanal.com for a complete list.

Stole Winery in Hoodsport WA

#20: EXPERIENCE THE BEST ICE CREAM IN THE NORTHWEST - For the perfect day include a scoop or two of locally made Olympic Mountain Ice Cream. A heaping scoop cone is just $3 at the Lilliwaup general store and motel.

#21: APPY HOUR - Weekends head over to the Hook and Fork on the shore in Union at the Hood Canal Marina. The chefs are serving up a different menu all weekend and the view is to die for. unioncitymarket.com.

#22: RIDE THE CANAL: Trails in the Olympic National Forest vary from challenging to easy gravel roads. Combine trails and roads to create loop trips that offer a variety of forests, streams and panoramic vistas. Lower Big Quilcene Trail is an lowland trail with grades of 10-15% along the Big Quilcene River. fs.usda.gov

#23: KAYAK THE CURRENT -Launch a kayak at the Port of Shelton Marina on outgoing tides and ride currents in Hammersley Inlet to Arcadia Point. Lunch at Hope Island Park and return with the incoming tide.

#24: CANAL COOK OUTS - Savor farm to table Hood Canal food at Union City Market’s monthly dinners. Canal Cookouts are offered the 3rd Thursday of every month at the Hood Canal Marina in Union, $45.

#25: GO OUT FOR BREAKFAST - Blondie's on Railroad Ave, Shelton has generous portions and a never ending coffee pot.

#26: CREATE SOME SHELL ART - Head to a Hood Canal beach for the whitest oyster and clam shells perfect for the guest room soap dish – ask before taking, but most won't mind!

#27: RIDE THE RAILS - There's a new activity in Shelton – peddle powered rail rides with Vance Creek Railriders. Pedal the rails on the decommissioned Simpson Logging rail line for a 12-mile round trip work out! As you pedal the multi-seat "railrider" along the track you will have the opportunity to see wildlife, old growth and new forests as well as diverse meadows teeming with wild flowers, moss, and ferns. The rail head is at 421 West Hanks Lake Road, nine miles west of Hwy 101 on the Shelton/Matlock Rd. Don't be alarmed when you leave the main road for a short hop on a gravel logging road. The road is well-maintained albeit dusty! You can find more information and make your reservations at vcrailriders.com or call (541) 519-4200.

This gentle, but vigorous ride is suitable for all ages. If you tire on the adventure there is a motorized railrider to give you a little extra push up the hills.

#28: HOLE IN ONE - From the award winning Salish Cliffs Golf Club in Kamilche, the scenic well-maintained par 72 course Alderbrook Golf & Yacht Club in Union, the 9-hole course with dual tees above Hoodsport, Lake Cushman Golf Course, to the 27-hole course at LakeLand Village Golf Course in Allyn all offer majestic views of the area.

#29:SAIL AWAY - Slow down with an evening cruise on the Twanoh. Sunset cruises depart Alderbrook dock each evening.

#30: FIND A LAKE: There is no shortage of accessible and open lakes throughout the area. Visit explorehoodcanal.com for details or just pick one on the map! Lake Cushman has plenty of great swimming spots.

#31: CATCH AN OUTDOOR SHOW - So many free and almost free opportunities for a fun evening out with the family! Pack the picnic, chairs, blankets and don't forget the kids – Shelton, Music in the Park; Quilcene, Linger Longer Theatre and Coyle's Concert in the Woods; Lilliwaup, Live from the Shellpile; and Belfair, Music on the Estuary! ***PENDING COVID CANCELATIONS IN 2020***

#32: ANTIQUE HUNTING - From Quilcene to Shelton ... and Belfair to the shores of Union – there are plethora of great antique shops to choose from. Plan your route, plan your lunch and start hunting for treasure!

#33: GET SOME CULTURE - In Kamilche head over to the Squaxin Island Tribe Museum Library & Research Center, Home of Sacred Belongings, a living treasury of cultural items and activities, including rare artifacts from a 500 year-old village site.

