Winter Fjord 2021

WINTER 2021 • ISSUE 19

MAPS • HIKES • HISTORY • COMMUNITY

SHOP LOCAL MAPS Beat the shipping blues and support your neighbors –32

CHRISTMASTOWN USA Shelton lights up with tradition and holiday fun - 21

SCUBA ADVENTURES Dive into the Fjord to discover a new world –12

Got Gingerbread? 25

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LET’S FIGHT COVID-19 AND THE FLU TOGETHER. FLU AND COVID VACCINES ARE OFFERED AT MASON HEALTH'S VACCINATION CLINIC. We have increasing demands for vaccinations. Given the high volume of patients requesting appointments you may experience delays when scheduling your visit.

Vaccines may also be scheduled with your primary care provider or at your local pharmacy.

Only patients 12 and older may be seen at the Vaccine Clinic. Patients under 12 should make an appointment with their pediatrician for any vaccination appointments.

www.MasonGeneral.com • 901 Mountain View Drive, Shelton, WA 98584 • (360) 426-1611, from Allyn (360) 275-8614, Toll free (855) 880-3201, TTY/TDD (360) 427-9593. Equal Opportunity Provider • Free Translation Services Provided/Se habla

español • Mason Health does not discriminate on the basis of patient’s age, race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity2or expression, sexual orientation, religion, culture, physical or mental disability, financial status or condition (including the FJORD terminally ill or dying), limited English, visual, hearing or learning impaired.

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!

EVENT CALENDAR In this issue of the

NOVEMBER

WA State Parks Free Day November 11, All day In honor of Veteran's Day, Washington State Parks has announced a free day in which the Discover Pass will not be required to visit State Parks or Lands Managed by the Washington Department of Natural Resources & Department of Fish and Wildlife.

4th Annual Scarecrow Contest November 11 – 13 Worthington Park, 151 W Columbia St, Quilcene Once again, the wonderful scarecrows will be on display in front of the 1892 Victorian Worthington Mansion for everyone to enjoy. Judges will award in several categories. Everyone is welcome to participate in this FREE contest, sponsored by the Quilcene Historical Museum. Last year the scarecrows were a show-stopper, they not only scared crows – they stopped traffic! EARLY SIGN-UP is encouraged. Setup times are required for social distancing. Winners will be announced by the 21st. Register online for a setup time and bring your fabulous scarecrows, Worthington Park will supply the straw stuffing and support posts! Be creative, and as always, the wackier the better.

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ISSUE 19 | VOLUME 5

SCUBA ON THE FJORD Guide to winter dive adventures– 12 2020 Worthington Park Entry 1st Place - 'Veda-Crow' Kids Cooking Pumpkins November 12, 12:00 – 5:00 PM Salmon Center, 600 NE Roessel Rd, Belfair Looking for fun fall activities the whole family can enjoy? Come over to the Salmon Center to pick up one of our beautiful pie pumpkins grown right here on the farm. Exciting games, activities, and recipe cards will also be included for kids to explore pumpkins. pnwsalmoncenter.org

Tracing the Fjord is produced quarterly by IMAGE IN ACTION DESIGN (360) 427-5599 | PO Box 622, Shelton, WA 98584 © 2021 No reprint without permission.

Cover Image: Amy Cooper, Cooper Studios, Shelton, WA | Kristmas Town Kiwanis dinner wagon

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EELGRASS - 16 WREATHS - 19 CHRISTMASTOWN USA So many ways to celebrate the season in Shelton this holiday - 21 BAYSHORE PRESERVE Explore Oakland Bay's preserve– 34 WORTHINGTON PARK The final transformation of this historic monument in Quilcene - 42 BOOK REVIEW A Walk on the URBAN Wild Side -44 WATERFALLS – 56 SHELLFISH - 58

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The Olson Brothers Live November 12, 7:00 PM El Sarape Cantina, 324 W Railroad Ave, Shelton Friday Night Fun Dive November 12, 7:00 – 9:00 PM YSS Dive, 24080 North Hwy 101 Hoodsport Meet at the shop and the group will decide where to dive. All skill levels welcome! yssdive.com Wild Mushrooms of the Olympic Peninsula Walking Tour November 12, 10 AM – 1 PM Hood Canal Adventures, 306146 Hwy 101 N, Brinnon Wild mushroom identification walking tour through the Olympic National Forest. Learn about edible and non-edible mushrooms, foraging skills and making a spore print. Bring a lunch for dining al fresco by the river. $49 hoodcanaladventures.com Winter Warm-up Holiday Crafts Fair November 13, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Key Peninsula Civic Center 17010 S Vaughn Rd NW, Vaughn, WA Kick off the holiday season with a Key Peninsula tradition - the Winter Warm-up Holiday Crafts Fair at the Civic Center. Vendors offer local hand-made goods.

Start your adventure with us.

Our pristine area makes it a unique place to live. Locally grown food, wild crafting mushrooms, outdoor activities, wildlife, and an abundance of fresh seafood. Enjoy the extended Spring & Autumn seasons of the Hood Canal located on the Olympic Peninsula.

Jim and Bruce Munn, the “Munn Bro’s” specialize in waterfront homes and forested land in the Hood Canal area.

Return of the Salmon Event November 13, 10:00 AM Schafer State Park, 1365 W Schafer Park Rd, Elma Come join the Grays Harbor Stream Team for an informative guided tour of spawning salmon in the East Fork Satsop River. Chehalis Basin area biologists will lead visitors through salmon identification, life histories, and much more. Get all your salmon questions answered as the group provides educational materials, refreshments, and hot cocoa.

Photo:KLAAS IMAGES

Harvest Moon Pumpkins November 13, 1:00 PM Nellivander's Shoppe, 411 N 3rd St, Elma, WA You will have all the needed supplies to create your own Fall scene of pumpkins and moon on an 8"x8" ceramic tile using hot glue, acrylic paint and glitter! $20.00.

Reserve at (360) 867-3749.

“Let us be your guides”

As your Real Estate guides, we provide experienced knowledge of the area and maps. Contact us about personalized Notifications of new listings for your dream property now.

Available on weekends, call for appointment.

Free maps & tide books available.

294843 Highway 101 Quilcene WA

360-301-4700 Jim Cell 360-301-4026 Bruce Cell

munnbros.com

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Bent Bine Annual Chili Cook-off!

November 14, 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM 23297 SR 3 NE, Belfair The same day as the Seahawks and Packers game.

Organizers will award "Popular Choice" and "Brewers Choice" chili prizes. Chilis need to be prepared at home and brought to the brewery in a Crockpot.

Wild Side Tourism Workshop November 18, 2:00 – 5:00 PM Harmony Hill Retreat Center, Union Networking workshop for Mason County businesses with presentations from Craig Romano, outdoor author and Jennifer Coleman, Scenic WA. The event will introduce the Wild Side concierge program and allow tourism, event and lodging providers to collaborate and partner on opportunities to safely and sustainably operate in the coming seasons. The event is free but pre-registration is required. Reserve your seat at (360) 427-5599 or info@explorehoodcanal.com.

Pie Tasting Evening November 18, 6:00 – 7:00 PM The HUB - Belfair, 111 NE Old Belfair Hwy, Belfair Bakers and tasters wanted for this fundraiser. Each $5 admission includes one vote plus tasting of each baker's pie. Attendees may purchase more votes on site. Pie tasting takes place between 6:00 -7:00 PM. The Silent Pie Auction will end at 6:45PM and voting ends at 7:00 PM. Vote for your favorite pie by placing admission ticket into the container on each baker's table. Bring your mad money and place donations into the container as additional votes. For bakers: Registration forms are due by November 12, 4:00 PM. Bring 5 of the same type of pie by 5:00 PM, November 18. Four pies will be taster pies and the 5th pie will be auctioned off. Multiple entries allowed.

Feel free to decorate your 6' table. Winning baker will receive a fabulous prize of cooking goodness and bragging rights! For more information, contact The HUB at 360-275-0535 or email thehubcenterforseniors@gmail.com

Friday Night Fun Dive November 19, 7:00 – 9:00 PM YSS Dive, 24080 North Hwy 101 Hoodsport Meet at the shop and group will decide where to dive.

All skill levels welcome. yssdive.com Daubin' In The Dark Black Light Bingo November 19, Little Creek Casino 91 W State Route 108, Kamilche A session full of extra bingo fun! Get decked out in your favorite white or neon as we turn down the lights and let it glow. We'll be pumping up the jams with music during the session. littlecreek.com 80's Family Bingo November 19, 6:30 – 8:00 PM HUB Center,111 NE Old Belfair Hwy, Belfair, WA Family Bingo for the whole family! Dress up to the theme and be entered in a drawing for a fun prize.

Tickets are available by table or by seat.

Pier Peer at Boston Harbor Marina November 19, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Boston Harbor Marina, 312 73rd Ave NE, Olympia Join the Puget Sound Estuarium to discover the mysterious creatures that live below the pier! Trained biologists provide underwater lights that attract spectacular estuary creatures for you to safely scoop up and observe. Register early to ensure your spot (360) 915-0773 or PierPeer@SSEAcenter.org Belfair Bark Park Volunteer Work Party November 20, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Help us continue building a gravel trail from the Belfair Bark Park at the Salmon Center around the large field beside it for both humans and dogs to take walks in nature together! Bring water, lunch, and gloves. Boots are recommended for the wet grass, and potential mud! Sign-up on the HCSEG at pnwsalmoncenter.org/get-involved/volunteer/ Low Cost Microchip Clinic - Hoodsport November 20, 1:00 - 4:00 PM Mountain View Realty Group 24230 Hwy 101, Suite C, Hoodsport Join the Humane Society of Mason County for a low cost microchip clinic. It's just $20 for lifetime protection should your pet become lost. Don’t know if your pet has a chip? Group also offers free scanning!

Pre-register at www.hsmcwa.org.

Lake

C

n hma

BINGO Night - Turkey BINGO Edition!

November 14, 1:30 – 4:30 PM 158 N Summit Rd, McCleary, WA A family friendly BINGO night! Come on out for a night of fun. Doors open at 5:30, bingo starts at 6 PM. Cards are $2 each and good all night long.

Wild Mushrooms of the Olympic Peninsula Walking Tour November 19, 10 AM – 1:00 PM Hood Canal Adventures, 306146 Hwy 101 N, Brinnon Wild mushroom identification walking tour through the Olympic National Forest to learn about edible and non-edible mushrooms, foraging skills and how to make a spore print. Bring a lunch for dining al fresco by the river. $49 hoodcanaladventures.com

us

Pier Peer at Port of Allyn November, 13, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Port of Allyn, 18560 WA-3, Allyn, WA 98524 Come discover the mysterious creatures that live below the pier at Port of Allyn as trained biologists provide underwater lights that attract estuary creatures for you to safely scoop up and observe, while volunteers help identify and learn more about the creatures. From octopus to anemones, from sea stars to sea slugs, you never know what you’ll encounter!

Register at (360) 915-0773 or pierpeer@SSEAcenter.org

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Hoodsport Seattle/ Belfair

101

Union

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Skokomish 106

Shelton/Olympia 101

ADVENTURE

7211 N Lake Cushman Road Hoodsport, WA 98548 skokomishpark.com 360.877.5760 Camping & RV Sites • Hiking Trails Fishing • Boating • Kayaking • Biking Picnic Areas • Boat Launch New Recreation Area/Day-Use Area

ENTERTAINMENT

19330 N US HWY 101 Skokomish, WA 98584 myluckydogcasino.com 360.877.5656 Gaming Machines • Restaurant & Bar

FUEL

19390 US HWY 101 Skokomish, WA 98584 Located Next to Lucky Dog Casino 360.877.2024 Fuel • Snacks • Groceries

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Elma Country Christmas Bazaar November 20 - 21, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM GHC Fairgrounds, 32 Elma McCleary Rd, Elma Alderbrook Golf and Yacht Club Craft Fair November 20, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM 330 E Country Club Dr. E, Union Over thirty local artists and craftsmen will be selling their artwork and crafts. Food and drink available.

Entertainment & Thanksgiving Lunch November 24, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM HUB Center, 111 NE Old Belfair Hwy, Belfair, WA Nowhere to go for Thanksgiving? The HUB wants to make sure no one is alone or hungry for the holiday.

Autumn Free Day November 26, All day A free day in which the Discover Pass will not be required to visit State Parks or Lands Managed by the Washington Department of Natural Resources & Department of Fish and Wildlife. Free days apply only to day use (no overnight stays or rented facilities).

Protection Island Bird Migration Cruises Nov 27, 1:00 PM 227 Jackson Street, Port Townsend The Port Townsend Marine Science Center – in collaboration with Puget Sound Express – hosts special expeditions to Protection Island. Cruises are timed to coincide with annual migrations, with special trips planned for Thanksgiving weekend and New Years Eve. Three hour cruise, $80. pugetsoundexpress.com Annual Tractor Cruise November 27, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Downtown Sequim The Annual Tractor Cruise, sponsored by the Sequim Museum is immediately following the Christmas tree lighting at Centennial Place. NOTE: there is a new route this year. Tractors will depart the Sequim High School parking lot, travel down N Sequim Ave to Washington St , then west to the Mariner Cafe parking lot. sequimmuseum.com Friday Night Fun Dive November 28, 7:00 – 9:00 PM YSS Dive, 24080 North Hwy 101 Hoodsport Meet at the shop and group will decide where to dive.

All skill levels welcome! yssdive.com

DECEMBER Mason County Republican Women's Club December 3, 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM Taylor Station Restaurant & Lounge 62 SE Lynch Rd, Shelton, WA The Mason County Republican Women's Club is a group of like-minded individuals (both men and women) gathering each month to hear timely topics presented by various speakers in our area.

Elf at the Shelton Cinemas December 3, 4:00PM The Shelton Cinemas presents "ELF" (PG) on DECEMBER 3RD at 3:30 pm for downtown "Holiday Magic."

The price of admission is a donation of nonperishable food items for our local food banks. Seating is first come, first served.

3rd Annual Gingerbread Challenge December 1, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Chamber Office 215 W Railroad Ave, Shelton

Entries are due for the annual contest. Gingerbread creations will be judged DEC 3 on display in shops on Railroad Ave. christmastownwa.org

D E I R S A T I W L L D E R R A Y H ® C E O .

TH Spirit-Filled Gnomes & Trees for the Holidays • Tastings are Outside 206-300-0877 • hardwaredistillery.com • 24210 N Hwy 101, Hoodsport, WA FJORD

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Walk the Wild Side.

You are invited to join us for a tourism workshop at Harmony Hill Retreat Center, Great Hall.

Introducing the WILD SIDE concierge program & featuring industry keynotes this is an opportunity to network & share resources.

Wild Side Presentations

KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE

Jennifer Coleman, publisher Scenic Washington What do visitors look for when they choose a destination?

What resources can they use to make their trip memorable and how can we collaborate & partner to share our marketing message. Working in the tourism industry since 1997, Jennifer has experience developing effective marketing strategies for clients.

Wild Side Workshop Date:

HIKING THE WILD SIDE

November 18 | 2-5 PM

Craig Romano, guidebook author & outdoor speaker Craig will lead us “off the beaten track” and share his current Mason County Top 25 Hikes project. Craig is an award-winning author of more than 25 guidebooks. Craig is often featured on radio & TV and writes for many publications. He has hiked more than 30,000 miles in the Evergreen state.

WELCOME TO THE WILDSIDE

Rachel Hansen, DMO, Mason County Rachel will introduce Mason County’s Wild Side concierge program and share ideas on how your business or event can benefit from this resource and outline ways to leverage marketing strategies to create optimum success.

Where:

Harmony Hill’s Great Hall

7362 E State Route 106, Union, WA

Who:

Visitor information and tourism providers, including lodging operators, as well as event, activity, and attraction operators.

Network with visitor providers in Mason County to share resources and ideas.

Additional short presentations from local businesses, tourism groups, and attractions. Refreshments will be served by the culinary team at Harmony Hill!

Why:

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Space is limited. Please RSVP with Rachel at (360) 427-5599 or email info@explorehoodcanal.com.

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Julefest: Nordic Market & Taste of Norway December 4, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sons of Norway, 18991 Front St NE, Poulsbo, WA Experience a taste of Norway street food with pølser, lefse, pea soup, pickled herring, cookies and rømmegrøt at the Nordic Market with Scandinavian vendors, demonstrations and silent auction. At dusk, see the Lucia Bride ushered to shore in a Viking boat! The evening culminates with the annual bonfire where you’ll witness Lucia lighting the bonfire and hear the Viking King’s Winter Solstice Proclamation. sofn.com Holiday Magic!

December 3 - 4, 6:00 - 8:00 PM Shelton Downtown Merchants and the Kristmas Town Kiwanis invite you to celebrate in Christmas Town USA with FREE holiday merriment and family activities!

Friday enjoy Elf at the Shelton Cinema, free with two non-perishable food items. Head over to Railroad to enjoy live music, Santa, bonfires with marshmallow roasting and Kiddie Train rides. Saturday evening Kristmas Town Kiwanis will host a "Reverse" Parade.

CHRISTMASTOWN 2021 December 3 - 12, Cota Street Christmastown WA, (Shelton) is getting ready for the holidays with a Christmas tree maze, wagon rides, food, crafting workshops and some spectacular lights to admire. christmastownwa.org Exclusive Sund Rock at Night December 3, 7:00 – 9:30 PM YSS Dive and the Sund family are offering exclusive night dive opportunities at Sund Rock Marine Preserve. Meet at YSS prior to arrival at Sund Rock.

A dive site we all know and love and is even more spectacular at night! There are a limited numbers of spots available. To pay and reserve your spot contact YSS Dive, details at YSSDIVE.com

Nitrox Dive Trip Saturday, December 4, 8:00 AM Sund Rock Dive Site, 26472 US-101, Hoodsport Hosted by Thunder Reef Divers of Vancouver, WA this day of fun will explore hood Canal's diving wonders.

Nitrox guided dive trip and a day of fun! Sign-up deadline is November 20 to ensure Nitrox fills.

Call to reserve (360) 573-8507. thunderreef.com

Volunteer Planting: Seabeck Creek December 4, 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM 7285-7201 Seabeck Holly Rd NW, Seabeck By installing native plants Salmon Center and volunteers are creating a healthier and resilient habitat for Hood Canal salmon and steelhead populations that call Seabeck Creek home. Last year HCSEG and project partners installed a new bridge on Seabeck Creek to replace an undersized culvert and failed fish ladder, allowing salmon and steelhead to access the upper portion of the stream. HCSEG then installed large woody debris to create viable, complex habitat for these fish populations. pnwsalmoncenter.org Friday Night Fun Dive December 10, 7:00 – 9:00 PM YSS Dive, 24080 North Hwy 101 Hoodsport Meet at the shop and we will decide where to dive.

All Skill levels welcome! yssdive.com Group Hike UP Mt. Walker December 11, 9:00 AM –2:00 PM Park at gate near trailhead and hike up the trail and together we will walk the road to the top. Meet at 9AM at North Viking Park n Ride, 21992 Viking Ave NW, Poulsbo. Info at: Shelly Gist (360) 271-3760.

Slainte Live December 11, 6:00 – 9:00 PM El Sarape Cantina, 324 Railroad Ave, Shelton Irish/Scottish rock doing both traditional and contemporary songs and artists.

Shelton Holiday Lighted Boat Parade December 10-11, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Hammersley Inlet, Shelton Each year the Shelton Yacht Club delights residents and spectators on Hammersley Inlet with an annual lighted boat parade to Arcadia point. The boats go by for two nights. Best spectating spot is at Walker Park, South of Shelton.

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Union City Old fashioned Christmas Party Sunday, December 12, 12:00 - 6:00 PM McReavy House, 10 E 2nd Street, Union Open house hosted by Friends of McReavy House & Hood Canal Improvement Club. There will be music, Christmas caroling, yummy food & lots of love. All are welcome to attend.

NM Giving Tree Distribution Day December 18, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM The Salmon Center, 600 NE Roessel Rd Belfair North Mason service clubs (Kiwanis, Lions, Rotary) and the NM Food Bank will be distributing gifts, food and toiletries to families that have registered for the NM Giving Tree.

Santa Hat Family Bingo Fri, Dec 17, 6:30 – 8:00 PM HUB Center for Seniors 111 NE Old Belfair Hwy, Belfair, WA Family Santa Hat Bingo for the Whole Family December is Santa Hat theme! Wear your Santa hat and be entered in a drawing for a fun prize. Tickets are available by table or by seat Friday Night Fun Dive December 19, 7:00 – 9:00 PM YSS Dive, 24080 North Hwy 101 Hoodsport Meet at the shop and we will decide where to dive.

All Skill levels welcome! yssdive.com 2nd Annual Gig Harbor Lighted Car Parade December 18, 4:30 PM, Uptown, Gig Harbor This is a car parade. Motorcycles are welcome to join.

There is no registration. Simply meet at Uptown at 4:00 PM for staging. Routes will be distributed at that time and a vehicle number assigned. We suggest having someone ride along to guide the driver.

Bikes and dog walkers are not advised. However, they would love to have you come watch and join in on the festivities along the two routes.

Joel Gibson Jr. @ Bent Bine Brew Co. December 30, 6:00 – 9:00 PM Bent Bine Brew Co., 23297 WA-3, Belfair, WA For the first time at Bent Bine Brew Co. in Belfair, enjoy Joel Gibson Jr, best solo acoustic show around!

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DIVE INTO THE

fantastic fjord.

Just below the surface of the waters of the Hood Canal, a whole new world exists waiting to be explored. It is carpeted with sponges and seaweed, populated by wolf eels and octopus and visited by the occasional seal and even (rarely) a six-gilled shark. Although the cold water of the Pacific is daunting, the variety of marine life it holds is well worth the the chilly plunge.

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WITH gentler currents, compared to the

rest of Puget Sound, Hood Canal offers a variety of opportunities for rewarding shore dives as well as live boat dives of various experience levels. While diving in the summer is generally reserved for training dives – winter and early spring offer excellent conditions because the cooler weather means clearer visibility.

Unique cold water biomes like Octopus Hole and Sund, with their schools of ancient rock cods hanging along the fjord's plunging walls, have earned the Hoodsport area the distiction of a world renown scuba bucket list destination. When the summer crowds dissipate, the equipment laden hardy divers arrive to fill the local lodging and enjoy a magical underwater world only seen in photos.

Interested in getting your open water certificate? YSS Dive in Hoodsport is the perfect spot to begin that journey.

A PADI 5 Star Dive Center, YSS Dive offers a variety of scuba diving certifications as well as discovery courses for beginners.

With over 30 years of combined experience, PADI Instructors John and Katherine Yackel have received 2018, 2019, and 2020 Elite Instructor Awards and were featured in the 2020 First Quarter Undersea Journal in their Exceeding Expectations article. YSS offers classes starting at all times of the year and courses include all the equipment.

We have coalesced a list of some of the top dive sites of the Hood Canal. For a more comprehensive list, pick up a copy of Betty Pratt-Johnson’s 141 Dives in the Protected Waters of Washington and British Columbia (1977) or Stephen Fischnaller’s Northwest Shore Dives (2000), or visit diver’s blog reviews, such as Scott Boyd at Emerald Sea Scuba and Nicolle Prat at Pacific Northwest Scuba.

Scuba can be a family affair too. Both of my sons received their scuba certification when they were 12 and 13 in Hoodsport. It was a skill that they were able to utilize in Norway (very cold), as well as Hawaii and New Zealand. As adults, they use this skill in their current fields – one as an oyster farmer the other as a marine mammal veterinary intern.