#34: READ A BOOK - Stop in at the local Timberland Library branch to check out the selection of "Friends" books, many great titles less than a dollar!

#35: MOTORSPORTS - Whether you prefer the thrill of watching motorists rip around one of the Northwest's most famous racing track, The Ridge; or feeling the wind in your own hair as you navigate 23,000 acres of working forest, Tahuya State Forest, networked by extensive and winding trails,there's has something for every adrenaline junkie.

#36: GUIDED KAYAKING TRIP - During a four-hour kayak adventure, circle the uninhabited and beautiful Squaxin Island. The island is entirely in a natural state, providing a rare opportunity to view wildlife including sea otters, seals, coyotes, deer and eagles. There are even documented sitings of the legendary sasquatch or as he’s known in the traditional language, Lushootseed. Kamilche Tours, (360) 462-0266.

#37: FORAGE FOR MUSHROOMS: New amongst the many activities offered by Hood Canal Events is guided mushroom foraging. Contact hoodcanalevents.com to schedule an excursion.

#38: GET YOUR GLAMP ON - From Canal beach side glamour picnic, or an overnight trip - Hood Canal Events can provide tent and custom designed activities with a chef prepared food and beverage menu; Tahuya Forest Adventures offers forest glamping opportunities.

#39: GEOCACHE THE FJORD- Start at Alderbrook Resort and Spa, experience the high-tech treasure hunt as you explore the resort. Check out a clue book and a Garmin Handheld GPS and search for hidden containers leading to prizes!

#40: TAKE IN A FEW GIANT RHODIES - Take a walk at Whitney Gardens and Nursery in Brinnon. Paths loop through this seven acre gardens. Some of the rhodies are more than 75 years old. Open daily, $1. Free parking/ WIFI.

#41: VISIT A MUSEUM- Located conveniently in the heart of historic downtown Shelton, the Mason County Historical Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, offering free WIFI as well as research and meeting tables.

#42: GET YOUR GAME ON -Check out Little Creek Casino Hotel and Spa south of Shelton and the Lucky Dog Casino, just south of Hoodsport near Potlatch.

#43: GEODUCK TAVERN BURGERS WITH A VIEW: A burger at the Geoduck is a great place to relax after a hike on the Duckabush River. This all ages restaurant is packed with ambiance and serves great food!

#44: ROAST MARSHMELLOWS - This should be #1... be sure to remember the chocolate, graham crackers and marshmallows -- wouldn't be the same without the S'mores!

#45: ENTER A BOAT RACE - Yes, you read right -- Grab your non-motorized kayak, canoe, raft or paddle boat and #BeTheTraveler.Race across the Hood Canal and back in Hoodsport at Fjordin Crossin in June.

#46: WALK THE WALKER - Head to Walker Park in Shelton for a view of the bay and a great beachside walk. Easy access, playground for the kids and even a BBQ shelter.

#47: LIMBER UP - Join in on weekly yoga classes with Michelle Pugh. From weekly classes in Shelton, Belfair, Union or special events throughout the area, opportunities abound to find calm! Check out a schedule and register at joonbugyoga.com

#48: RUN WITH THE SALMON - Visit one of the many fish hatcheries in the area for a tour. The Quilcene Hatchery has fish run info available August through October. Dial (360-765-3334) and press "5." Visit fws.gov for information on area hatcheries.

#49: HISTORIC WALKING TOUR - Shelton historians have created a fun interactive walk around the homes and landmarks of this historic logging town. Pick up your copy at the Historical Museum on Railroad and take a stroll through time.

#50: WAIT... WHY NOT JUST RELAX AND DO NOTHING! Enjoy your friends and family and your life on the fjord! Experienc some of the cleanest air and water in the country, friendly people and gorgeous scenery everywhere.

For these and many other ideas, visit explorehoodcanal.com.