The eastside of Hood Canal Bridge makes an interesting intermediate dive. Leaving from the park at Salsbury Point heading toward the Hood Canal Bridge, this shore dive requires you time your swim out to the dive area right before the beginning of slack tide, so that the current pulls you out to the bridge, then you can save your energy for the swim back. On your swim out to the bridge you pass through eelgrass beds teeming with perch, soles, shiners and other sea creatures. When you reach the concrete bridge supports you are greeted by a

Whether you have your certification or are interested in getting it, Hood Canal is a great place to take the plunge – literally!

Northside Hood Canal

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fantastic display of plumose anemones and many different types of nudibranchs. Be careful of boat traffic and pace yourself for the long swim to and from the bridge.

Outside of Lilliwaup, just to the South of Mike’s Beach Resort is a dive site more comfortably accessed by boat (but you can free swim to it also). Called “the knuckle,” Flag Pole Point consists of a series of rock formations, rising like a mini range of mountains from the ocean floor. Since this formation is farther out and more exposed to currents, this site usually has excellent visibility and there are lots to see. Lingcod lay their eggs at this protected site, and there are resident wolf eel and octopus populations. Since the rise of “the knuckles” is so rapid, the site can be difficult to locate— check the dive blogs for more information and ask your local dive shop.

Also north of Hoodsport, Octopus Hole and Sund Reserve are popular dive sites.

Although parking on this Hwy 101 site is limited, Octopus Hole is easy to access and gratifying for all experience levels. Bring a flashlight to catch sight of the friendly octopuses and wolf eels lurking in the dark crevasses. This is a protected site, so no harvesting or disturbing the site. Careful of debris as well, the bottles on the seafloor are ideal hiding spots for tiny octopuses.

Sund Rock Marine Preserve is an iconic dive spot. Managed by the Sund family who originally homesteaded in the area in 1889, the location is carefully managed to sustain its pristine nature. "The family considers the beach to be a partnership of sorts," Cindy Sund writes on sundrock. com, "we will provide limited access, a maintained road, porta potty, gear up benches, monitored entry and continue to add amenities such as a picnic area, a campsite, better lighting and hopefully a fresh water rinse area up top. In exchange we ask that you sign in, pay a fee, take any trash you create with you, drive slowly up the road, take pictures and observe sea life from a distance, be aware of the effect excessive finning has on visibility and organisms, no harvesting of any kind, and close/lock the gate behind you."

WATER ACCESS

Mikes Beach Resort in Lilliwaup is a popular scuba base camp. Family owned and operated since 1951, Mike's cabins are nestled along the shores of Hood Canal and backed by the Olympic National Forest.

Enjoy their old world 'camp charm' with dorm, cabin as well as glamping accommodations and private kitchenettes. Located on the family's active oyster farm, there is also plenty of opportunity for "fresh catch." mikesbeachresort.com

From the beach, swim out through eelgrass environs filled with perch, crabs and other types of sealife. Reaching Sund Rock you are greeted by wolf eels, octopuses and giant lingcod. Access is $20 but there are special rates for veterans, first responders as well as "frequent diver cards." The Sund family also partners with area diving companies, including YSS, to offer night or group dives. During the summer months, stay onsite in a deluxe camp site. Visit sundrock.com for information.

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A VIEW WITH A ROOM

Glen Ayr Resort, just north of Hoodsport has great rooms and spectacular views of the Canal. The facility features a great drying room as well as a clubhouse for guests, moorage and a water-view spa room – all making it a great base camp for scuba groups. We especially love their waterfront cabin that sleeps a whole family with a full kitchen and laundry facilities! glenayr.com Farther down the Canal, south of Hoodsport is Potlatch Park. While the diving at Potlatch is less dramatic than those sites already described, if you are just getting your flippers wet, this is a great place to start out. This shore diving spot is easy to get to, has showers to wash off gear, and its a great place to get comfortable with equipment and techniques.

Sunrise Resort in Hoodsport is ideally located in Hoodsport near dining and shopping. The property is currently undergoing renovation. View images of the rooms at sunriseresorthoodcanal.com.

Southside Hood Canal

From Potlatch to Twanoh State Park there are diving options but there are no remarkable underwater formations or creature features.

Some folks practice at the Union boat launch as this has easy access, but more head over to nearby Twanoh State Park. This full service park has a gentle current, which gives divers the freedom to dive whenever – independent of slack tides. You will find a large eelgrass bed filled with interesting fish, such as tube-snouts, black eye gobies and sticklebacks. At about the 40 foot depth you will find tube-dwelling anemones.

These anemones are entertaining to watch as they feed with their long graceful tentacles. Use a dive flag and submerge when you pass the roped swimming area stay deep to avoid any boat traffic.

NEED HELP WITH

NEED HELP

PLANNING RETIREMENT?

Heading clear around the bend, you'll find Scenic Beach State Park near Seabeck, a 121-acre camping park with 1,500 feet of saltwater beach front on Hood Canal. Like Potlatch, this site is accessible from the beach and it is rewarding for all experience levels. There are plenty of marine life to observe on this sandy-cobble beach, which shifts after 15 ft into a large eelgrass bed, likewise teaming with all the sea creatures that are heir to this environment.

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Call Bowman Financial Group today for more information!

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www.bowmanfgi.com

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Eelgrass Stella Wenstob | FJORD CONTRIBUTOR

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adaptations, called 'osmoregulation,' that allow it to survive in

The mud squelches and the morning mist hangs heavy over the low tide. The beach beckons with its early riser buzz.

Today’s low tide story is about eelgrass — a green plant that inhabits the Pacific intertidal from Baja to Alaska and makes up some of the most important estuarine environments.

Zostera marina as the biologists call it is one species of a genus of sea grasses that exist in various forms worldwide. It consists of a thin (0.4 inch) grass-like frond, which can grow to lengths of 2-5 feet. Unlike other so called ‘seaweeds,’ eelgrass has a true root system (rhizomes), which anchors the plant and provides a path for nutrients that it extracts from the muddy or sandy substrate and also serves to secure its home beach against erosion. Like the land based strawberry plant or clover, eelgrass reproduces through the branching out of this rhizome system. Additionally, eelgrass is a true flowering plant and also reproduces with the production of small, buoyant seeds that disperse great distances in the water.

"Eelgrass has specific

Eelgrass typically grows in a sandy-muddy sediment in the low-tide of semi-protected beaches. The depth varies, it begins at the tidal section of the beach— low enough to avoid the arid, midday tides of the summer —and only so deep into the sub-tidal zone as its photosynthetic fronds can tolerate (like many land plants, it does not like the shade).

According to genomic research (Olsen et. al 2016), eelgrass' evolutionary ancestor was a land plant that acclimatized to the ocean environment. Eelgrass has specific adaptations, osmoregulation, that allow it to survive in the see-saw salt-levels of an estuarine environment- where the 16

the see-saw salt-levels of an estuarine environment." tide rises and falls exposing the grass to the air and also varying amounts of fresh and salt-water.

Early coastal inhabitants utilized eel grass as a food source. The rhizomes were roasted in pit-cooks to flavor meat such as deer, porpoise and seal. It was dried and eaten in the winter. Northern tribes had special feasts for the eelgrass where the entire plant was eaten.

Eelgrass is also an important spawning place for herring— with the roe (eggs) attaching to the fronds of the eelgrass.

Since eelgrass beds act as an key nursery for so many marine species, including many

Many creatures, including this giant hermit crab taking residence in a barnacle covered moon snail shell, rely on the cover of the eelgrass to keep them safe both during high and low tides.

species of financially important fish (such as salmon, cod and herring), they are protected in Washington, Oregon, California as well as in British Columbia.

There are many efforts underway to restore eelgrass beds that are under threat due to human activity, such as pollution and development that destroys beds (by creating shade or actually digging up the plants).

Although eelgrass beds are important environs both environmentally and financially their protection is a contentious subject – as it is often enforced at the expense of shellfish farmers. Recent research has shown that although there have been reductions in eelgrass beds, it is hard to track what specifically has led to this, also revitalization efforts are unpredictable at best (Shelton et al. 2017). Of course the beds need to be supported, but a balanced and educated view needs to be taken when imposing restrictions.

Don your gumboots and explore the lowtide lawn. Not only does the rhizome root system stabilize the beach sediment, the nutrients it fixes from the mud attracts and feeds many algae and sea animals.

When the tide is in, the grass provides protection from prying eyes for schools of fish, crabs, nudibranchs, and many types of

sea invertebrates.

At an early low summer tide, you may find the tell-tale lump in the sand that indicates a partly burrowed Dungeness crab hiding in the eelgrass. Many species of crabs come into the shallows to hide in the eelgrass to molt.

Put on a snorkel and a wetsuit and pretend you are in the tropics or a mangrove swamp for a biodiverse snorkeling adventure at mid-tide. Join the Great Blue Herons and Belted Kingfishers in their madcap, midtide feed.

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Marvel at schools of shiners or perch meandering through the eelgrass. Get surprised by nearly invisible Sand Soles who camouflage on the beach floor, with two eyes facing up at you.

Keep your eyes peeled for shrimp and arthropods. You could try to paddle your kayak or row through an eelgrass bed at mid-tide, but time it right, as your paddle or oar can get tangled in the grass and disturb the ecosystem.

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Wreath Capital of the Nation The Hood Canal area is reported to be the Nation’s leading producers of wreaths and cut greens. The brush industry alone is estimated at over $200 million – greater than Mason County’s recognition as the former leader in Christmas trees.

The brush picking industry has been a part of the Pacific Northwest since the early twentieth century, with bales of greenery such as salal being shipped from Mason County to Seattle via steamboat and later train, but it took off in the late 1960s as a result of changing fertilization practices among the planted Christmas tree farms which promoted the growth of shrubs such as salal and huckleberry – prized plants in floral arrangements.

These days businesses such as Lynch Creek Farms, Hiawatha Evergreens and Super Select

Greens employ upwards of 1500 people who are responsible for harvesting greens and wreath making during the three-month season leading up to Christmas. These locally made and harvested wares are shipped to flower markets across the globe. If you aren’t feeling the creative spirit or lack the time, pick up one of these locally made wreaths.

Family owned Lynch Creek Floral offers many beautiful wreaths, swags or centerpieces.

Each display is handcrafted in Shelton with sustainability harvested greenery.

Pallets of wreaths stacked for shipping at Super Select Greens in Shelton,WA

Stottle Winery Tasting Room

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Call ahead recommended on Weekends.

Stella Wenstob | Fjord Contributor

With the falling leaves, shortening days and the chilly winds it is comforting to be in the Pacific Northwest surrounded by fragrant evergreens giving us hope for life in the dead of winter. Whether you buy local greens or gather your own it is easy to “bring home Christmas” Wreath & swag workshop at 2019 Christmastown

as the medieval English phrase used to say.

Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata), Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menzi), Noble Fir (Abies procera) and Salal (Gaultheria shallon) lend a cozy texture, while the jewel toned berries of Holly (Ilex aquifolium), Crab Apple (Malus sylvestris), Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), Cascara (Rhamnus purshiana), Wild Rose (Rosa acicularis) hips and Mountain Ash (Sorbus sitchensis) add a colorful contrast. Seasonal colors abound and evoke a Christmas-y feel to the world.

Bringing in green for the midwinter is an ancient practice with pre-Christian roots amongst many cultures, including the

Greeks, Egyptians, Celts as well as the early inhabitants of the Pacific Northwest.

The Greeks awarded wreaths made of laurels to the victors of the Olympic games and even today the laurel is engraved on the modern-day Olympic medals. Although the fragrant bay laurel has fallen out of favor as a seasonal decoration, the wreath is still a popular way to festoon winter festivals. Taken from the Old English word ‘writhen’ which means ‘to writhe’ or ‘to twist,’ the wreath is an elegant way to decorate your home for the holidays.

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Although prickly and tricky to work with, holly is a traditional green for wreaths and swags. Holly has a history of superstitions and reinterpretations. Since ancient Celtic times, a sprig of holly has been a useful protective plant that kept away witches and evil spirits, as well as protecting the house from lightning. Contrastingly, a wreath hung at the door would welcome the Christmas Spirit into the house. The Christian faith graphically reinterprets the symbolism in the song the Holly & the Ivy, depicting holly as the thorny crown that Jesus wore and the berries as red as the blood of Christ.

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It is argued that the ivy represents the Virgin Mary in this song as it is often associated with feminine symbolism. Ivy’s clinging nature has been used in a contradicting manner as both a symbol of humanity’s fallibility and also as a metaphor of the tenacity of Christ’s love. Interestingly, the tenacious nature of the holly and the ivy makes it difficult to eradicate from gardens and the wild and this is exactly why they are disparaged now as invasive plants. Both plants grow quickly and easily and are on Washington’s hit list of noxious weeds.

Western Red Cedar with its strong, pliable, rot resistant wood was essential to life among the first peoples of the Pacific Northwest coast from Oregon all the way into Alaska. Split cedar boards were used for house making and creating steamed water-tight boxes that were used for storage. The old growth giants are still felled for dugout canoe building. In the spring, the outer bark of the cedar is easily peeled in longitudinal strips which may be twisted into a strong, flexible rope. In olden times, clothing was also woven from this bark.

Since cedar lent itself to so many important uses, it was considered the Mother Tree for Native Americans of the Pacific Northwest and was important for many spiritual purposes such as cleansing ceremonies and potlatches. The aromatic Western Red Cedar was quickly adopted for garlands by early settlers and now its crisp, fresh smell forms an important part of seasonal greenery.

Decking the halls in the Pacific Northwest can be as simple as raiding your garden.

However, if you lack the greenery, you can still enjoy the foraging-feel by obtaining a free personal collection permit from your local forest service office for collecting greens in the Olympic National Park.

VERLE'S 2 Bags of Smokehouse Chips & Chunks (Any Flavor)

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If you'd prefer a little "assistance" with your hand crafted wreaths and swags this season, consider joining in one one of the many crafting workshops offered during the holidays in Shelton at the town's Christmastown events. With an emphasis on handmade gifts and family holiday traditions, this event runs from December 5-12. Details and registration can be found at christmatownwa.org.

Welcome to Christmastown USA Celebrate the Holiday Season in Shelton, WA

2021

HOLIDAY

MAGIC

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It's beginning to look a lot like –

2021

2021 Events GINGERBREAD CHALLENGE Entries Due December 1 Sponsored by Kealy Electric & Bowers Dental Group

GUINNESS TRIBUTE CHRISTMAS TREE MAZE December | Cota Street

CHRISTMASTOWN MARKET AND SANTA'S WORKSHOP DEC 3-5 | DEC 10-12 Shelton Civic Center

HOLIDAY MAGIC

December 3 - 4 | 6-8 PM Downtown Merchants & Kristmas Town Kiwanis Railroad Avenue

Shelton is the perfect place to kick off the holiday season with the return of the HOLIDAY MAGIC event, December 3 - 4!

Don't miss this classic family-friendly event hosted by the Shelton Downtown Merchants and the Kristmas Town Kiwanis.

It's a weekend of lights, music, a 'reverse' parade, and joyous street celebrations.

In December 2019 Shelton took Christmas head on by celebrating their Christmastown distinction with a successful attempt at the Guinness World Record for “Most Lit Christmas Trees” in one location. The previous record was set by the Hallmark Channel in 2015 (559 trees). Shelton’s win was recorded during the annual Santa Claus parade with a total of 797 qualified trees. The trees were arranged in a lighted maze that families could explore along with holiday activities over “12 Days of Christmas.”

In 2020, while much of the world took a break from events, Christmastown rallied to create COVID-safe activities that

DINNER WAGON AND HOT CHOCOLATE RIDE

This year Christmastown volunteers are once again sharing resources to present a series of activities to promote holiday cheer. On Cota Street another Christmas tree maze will pay tribute to the 2019 Guinness World Record win. Open daily through December, families can wander the one-way maze free of charge. The maze is best viewed at night with thousands upon thousands of lights that make every festive family picture twinkle.

On the first two weekends in December Christmastown will also feature an indoor Christmas market, hybrid live and online crafting sessions, a gingerbread challenge and festive dinner wagon rides to view the lights. The wagon will feature three dining areas for up to four adults and include music, hot chocolate, dinner served on board from local chef Xinh Dwelley and a tour of the lights.

December 5 - 12 Cota Street & Downtown Shelton Details at

Christmastownwa.org

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ensured the Christmas spirit lived on despite the pandemic with a tribute Christmas tree maze, packaged craft activities, gingerbread challenge, bonfires, and even a dinner wagon to support local shuttered restaurants. In all over 5000 people visited the 2020 Christmastown activities.

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Dress warmly, bring your own blanket or purchase a souvenir stadium fleece blanket with your dinner tickets.

Travel down Railroad Avenue for a spectacular display of Christmas cheer. Retro decorations and lights line the shopfronts and cafe lights swooping across the street as you spy the giant Christmas tree in Post Office Park. Nearby, don’t forget to get a family picture with the historic caboose and engine decked with lights and garland.

As you wander through town, take note of the care and effort each business and home has put into decking for the holidays.

Much of this is thanks to a local campaign begun in 2020 by the Shelton Mason Chamber of Commerce to create an interactive map of addresses and launch a competition of Christmas displays throughout Mason County. Visit masonchamber.com/christmastown and click on “Enter Christmas Lights Competition” to learn more and add your lights!

Kristmas Town Kiwanis & Shelton Downtown Merchants Present Holiday Magic December 3 (4 PM), head to the Shelton Cinema for a holiday movie (free with food donation). This year's selection is Elf (2003). Shelton Downtown Merchants invite you to Shop Local First this season with a rewards card valid Christmastown week, December 3-12. Shop participating businesses and when your card is full – enter to win some great prizes! Details at sheltondowntownmerchants.com and christmastownwa.org.

As dusk falls Friday, Second St will be closed for photos with the giant Christmas tree. At 6:00 PM Railroad Ave will be the location of Kristmas Town Kiwanis' Christmas block party!

Enjoy marshmallow roasting, kiddie train rides, craft activities at C3youth (419 Railroad Ave) as well as caroling karaoke. Get family photos with Santa and Mrs Claus when they make a special appearance at the event.

Kristmas Town Kiwanis will host its Annual Santa Parade with a twist this year! On Saturday, December 4 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Shelton

December 3-12, shop Shelton first.

Shop local and complete the Shelton Downtown Merchants rewards card, spend $250 and enter to win great prizes!

List of participating retailers and restaurants and more details be available on Shelton Merchants website and Facebook page.

Valid 12/3/21 - 12/12/21.

Shop Shelton First. sheltondowntownmerchants.com

is invited to enjoy a reverse parade. What's that? Instead of the floats traveling down Railroad Ave, spectators walk by the stationary floats and performers positioned along the route. Along with the parade displays, families can enjoy the street bonfires, music, kiddie train rides and crafting and yet another visit with Santa and Mrs Claus. If you would like more information regarding the parade of Holiday Magic events, visit Kristmastownkiwanis.org or send an email to kristmastownkiwanis@gmail. com.

Additional details available at christmastownwa.org

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Santa's Seasonal Return Christmas is important to the timber town of Shelton. In 1962, to celebrate the Seattle World Fair, the town hired the Simpson artist, Clarence Beauchamp to build a giant Santa Claus.

Clarence Beauchamp arrived in Shelton in 1947 to begin a job with Simpson as the shop painter. “Beau” as he was known by his friends, often volunteered to ply his brush or chisel to many local projects including a totem pole with interchangeable heads ranking each camp’s safety record and Forest Festival sets and floats. Most recognizable for Shelton residents is Beauchamp’s log monument on Hwy 3. The 10’ log end was dedicated in 1953, as Mason County celebrated its 100th anniversary of logging.

At the age of 66, Beauchamp designed and built the 32’ Santa Claus to commemorate Shelton’s Christmastown, U.S.A during the 1962 Century 21 Seattle’s World Fair. The giant structure required the help of multiple crews and boom trucks to erect on the corner of Railroad and First in downtown Shelton. The plan, according to a 1962 Mason County Journal article, was to give a “vivid message,” to tourists passing though that “Shelton is ‘Christmastown, USA’ when this eye-popping plywood Santa Claus rivets their attention.”

In the late 1960’s, citing dilapidation, the Santa was disassembled and stored until 1970 when the Shelton Chamber led efforts to restore him. Santa was revived so that he could greet visitors as they arrived in the area from Highway 101.

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In 1983 Santa was once again placed in Post Office Park where he remained over 15 years when, paint peeling and plywood chipping, he was destined for the County dump. The Hunter family rallied friends to help transport Santa’s pieces to their barn for safe keeping.

To this day the original Beauchamp’s Santa leans his weight against Hunter’s barn near Union, WA – standing tall after nearly six decades of wind, rain and sun – to greet the thousands of families that visit the farm for pumpkins in the fall and greenery and trees during the holidays.

In November 2018 volunteers decided to build a replica of the Beauchamp's Santa.

Over the decades the design had been unsympathetically edited. Considering the weathering of the wood, it was feared that more damage would be done if it was

moved from present attachments. Instead, using Beauchamp’s original design from photos, artist Wayne Wenstob created a scale replica of the original Santa Claus.

The completed 32’ Santa was placed at Toziers Brothers Ace Hardware on Mill Street where families could purchase trees as well as take pictures. People recalling placing their own faces in the doll were able to use their smartphones to recreate the image of their children and grandchildren.

In 2019, with support from the City of Shelton Tourism fund, the Beauchamp Santa was relocated to a seasonally permanent location in Overlook Park near the log monument. He could once again greet visitors from the south during the holiday season.

During 2020 two more giant murals were added to the Santa Claus rotation. In May a giant Paul Bunyan with Babe the Blue Ox

celebrates the annual Mason County Forest Festival. In August Paul is replaced with a giant oyster farmer who stands at Overlook Park to pay homage to the aquaculture industry as well as Shelton's annual OysterFest event hosted by the Skookum Rotary Club. Both of these murals have been constructed in Clarence Beauchamp's style with a bold colorful palette and exaggerated characteristics.

Currently there is no mural design for the Spring season when Santa Claus is removed from the hill and before Paul and Babe return. Suggestions have been made to create a character that represents Bluegrass From The Forest – but as of yet, no plans have been finalized.

In 2021 plans are to create a second, smaller, replica of the Beauchamp Santa to be on display for photo opportunities at the Christmas tree maze on Cota Street.

Clarence Beauchamp died in 1989 at the age of 92. The Santa Claus project honors his memory as well as Christmastown USA – a magical legacy that runs deep within the tradition of many local Shelton families.

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The Christmas Tree Capital of the World In the wake of Hood Canal’s timber boom it was discovered that the glacial till left after the fjord was carved was ideal ground for growing Douglas fir Christmas trees.

During the 1950s and 1960s, the area annually harvested several million, earning it the title as “Christmas Tree Capital of the World.”

Local u-cut and pre-cut farms around Hood Canal continue to “Keep it Real” by producing some of the finest Nobles, Grands, Frasers as well as Douglas Firs.

Northwest growers claim that real trees help the environment and are recyclable and biodegradable while artificial trees will eventually end up in a landfill.

Annually many families head to local farms to select their favorite and enjoy holiday activities like hayrides, petting zoos and visits with Santa. There’s hardly anything that’s more quintessentially Christmas than decorating a handpicked Pacific Northwest Christmas tree and gathering your fami-

ly around a tree that you brought home together from Hood Canal.

ALWAYS call the farm or store BEFORE YOU GO to confirm their supply, their hours and whether they have trees, are allowing choose-and-cut or just precut trees; and which attractions or winter activities are available. All three can change, due to weather, demand and the farmer's business conditions! Since the season is so short they often don’t have websites, so please check before you go!

Choose the Perfect Tree Make it a family tradition to cut your own or carefully select a pre-cut beauty from the Hood Canal area. Head into the forest to select your own or visit one of the farms we have included below.

Brewers Tree Farm

2382 W. Deegan Rd. W., Shelton U -Cut trees (or they cut if you need help) Open on a weekend to weekend basis due to limited trees. (360) 426-4936

Bayview Tree Farm

4673 E State Route 302, Belfair While you sip your hot beverage and warm up check out the wreaths and selection of handmade Christmas decor. (360) 275-3790

Northwind Tree Farm Tree Days 2020

December 5-6 | Any tree $25.

3601 E Agate Rd., Shelton Bring your face masks, saw and a donation for the food bank. Social distancing required.

(360) 426-5593

Hunter Farms

1921 E State Route 106, Union Family owned, seasonal crops, gift shop at main location as well as farm store and petting zoo! (360) 426-2222 Two locations: California Road off Highway 101 — follow signs - U-cut is open on the weekends.

General Store — 1921 E Hwy 106, Union, WA Pre-cut and u-cut trees as well as gifts.

Toziers Hardware

110 Mill Street, Shelton, WA Hours of Operation Monday - Saturday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM | Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Pre-cut Douglas firs and nobles; live trees, lights, decorations. (360) 868-4352 |

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Olympic National Forest trees $5 Dreaming of heading to the forest and cutting your own? It’s time to begin a new family tradition!

Olympic Forest Permits are $5.00 each and are good for one U-cut tree on the Olympic National Forest. Permits may be purchased at any Olympic National Forest office or online at www.recreation.gov/tree-permits.

There are plenty to choose from and the selective picking allows other trees in the forest room for healthy growth. Tree Height: 15 feet maximum, Cut trees only if there is a standing tree within 10 feet to avoid denuding areas. Do not cut trees within 100 feet of campgrounds or trailheads. Permits for cutting Christmas trees in the Olympic National Forest are available in November — and fourth-graders can get them free.

Visit www.recreation.gov/tree-permits for more information.

Christmastown and tree farm events and hours are subject to change without notice so always check before you go. Guests & volunteers are required to follow COVID-19 CDC guidelines, if you are feeling ill, please visit another time.

Questions about lodging, things to do, shopping, crafting kits to take home? Call the Christmastown concierge at (866) 922-7469 or visit christmastownwa.org

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3rd Annual

CHRISTMASTOWN Gingerbread Challenge

Gingerbread Tradition

E N T R I E S D U E B Y:

Warm smells of cinnamon, ginger, cardamon, and all-spice waft from the cozy home, encrusted with candy and icicles made of sugar. A flat gingerbread man stands stiffly outside sporting gumdrop buttons and an icing smile.

Forms of gingerbread have been associated with holiday making in the Eastern and Western world from at least 999 AD. Popular at fairs and served to royalty, gingerbread and its relatives were associated with wealth and the commemoration of special occasions.

Queen Elizabeth I served baked figurines to visiting personages. Dating even earlier, cakes made of ginger and honey have been found in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs. It is unclear whether the German tradition of candy-covered gingerbread houses were inspired by or inspired the Brother’s Grimm fairy-tale of Hansel and Gretel – either way the two are forever linked.

Ginger was first domesticated in Southeast Asia (today’s China), likely by the Austronesian peoples, who later brought it with them (as a “canoe-plant”) in their expansion into the Indo-Pacific and as far as Hawaii.

The earliest written record of the plant is from Confucius, who purportedly ate it with every meal. It was one of the first spices to be transported out of Asia with the spice trade and was quickly adopted by the Greeks and Romans. Its use and association with breads and cookies are expansive, nearly every Western (and Eastern) country has a specific ginger treat associated with holiday making.

Santa Claus LettersSanta Santa Claus visits may be a little different still this year, but no fear, he’s working on your Christmas wishes – and Santa & Mrs. Claus love to get letters.

In 2020 Christmastown volunteers sent over 500 cards from Christmastown to children throughout Washington.

Again the volunteers at Christmastown are helping Santa with letters.

Visit christmastownwa.org to share a little information about your child (and the address!) and he or she will receive a personal card from Christmastown!

This year we will also have a mailbox at Christmastown events on Cota St in Shelton. Bring by your notes, but be sure to include return address on the envelop as all Santa has is your chimney addresses.

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December 1 S H E LT O N , W A $500+ IN PRIZES

Bring gingerbread creations to the Shelton Mason County County Chamber, 215 W Railroad Avenue, DEC 1. Gingerbread entries will be on display in shop windows in Shelton.

The entry’s major components (such as sides, roof) must be constructed of gingerbread. The rest of the display can be decorated with any edible material.

All visible components must be edible.

Entries will be judged based on the following criteria: Overall Appearance, Originality and Creativity, Difficulty and Precision, Use of Materials.

Visit ChristmastownWA.org for full details & entry form.

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Membership December 3-12

Light's On. The 2021 Shelton Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade will be held December 10 & 11. Boats will leave the marina at 6:30 PM (weather permitting) and travel down Hammersley Inlet.

All boaters are welcome to join in the parade regardless if you're a yacht club member or not. The boat parade can be viewed from the club parking lot, Church Point and Walker Park. Check the yacht club website for additional viewing options. For additional information visit sheltonyachtclub.com.

Enjoy the parade.

Sign up for FREE holiday craft projects for the whole family!

christmastownwa.org

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HOLIDAY SHOP, DINE & PLAY

S H E LT O N CHRISTMASTOWN, USA, since 1962, Shelton won the Guinness World Record in 2019 for Most Lit Christmas Trees in one location. Featuring a bustling core with wide streets and bright store fonts, Shelton’s heritage is marked by colossal Douglas fir forests which led to a historic title of “Christmas Tree Capital of the World” when cargo trains stuffed with holiday trees would leave its center each year.

SHOP SHELTON FIRST DOWNTOWN 1

2ND STREET DESIGN

118 N 2nd | 360 426.2141 Beauty services and products. Open daily.

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BOBLAND VINYL & AUDIO

123 W Railroad Ave | (206) 383-8645 Vintage records, audio & speakers.

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BUILDERS FIRSTSOURCE

114 E Cedar St, Shelton | (360) 426-2611 4

COTA STREET ANTIQUES

328 W Cota St. | (360) 358-8387

Antiques furniture & fixings. cotastreet.com 5

CRAZY SWEETS

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CREEKSIDE ANTIQUES

209 W Railroad Ave, Shelton | (360) 490-0376

Antiques and collectibles. Closed Sunday.

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DUCHESS DONUTS

101 W Railroad Ave | (360) 229-5659

Closed Monday.

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LAID BACK LENNIES

122 W Cota St, Shelton (360) 463-1244

Open 10:30 till 5:00 Wednesday thru Saturday and 12:00 till 4:00 Sundays.

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ISH PNW

221 W Railroad Ave, Shelton | (360) 349-5468

FAT CAT COFFEE SHOP

401 W Railroad Ave | (360) 870-7417

Collaboration of local crafters and artists.

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MOTTET FINE JEWELRY

116 W Railroad Ave | (360) 426-5811 10

FRONTIER ANTIQUES

Closed Sunday.

315 S 1st St, Shelton | (360) 701-0250

Antiques and collectibles. Closed Sunday.

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NIFTY THRIFTY STORE

826 W Railroad Ave, Shelton | (360) 427-0858 11

GAMES & NEEDFUL THINGS

317 S 1st St, Shelton | (360) 358-8596

Senior center volunteer thrift store. Closed Sunday.

Collectibles and games. Closed Sunday.

220 W Cota St | (360) 868-2810

Latin inspired desserts and treats.

Closed Monday FJORD

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Shelton Downtown Merchants

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SHELTON LIQUOR & WINE 330 W Railroad Ave | (360) 427-2168 Open daily.

THE SHELTON PLANT SHOP

122 S 3rd St | (360) 229-5208

Beautiful plants, unique varieties. Open daily.

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St A. CHRISTMAS MARKET Dec 3-5 | Dec 10-12 B. HOLIDAY WAGON RIDE DEC 5 - 12 C. GUINNESS TRIBUTE CHRISTMAS TREE MAZE NOV 26-DEC 31 D. GINGERBREADS DEC 3 - DEC 21

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327 W Railroad Ave | (360) 871-0382

Antiques and collectibles. Open Wed - Fri 11 - 4 PM

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NORTHWEST NUTRITION

131 W Railroad Ave | 253) 234-7643

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NORTHWEST CLOTHING CO.

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Clothing & home. northwestclothingco.com

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112 W Alder St, Shelton | (360) 462-0490

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WILLIAMS FLOWER & GIFT

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331 W Railroad Ave | (360) 426-8615

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Plants, tractors, hardware, building supplies, and household goods. Open daily.

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TOZIER BROS.

110 Mill St, Shelton | (360) 868-4352

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Open Tues - Fri 9 AM - 5 PM 24

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TODDS SHOE REPAIR

207 W Railroad Ave | (360) 427-5680

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415 West Railroad Avenue | (360) 358-8298

Instruments buy and sell. SheltonMusicLLC.com 22

SOME R 4 U ANTIQUES

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321 W Railroad Ave | (360) 549-6860

Antiques & collectibles. Open Thurs - Sun 11 - 5 PM.

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Satsop Ave The Cabin Tavern (360) 868-2305 Satsop Ave University Ave Tacos La Oaxaquena food truck (360) 507-6096 E University Ave Suns Bellevue Ave et Ct El Guadalajara’s Restaurant (360) 426-1181 Firw o o d Ct Westside Pizza Shelton (360) 426-7000 Arcadia Ave 1 Ritz Drive-in (360) 427-9294 lvd E McKinley St P B i e Meridian Ct Lak r Bob’s Tavern (360) 427-9940 (Over 21) mit D Sum Dawn Ave Smoking Mo’s (360) 462-0163 Roosevelt St De d lan Wyoming Ave Taqueria Las Palmas (360) 432-3220 gR y

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25.Suzann’s Grill (360) 432-8939 26. Subway (360) 427-4011 27.

Steph’s (360) 427-1290 E Peacock HillEspresso Rd 28. El Puerto de Angeles (360) 432-1085 29. McDonalds 30. Shang Sports Bar and Grill (360) 427-0561 31. Jack in the Box 32. Happy Teriyaki & Wok (360) 432-1000 33. Denny’s 34. Burger King 35. Taco Bell 36. Miako Teriyaki Restaurant (360) 426-8018 37. Bigfoot Java (360) 427-3725 38. Papa Murphy’s Pizza (360) 427-6400 39. Bomb Fire & Ice Pizza (360) 229-9838 40. Wendy's Maple St 41. Starbucks

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Thank you PUD #3 for keeping the lights on and decorating Shelton's Downtown trees!

SHOP LOCAL UPTOWN

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ANNIE’S QUILT SHOPPE

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2505 Olympic Hwy N #220 | (360) 427-6164

Quilt & sew supplies anniesquiltshoppe.com

DOLLAR TREE

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301 Wallace Kneeland Blvd | (360) 358-4003 7

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Modern, vintage and unique home, holiday, garden décor and gifts. themodernfarmhouse.net

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riverdancesoapworks.com 9

THE SHOPPER

2505 Olympic Highway North | (360) 426-4677

Full service print shop

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MRS CLAUS BAKE SHOP 1. Shelton Fruits 1711 SE Ridge Rd 1603 Olympic Hwy N | tonia@eastsidespecialtycakes.com 2. Azteca Super Market (360) 427-5949 November 17-December 20 POP-UP 3. Shop & Hop Grocery (360) 427-1277 E Peyton Pl 4. Jalisco Tortilla Factory (360) 432-9397 5. Shelton Farmers Market (SAT May - Sept) y 11 TRACTOR SUPPLY CO. Wa E Skyline Dr E Larchmount Pl nt 6. Safeway (360) 426-9978 u 2001 N US- Hwy 101 | (360) 432-5900 mo & Deli (360) 426-7662 E Sherwood Pl 7. Mickey’s Grocery ea ES Agricultural supplies, tools, workwear & boots.

8. Rivera’s Meat & Seafood Market E Crestview Pl 9. Jay’s Farmstand Shelton (360) 462-5297 E Wood Pl 10. Fred Meyer (360) 427-2979 11. Walmart Superstore 360) 427-6226 E Fir Pl E Hammond Pl

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9. Radio Fryer food truck (360) 915-3382 10. Sisters Restaurant (360) 462-3287 11. Hua's Restaurant((360) 426-4411 12. Railroad Tap Station (360) 868-2500 (21+) 13. Town Pub & Deli (360) 427-5859 (21+) 14. Ts Cafe & Espresso (360) 462-1888 15. Nita’s of Shelton (360) 426-6143 16. El Sarape & Cantina (360) 426-4294 17. The Strip Steak House (360) 432-5844 17. Somsiri Thai (360) 426-6770 18. Fat Cat Coffee (360) 870-7417 19. Urraco Coffee locally roasted/snacks 20. Blondies Restaurant (360) 432-2777 21. Domino’s Pizza (360) 427-8700 22. Dairy Queen (360) 426-7277 23. Subway (360) 358-8384 24. Riverside Espresso & Juice (360) 633-8181

et ns

E Lynnwood Dr

DINING

RIVERDANCE SOAPWORKS

790 E Johns Prairie Rd | (360) 427-7811

21 E Forest Estates, Shelton | (360) 426-0869

E ard SHELTONrchOUTFITTERS Ln

707 Cascade Ave, Shelton, WA | (360) 4263359

Jacobyouter wear, shoes, camping Clothing, Shorecrest 2 County Park OLYMPIC DISC GOLF

E Hillcrest

d

LIVING EARTH GROW SUPPLY

930 E Johns Prairie Rd | (360) 426-3022

E Peyton Pl E Peyton Pl

PRO SHOP

1306 Olympic Hwy S | (360) 427-2822 Walk e

Fairmount Ave

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Plants, tractors, hardware, building supplies, d and householder Rgoods.

Open daily.

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900 Olympic Hwy S | (360) 427-3478

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Binn Swiger

christmastownwa.org SE Evan Blvd

Mill Creek

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SE Arcadia Rd

Walker Park

DIRT CHEAP CYCLE S E Wa

Dickinson Ct

Puget St

Dearborn Ave

SE Jones Rd

ckenson Ave

TOZIER BROS.

110 Mill St, Shelton | (360) 868-4352

Bay St

Center St

Hill St

Ellinor Ave

Shelton Downtown Merchants

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Bayshore Preserve Craig Romano | Story & Pictures Occupying a peninsula on Oakland Bay at the mouth of Johns Creek, Bayshore Preserve provides exceptional wildlife habitat and several short delightful hiking trails. Once a golf course that heavily drew water from the salmon-spawning Johns and leached pesticides and fertilizers into the important shellfish rearing bay; now thanks to the Capitol Land Trust, Squaxin Island Tribe and a handful of other partners, this 74-acre parcel has been restored to a natural state on par with the state’s finest natural shoreline preserves.

Hit the Trail

From the trailhead immediately come to a kiosk with a map displaying the preserve’s interconnected short trails. There are about 1.5 miles of marked well developed paths traversing the property and they can easily be covered shortly in a brisk walk. However, Bayshore, with its salmon-spawning creek, salt marshes and mud flats, bird-flourishing prairie, and more than 4,000 feet of shoreline, calls out to be sauntered.

A quick inspection of the landscape before you reveals a land in flux. One that not too long ago sported well-manicured greenways fed by an irrigation system, a clubhouse and other structures, and a series of service roads. Those roads have since been converted into trails. The buildings have been removed, but a few vestiges of the irrigation system that is slowly being dismantled remain. And the greenways have been restored to native prairie grasses that wave golden in late summer.

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Now sans golf clubs, putt along Bayshore’s trails watching for birds instead of scoring birdies.

The Bayshore Peninsula located along the narrowest stretch of the slender and shallow Oakland Bay is far more important as wildlife habitat than as an altered manicured landscape for golfing.

The peninsula too is a special place to the Squaxin Island Tribe. It once housed one of their villages and according to several elders and historians, one of the largest longhouses on Puget Sound.

34

In 2014 the Capitol Land Trust purchased the Bayshore Golf Course and commenced with the Squaxin Island Tribe and other partners to restore this property to a natural state.

Restoring the peninsula was another albeit very important stage in the greater effort currently being employed to protect Oakland Bay—one of the least developed inlets and most important shellfisheries on Puget Sound. Oakland Bay’s preservation is not only important for wildlife, but also for sustaining the area’s fisheries and shellfish beds.

GUEST COLUMNIST:

CRAIG ROMANO

From forest ranger, to history teacher and now a full-time outdoor writer, Romano developed a love of the natural world growing up in rural New Hampshire. Romano has written more than 25 outdoor guide books including "Winter Hikes of Western Washington” (Mountaineers Books, 2009) and "Day Hiking Olympic Peninsula." He lives in Mt. Vernon with his wife and son.

The Main Loop Trail travels triangularly through the property for 0.8 mile. It utilizes some of the old golf course’s service roads. Walk the path through native grasses and along colonnades of gigantic old Douglas firs and Garry (Oregon White) Oaks. The latter, the only native oak to Washington State once flourished in the area’s prairies. Washington’s First Peoples regularly set those prairies on fire to stimulate camas growth and favor other plants like oaks that thrive in savannas and other grassy environments.

But as those prairies no longer saw regular burns, were overtaken by developments and invasive and hardier plants, the state’s Garry Oaks have become increasingly rare. These elegant hardwoods provide forage for a myriad of species. Bayshore contains some exceptionally large ones.

As you walk the loop be sure to deviate from it onto numerous spur trails. The 0.2 mile Lookout Trail crosses Johns Creek on a sturdy bridge and proceeds through a nice forest grove before skirting a prairie and ending along the creek bank. It’s an excellent trail to check out in November for its chum run.

The Johns Creek Trail is another fine choice for salmon watching. This path meanders along the edge of a riparian forest for .25 mile to link back up with the main loop.

The Johns Creek Estuary Trail leads a short distance to extensive tidal flats at a small estuary where Johns Creek flows into Oakland Bay. The trail leads to a fishing point on public tidelands.

Bayshore Preserve Features: exceptional wildlife habitat on Oakland Bay, restored prairie, tall old Garry oaks and Douglas firs, tidal mud flats, salmon-spawning creek and estuary.

Distance: 1.5 miles of trails Elevation Gain: minimal; High Point: 40 feet Difficulty: easy Snow free: year round Trailhead Pass Needed: None Notes: Dogs permitted on leash. Please stay on trails and respect all closed areas. Open from dawn to dusk.

No removal of plants or fungi from the preserve.

GPS waypoints: Trailhead: N47 14.939 W123 02.655 Fishing Point: N47 14.707 W123 02.513 Contact: Capitol Land Trust, (360) 943-3012 Trail Map and Interpretive Guide available online Trailhead: From Shelton, travel east on SR 3 for 3.8 miles to trailhead located on your right (directly across road from Bayshore General Store). Parking limited.

More parking in adjacent WA Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Oakland Bay Recreational Area (Discover Pass required).

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FJORD

Steam punk Pendant In-house design and metalwork

octopus garden

jewelry unique items | silver and gold local artwork and gifts coastal decor

(360) 877-5530 OPEN Wed - Sun | 10 AM -5 PM

24180 N HWY 101, SUITE C, HOODSPORT, WA

Fishing is not allowed on the preserve, but you can access the public fishing point by following the Johns Creek Estuary Trail to the preserve boundary. There are good views here of the estuary and private oyster beds.

Oakland Bay is one of the country’s most productive commercial shellfish growing areas. Nearly two million pounds of oysters are annually harvested from the bay. Close to three million Manila clams are harvested here each year making Oakland Bay the leading producer in the country for this sweet bivalve. There are more than 20 shellfish growers in addition to the Squaxin Island Tribe that rely on Oakland Bay for their livelihoods. It is imperative to keep this shellfishery healthy. The Bayshore Preserve will help ensure that.

Now continue hiking the Main Loop passing by restored salt flats. The Land Trust and tribe supervised the removal of a 1400-foot tidal dike here and built several channels allowing putting greens to once again become salt flats. Public entry is not allowed in this sensitive wildlife area, so have your binoculars in hand to scout the area from the trail.

The Main Loop then passes through a row of big Douglas-fir before reaching a junction the Shoreline Overlook Trail. Hike this path for a pleasant short loop to excellent views of the shallow waters of Oakland Bay’s northernmost reaches. The Shoreline Overlook Trail also leads to the adjacent Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Oakland Bay property. Recreational harvesters (with permits) can collect clams and oysters here. However the beach is currently closed due to contaminated waters. This property is also a good place to launch a kayak into the bay to explore the shoreline of the Bayshore Preserve.

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As development and population pressures in the Puget Sound Basin continue to compromise sustainability of shellfish beds and fisheries and threaten the survival of scores of marine mammals, birds and other animals—places like Bayshore Preserve are integral for maintaining a healthy ecosystem and economy. As you walk the preserve’s trails, celebrate the return of this culturally significant and ecologically important area to a natural state.

Annual chum salmon run at Bayshore Preserve In past years, the peak salmon run at Bayshore Preserve has been the first half of November, so be sure to stop by for a visit.

Volunteer salmon docents with the Capital Land Trust will be stationed along Johns Creek to help answer your salmon questions.

Docents will be at the preserve from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM the first two weekends of November (November 6, 7, 13, and 14) as well as Veteran’s Day, Thursday, November 11. Look for their bright orange vests.

Visitors are encouraged to wear face masks when interacting with volunteer docents.

Spanish-speaking docents will be at the preserve between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM on Saturday, November 6th and Sunday, November 14th.

See salmon in a whole new way with Puget Sound Estuarium’s underwater camera technology! Volunteers will use cameras set at multiple locations in the water to live-stream the action to tablets on the shore. Using wi-fi, visitors will be able to sync their phones to take real-time photos and videos in Johns Creek. See the underwater activity and get a view as if you were actually swimming with the salmon!

Parking Information Parking is free at Bayshore Preserve. The preserve parking lot has limited parking. It can get very full this time of the year with visitors and people fishing at the Fishing Point. Our neighbors are opening their parking area for additional visitor parking.

Look for a sign that says “Salmon Viewing Parking” just past the Bayshore Preserve lot.

Please note that this additional lot will only be available November 11, 13, and 14 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. The address for Bayshore Preserve is 3800 WA-3, Shelton, WA 98584. Do not turn onto Bayshore Drive. Bayshore Preserve’s parking lot is immediately off Highway 3 across from the Texaco gas station.

Interested in volunteering or have questions? Email mary@capitollandtrust.org.

Docents will be at the stations indicated by the red numbers. The Johns Creek Trail, the Johns Creek Estuary Trail, and the end of the Lookout Trail are great places to watch the salmon make their way upstream. The bridge that crosses Johns Creek

37 along the Lookout Trail is a great spot!

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Hood Canal

SHOP LOCAL Each community on the shores of the fjord and the inner inlets of Puget Sound has a unique personality. We invite you to take some time get to know each town – shop, stay, dine and support the local businesses.

BRINNON is located on the Hood

Canal waterfront. Be sure to stop in and visit the seven acres of heritage plants at Whitney Gardens and check out their retail store. This is a great opportunity to find that elusive heritage plant for the gardener on your list. South of Brinnon stop in at the Geoduck Tavern for some great views of the Canal and tidelands along with your food. Their geoduck shirts make great gifts for that hard to get person on your list.

QUILCENE is a friendly community

LILLIWAUP is located at the mouth

of Lilliwaup Creek. Highway 101 passes through the small town. The small Grocery makes a great break for Olympic Mountain ice cream and the famous "Where the Hell is Lilliwaup" bumper sticker. Down the road at Hama Hama Oyster Farm, check out their retail store for some great gift ideas. Cookbooks, specialty foods, soaps, trinkets, logo shirts and hoodies in every size – you will find something for everyone on your list. As a special treat for out of town friends and family, Hama Hama offers direct shipping of their products.

Beautifully wrapped for the season, clams, oysters and complete meal kits can arrive overnight across the country! Visit hamahama.com for inspiration.

of around 600 people. Here you will find a selection of stores and restaurants – a dining gift card makes a great gift! The Quilcene Village Store (above) offers more than just gas and snacks – stop in for all kinds of gifts, beer and wine, and gourmet items FJORD that far surpass standard gas station fare.

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HOODSPORT is a great place

to find unique Christmas gifts. YSS Dive offers a variety of items for the divers from masks and accessories to full certifications.

The Octopus Gallery carries a beautiful selection of silver and gold jewelry at all price ranges. Owned & operated by Lucy & Tim, who are both goldsmiths, much of the jewelry is made on-site, along with some items produced by local artists. Lucy’s mother makes collectible watercolors that are copied onto cards, keychains, clothing, mugs, and more. Stop by the Hardware Distillery to sample their "fjord spirits" outdoors and pick up a few gnomes with wax hats. These make great stocking stuffers as do many of the wonderful fragrant items in this shop.

Lake Limerick Golf Club & Café Play 18 with Split tees - Par 72 Annual & Winter Memberships Available

Thank you for your Service to our Country and the Community

Celebrating Veterans Day and the Holidays

Serving our Members and the Public Call for Tee Times Pro Shop 360-426-6290 www.LakeLimerickGolf.com golfpro@lakelimerick.com 811 E Saint Andrews Drive Shelton WA 98584 Join us on FB @ Lake Limerick Golf Club

UNION is renowned as an artists’ haven. ALLYN, located in the protected waters With a range of lodging options – from quaint cottages to inclusive resorts, the area was recognized as the “Prettiest Town in America.” Stop by the Union City Market for local produce and wonderful gift ideas, many of them artistic creations you will ind not find anywhere else! Down the road, Cameo Boutique carries a great selection of wines as well as decor for the seaside home.

of the South Sound, is famous for kayaking and boating. Stop in for a selection of restaurants and shops. Don't miss the surprisingly wonderful chainsaw carving retail outlet, Bear in the Box. Next door is a great little wine shop and down the road visit the specialty wool shop.

BELFAIR is nestled in the tip of Hood

Canal. Belfair hosts local and chain stores and restaurants along with major grocery stores. A great place to pick up a cherished gift is at the Mosquito Fleet Winery. Their shop has a selection of gift items as well as full line-up of superior wines. The winery is open for tastings on the weekends. A favorite shop for the holidays, or any time of the year for that matter, is the White Barn Decor. Here you will find a host of beautiful quality decor for your whole home as well as your holiday decorating. The shop is open daily from 10 AM - 6 PM at 23611 NE, WA-3.

Union City Market has unique items for homes.

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Gift items at White Barn Decor in Belfair

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ACTIVITY

DINE & SHOP LOCAL

HOOD CANAL 21. Nina’s Lake Cushman Café 22. Visitor Information Center 23. Hoodsport Pizza 24. The Burger Stand 25. Columbia Bank 26. Sunshine Gallery -CLOSED 27. Hoodsport Coffee Co. 28. Model T Pub & Eatery 29. Laurie’s Gift & Liquor Store 30. The Hardware Distillery 31. Hoodsport Regional Library 32. Hood Canal Outfitters

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49 Hood Canal Marina (360) 898-2252 5101 E SR 106, Union | Tours and moorage

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18 Lake Cushman Golf Course (360) 877-5505 | 210 N Fairway Dr W, Hoodsport

8 Mike’s Beach Resort & Diving (360) 877-5324 | 38470 Hwy 101, Hoodsport 59 Twanoh Charters (360) 490-8276 Alderbrook dock, Union 7 Pleasant Harbor Marina Resort (360) 796-4611 | 308913 US-101, Brinnon 3 Whitney Gardens and Nursery (360) 796-4411 306264 US-101, Brinnon

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38 YSS Dive (360) 877-2318 24080 Hwy 101, Hoodsport | Scuba

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33. Olympic Stove & Spa 34. Stottle Winery Tasting Room 35. Octopus Garden Jewelry 36. IGA Grocery Store 37. Port of Hoodsport Marina 38. YSS Dive 39. El Puerto de Angeles Restaurant 40. M4 Real Eastate

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41. Hoodsport Winery & Tasting Room 42. The Waterfront at Potlatch 43. Peterson Art Gallery 44. Dee’s Seafood 45. Twin Totems Store/Shell Gas 46. Lucky Dog Casino/NorthFork Grill 47. Hunter Farms & Visitor Center 48. Kari’s Collectibles

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Hood Canal Adventures (360) 796-4116 Brinnon | Kayak rentals

46 Lucky Dog Casino (360) 877-5656 19330 Hwy 101, Skokomish | Casino

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47 Hunter Farms & Visitor Center (360) 426-2222 | 1921 E SR 106, Union

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31 Hoodsport Library (360) 877-9339 40 N Schoolhouse Hill Rd, Hoodsport | WiFi

BRINNON

HOO D S PORT

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16 Hoodsport Yoga/Paddling (360) 970-0213 24380 Hwy 101, Hoodsport

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Alderbrook Resort & Spa (360) 898-2200 | 7101 E SR 106, Union

62 Harmony Hill Retreat Center (360) 898-2363 | 7362 E SR 106, Union

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1. Brinnon Visitor’s Center 2. Hood Canal Adventures 3. Whitney Gardens and Nursery 4. Brinnon General Store 5. Hood Canal Vacation Homes 6. Geoduck Family Restaurant 7. Pleasant Harbor Marina 8. Mike’s Beach Resort 9. Hama Hama Oyster Co. 10. Lilliwaup Store 11. Lilliwaup Post Office 12. The Tides Family Restaurant 13. Rest-A-While RV Park & Marina 14. Glen Ayr Resort, Motel & RV Park 15. Sunrise Motel & Dive 16. Hoodsport Yoga /Kayaks 17. Skokomish Park at Lake Cushman 18. Lake Cushman Golf Course 19. Lake Cushman Grocery Store 20. Dow Creek Resort

60 Alderbrook Golf & Yacht Club (360) 898-2575 | 330 Country Club Dr, Union 3O7

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Hood Canal Marina Union City Market 2 Margaritas Restaurant Robin Hood Resort Alderbrook Country Store/Texaco North Mason Community Church Union Square Deli Our Community Credit Union

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64.

Cameo Boutique Alderbrook Resort & Spa Twanoh Charter Boat (45’) Alderbrook Golf & Yacht Club Alderbrook Clubhouse Grille Harmony Hill Retreat Center Sister Point Waterfront Cabin Summer Tide Resort & Marina

For directory addition, updates, and/or deletion please call 866-922-7469.

TAC

COMA

FUEL

LODGING

32 Hood Canal Outfitters (360) 877-9444 24171 Hwy 101, Hoodsport

57 Cameo Boutique Cottages (360) 490-7006 130 NE Dulalip Landing, Belfair 20 Dow Creek Resort (360) 877-5022 2670 N. Lake Cushman Road, Hoodsport 14 Glen Ayr Resort, Motel & RV Park (360) 877-9522 | 25381 Hwy 101, Hoodsport

Alderbrook Country Store (360) 898-7400 1031 E McReavy Rd, Union | Texaco Gas 53

45 Twin Totems Store (360) 427-9099 19390 Hwy 101, Skokomish | Shell Gas

GROCERY

4 Brinnon General Store (360) 796-4400 306413 US-101, Brinnon

Hama Hama Oyster Co. (888) 877-5844 35846 Hwy 101, Lilliwaup 9

47 Hunter Farms (360) 426-2222 1921 E SR 106, Union 36 IGA Grocery Store (360) 877-9444 24151 Hwy 101, Hoodsport

Lilliwaup Store (360) 877-0002 28621 Hwy 101, Hoodsport Union City Market (360) 898-3500 5101 E State Route 106, Union | year round 50

DINING

2 Margaritas Restaurant (360) 898-2462 5121 E SR 106, Union 51

Alderbrook Clubhouse Grille

(360) 898-2560 | 330 Country Club Dr E, Union 58

Alderbrook Resort & Spa

(360) 898-5500 | 7101 E SR 106, Union El Puerto de Angeles Restaurant (360) 877-5921 | 24080 Hwy 101, Hoodsport 39 6

Geoduck Family Restaurant

(360) 796-4430 | 307103 US-101, Brinnon Hama Hama Oyster Co. (888) 877-5844 | 35846 Hwy 101, Lilliwaup 9

27 Hoodsport Coffee Co. (360) 877-6732 | 24240 Hwy 101, Hoodsport

28 Model T Pub & Eatery (360) 877-9883 24281 Hwy 101, Hoodsport

NorthFork Grill (360) 877-2300 Lucky Dog Casino, 19330 Hwy 101, Skokomish 46 7

Pleasant Harbor Marina Resort (360) 796-4611 | 308913 US-101, Brinnon The Burger Stand (360) 877-6122 24311 Hwy 101, Hoodsport 24

Nina’s Lake Cushman Café (360) 877-9000 2440 N Lake Cushman Rd, Hwy 119, Hoodsport 31

The Tides Family Restaurant (360) 877-8921 | 27061 Hwy 101, Hoodsport 12

55 Union Square Deli & Espresso

(360) 898-3354 310 E Dalby Rd, Suite 100, Union

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62 Harmony Hill Retreat Center (360) 898-2363 | 7362 E SR 106, Union

Hood Canal Vacation Homes (360) 796-3450 vacationhomesonhoodcanal.com 5

8 Mike’s Beach Resort (360) 877-5324 38470 Hwy 101, Hoodsport

Rest-A-While RV Park (360) 877-9474 SEATTLE 27001 Hwy 101, Hoodsport

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Alderbrook Resort & Spa (360) 898-2200 7101 E SR 106, Union 58

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52 Robin Hood Village (360) 898-2163 6780 SR 106, Union 76 Sisters Point Waterfront Cabin (360) 275-6816, 12121 NE North Shore Rd, Belfair 17

Skokomish Park at Lake Cushman (360) 877-5760 (CLOSED DUING COVID -19) 7211 N Lake Cushman Rd, Hoodsport 64 Summer Tide Resort & Marina (360) 275-9313, 15781 NE North Shore Road, Tahuya 15 Sunrise Motel & Dive (360) 877-5301 | 24520 Hwy 101, Hoodsport 42 The Waterfront at Potlatch (360) 877-9422 | 21660 Hwy 101, Hoodsport

Hardware Distillery, Hoodsport

WINE & SPIRITS

57 Cameo Boutique & Wine Shop (360) 898-3200 | 6871 E SR 106, Union 41 Hoodsport Winery & Tasting Room (360) 877-9508 | N 23501 Hwy 101, Hoodsport 34 Stottle Winery Tasting Room (360) 877-2247 | 24180 Hwy 101, Hoodsport 30

The Hardware Distillery & Tasting

Room (206) 300-0877 | 24210 Hwy 101, Hoodsport

BANKS

56 Our Community Credit Union (OCCU) (800) 426-5657 | 320 E Dalby Rd, Ste A, Union

INFO

Brinnon Visitor’s Center (360) 796-4350 306144 US-101, Brinnon 9

32 Hoodsport Visitor Info (800) 576-2021 (360) 877-2021 | 150 N Lk Cushman Rd, Hoodsport

Hunter Farms Visitor Center (360) 426-2222 1921 E SR 106, Union 55

SHOPPING

25 Columbia Bank (360) 877-5272 | 24341 Hwy 101, Hoodsport

POST OFFICES

Brinnon 144 Brinnon Ln, Brinnon Hoodsport 76 N Lake Cushman Rd, Hoodsport Lilliwaup 8621 Hwy 101, Lilliwaup Union 310 E Dalby Rd, Union

57 Cameo Boutique & Wine Shop (360) 898-3200 | 6871 E SR 106, Union 32 Hood Canal Outfitters (360) 877-9444 24171 Hwy 101, Hoodsport 48 Kari’s Collectibles (360) 898-0277 4941 E SR 106, Union 29 Laurie’s Gift & Liquor (360) 877-5252 24230 Hwy 101, Hoodsport 35 Octopus Garden Jewelry (360) 877-5530 24202 Hwy 101, Hoodsport

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Gift items at White Barn Decor in Belfair

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Worthington Park’s Final Transformation TEN YEARS IN THE MAKING

Brian Cullin | Story The idea was hatched three decades ago in a school cafeteria.

A modest vision for a “grass roots museum” for the North Hood Canal region. That modest vision became an extraordinary undertaking. Punching far above its weight, the Quilcene Historical Museum launched the formation of a community treasure and a one-of-a-kind events center celebrating the rich culture and history of its communities.

In July 2011, nearing the end of her life, Eilleen Worthington made a special offer to the museum to purchase her home, the 1892 Victorian Mansion, the 1915 barn, and ten acres, some bordering the Little Quilcene River. Eilleen’s offer of her house to the Quilcene Historical Museum stemmed from her interest in furthering education and ensuring that the house would remain standing as a local landmark.

2015 Worthington Mansion Movement for New Foundation

Following the receipt of grants and extensive fundraising efforts, the Quilcene Historical Museum purchased the Worthington Mansion, historic barn, several outbuildings, and ten acres in 2013.

What followed was nearly a decade of efforts marked by close to 40,000 volunteer hours to deliver on the museum’s vision.

Earth-moving has marked the birth and the completion of Worthington Park’s restoration.

The photograph’s included in this article tell this story. Before the mansion could be restored it had to be moved off its foundation in order to stabilize the structure. Once on a solid

The residence was rapidly deteriorating, but its cultural and historical significance were central motivators in restoring it as a community asset.

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footing, the work began in earnest to restore the exterior and interior - an effort that took six years and that has just concluded. The extensive landscaping and concrete infrastructure work was necessary in order for the Museum to move the facility from a rural residential to a commercial use facility. A major focus of this huge undertaking was to accomplish it in close partnership with Worthington Park’s neighbors.

For example, every effort was made to screen the expanded parking areas with original trees and plantings - and will include new plantings as well. This new infrastructure will support 120 vehicles and up to 99 visitors in the mansion at any given time.

"This summer the park set attendance records for the events it hosted."

The project manager and Museum board member, David Satterlee, whose family has deep roots in the Quilcene community, summed up the significance of the extraordinary progress over the last months, “I've been completely amazed with this final implementation of our long journey. It is one thing to look at a site plan and adjust sidewalk alignment - it is quite another to finally see this

magnificent parking area and walkways take shape. When suddenly all of the hard work of the last ten years comes together - it is a wonderful fulfillment of a vision that at times seemed unattainable."

Today, Worthington Park is a magnificent rustic property with old world charm. The 1892 Late Victorian Worthington Mansion with French 2nd Empire Mansard roof, has plenty of sleeping and entertaining space with 17 rooms, 3 stories, and ADA accessibility. The outdoor grounds offer picturesque sites with over 660 feet of river frontage on the Little Quilcene River, along with the wide open meadow and outdoor theatre, Linger Longer Stage.

Worthington Park will host a grand opening and open its doors in May of 2022.

With the transformation complete, the Quilcene Historical Museum will have delivered on its vision - a unique historical and cultural center prepared to host major public and private

events, and offering overnight stays for those who want to explore the Olympic Peninsula.

Learn more at www.worthingtonparkquilcene.org

WE KNOW HOOD CANAL

HOODSPORT, WA

PROPERTIES

360-329-2911

Project manager and Museum board member, David Satterlee, Jeff Childs Photo

WWW.M4REALESTATEGROUP.COM

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A WALK ON THE URBAN WILD SIDE Charlotte Hansen | Book Review If you are looking for a local field guide that steps "out of the norm," check out Seattle native Kelly Brenner’s book, Nature Obscura, A City’s Hidden Natural World for a refreshing perspective on nature observation.

Ranging from crows and moon snails,to moths and muskrats, or lichens and fungi, Brenner encourages readers to see the unseen and connect with the natural world around them – even in an urban landscape.

In her journey around her neighborhood in Seattle, Washington, Brenner brings common creatures to life with her candid admiration, extolling each animal’s unique attributes with an almost lyrical tone.

"Imagine if you will, an animal that weighs the same as two dimes,” she writes about the Annas Hummingbird, “Now imagine having to find enough insects and nectar in the dead of winter, not in sunny San Diego, but in Seattle.” Even the title of the chapter “Anna in Winter” encourages us to not just see a bird but also a resilient personality.

Brenner disarms the reader, bringing bugs that we would have normally overlooked to life. “I squat next to a pond and watch tiny backswimmers floating just under the surface of the water… floating a few inches before, in a burst of activity, their legs furiously paddle and they jet forward.”

Brenner doesn’t stop with birds and bugs.

She also encourages the appreciation of mold as well - more specifically slime molds.

“They commonly grow on rotting wood, creeping up the dark crevasses, their fruiting bodies in spectacular whites, maroons, oranges, and shimmering iridescent.”

She continues to launch into a history of Northwest slime mold researchers, and although the detail is a little tedious at points in its completeness, it clearly displays her admiration of mold to a point where we, as readers, are convinced to get our eyes on. “I’ve discovered over and over again during my life as a naturalist,” Brenner recalls, “once I notice something and begin to really see it, I then see the organism everywhere.”

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This is the point Brenner is trying to drive home in Natura Obsucra. "Everything is connected, " Breener states, quoting naturalist John Muir, “when we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe.”

“Becoming an urban naturalist requires very little besides the senses you already possess,” she adds, “Perhaps the most important are simply curiosity and a sense of wonder.” So go outside. Whether you need Brenner’s descriptions or her lessons in “seeing,” appreciate and learn to observe the natural world around you – even in an urban landscape.

Kelly Brenner Natura Obscura, A City's Hidden Natural World (2020) Mountaineers Books, $17.95

THINGS TO DO

FALLS TO FISHING

45 MAP/LODGING

SHELTON & KAMILCHE

48 Situated between the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains in Mason County, is Hood Canal.

A place filled with world-class activities, wild-caught fare, lively events, and plenty of places to hide away from it all when you just want the world to yourself.

MAP/LODGING HOOD CANAL AREA

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Hood Canal is Washington’s wild side. And it’s here for you, when you’re ready to discover yours. #WILDSIDEWA

KAYAKING

Whether you seek tide-ripped saltwater passages, challenging whitewater, or lakes big and small, Hood Canal is a kayaker, canoer, or paddleboarder’s ideal destination.

A rich paddling community supports any adventurer’s vision; rental packages and lesson opportunities for the budding kayaker or paddleboarder are not in short supply.

Get out on the water and enjoy a fresh perspective of the canal with colossal peaks towering overhead.

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EXPERIENCE THE

WILD SIDE OF WASHINGTON Like a giant fish hook weaving beneath the Olympics with a web of inlets, Hood Canal is poised to catch your imagination and reel in memories for years to come.This majestic saltwater fjord hosts unparalleled shellfish, shrimp, crab, and salmon and is renown as a diving mecca with its glacial formation causing underwater biomes that appear nowhere else.Venture away from the canal to Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest for hiking and thrilling vistas. Choose from hundreds of easy access freshwater lakes or revel in waterfall views including the iconic High Steel Bridge. Ablaze with wildflowers in the spring, hidden swimming holes in the summer, a chance to see spawning salmon in the fall, and snow-capped peaks in the winter, there is never an inopportune time to visit Hood Canal.

MOTORSPORTS

T he Ridge Motorsports Park racing course near Shelton includes a fantastic road course that's geared towards club racers and competitors. Head to the DNR forests for some unmatched off-road trail rides.

CLEAR YOUR MIND AND

GO CHASING WATERFALLS

Hamma Hamma & Rocky Brook are just two of the many falls on Hood Canal waiting to be explored. Want to plan a waterfall getaway?

Visit waterfalltrail.org for 25 unique and special places to visit.

TRAILS & WALKS

World-class hiking trails lace the Olympic Mountain wilderness, leading from mountain stream beds through old growth forest to high-altitude ridge lines with breathtaking views of Hood Canal and beyond.

HIGH STEEL BRIDGE

Soaring 420' above the Skokomish River, the High Steel Bridge (1929), is the highest steel truss arch bridge in Washington. You won’t even need to leave the car for this breathtaking view.

Follow Skokomish Valley Rd 11 miles from Hwy 101 to reach the bridge.

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TAKE A LEAP We love the folks at SKYDIVE KAPOWSIN! Feel the adrenaline pumping rush of free-fall and experience the freedom of the air with highly trained professional instructors. Views of the fjord and the Olympics and a seven minute free fall adrenaline rush from 13,000 feet will definitely change your outlook.

RIDE THE RAILS

TASTING YOUR WAY AROUND THE CANAL & SOUND

May through October experience nature and history pedaling the timber rail on a

Do a farm-to-table dining loop experiencing some Northwest flavors – including Hama Hama, Hardware Distillery, Stottle, Hood Canal Winery, Olympic Mountain Ice Cream.

vancecreekrailriders.com

PICK A PEAK From easy day hikes with the family to overnights or “experience needed” excursions – you don’t have to go far for spectacular memories!

PHOTO: TOBY TAHJA-SYRETT

2- hour quadricycle excursion.

FISHING

From open water trolling on the sound to throwing dry flies on small lowland lakes, there are plenty of fishing opportunities in the area.

Seek colossal coho in the fall and hungry trout in the spring to see why every season is fishing season in Hood Canal.

BIKING

Don the helmet and clip into your pedals, for there is no shortage of road or trail from which to experience the beauty and thrill of this landscape.

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UP YOUR GOLF GAME Award-winning courses with incredible views of the Olympics on lush fairways – Hood Canal and South Puget Sound are ideal destinations.

ALDERBROOK GOLF

LAKE CUSHMAN GOLF

LAKELAND VILLAGE

SHELTON DISC GOLF

(360) 898-2560 | Union alderbrookgolf.com Par 72 course follows natural contours. Restaurant, lounge & proshop onsite.

(360) 877-5505 | Hoodsport lakecushmangolfcourse.com In the Olympic Mountain forest, this 9-hole course plays a challenging 18 holes.

(360) 275-6100 | Allyn lakelandliving.com With views of the Olympics and Mount Rainier, the 27-hole course has world class dining.

masoncountydiscgolf.com Different type of golf? 18hole disc golf course located in the watershed at the intersection of Wallace Kneeland Blvd & Shelton Springs Rd.

LAKE LIMERICK GOLF

SALISH CLIFFS GOLF

(360) 426-6290 | Shelton lakelimerick.com The gentle hills make this a challenging round of golf.

Restaurant & pro shop.

(360) 462-3673 | Kamilche salish-cliffs.com 18-hole par & 72 championship course is adjacent to LITTLE CREEK CASINO RESORT, a full service resort & casino.

CRUISE THE HOOD

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Explore the canal with your own boat or arrange with ALDERBROOK RESORT. Scheduled & private charters available. alderbrookresort.com 48

FOR THE BIRDS With a majestic and varied landscape, Hood Canal is a gorgeous place to come search for the over 250 species that call the Olympic Peninsula home. Chock full of life – birds like bald eagles, rhinoceros aucklets and more on premiere birding trails –this is a birder’s paradise! OLYMPICBIRDTRAIL.ORG

SCUBA DIVING Scuba sales, air, training, rentals, and charters available at Hoodport near renowned destinations like SUND ROCK and OCTOPUS HOLE. yssdive.com

ON THE WATER Hood Canal occupies 150 square miles of the Olympic Peninsula and bellies up to the Olympic National Park.

It's home to thousands of species of fish and marine mammals and invertebrates like orcas, oysters, and octopus. There's hardly a better way to take it all in than on the water.

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SHELTON

Ridge Motorsports photo

CELEBRATING A RICH TIMBER HISTORY

SHELTON is the westernmost city on Puget Sound. Featuring a bustling heritage core, its landscape is marked by colossal forests which led to a title of “Christmas Tree Capital of the World.”

GET YOUR RACE ON

Dubbed CHRISTMASTOWN, USA, since 1962, Shelton

The Ridge Motorsports Park hosts car and motorcycle events.

Karting is open thru October.

successfully won the Guinness World Record for Most Lit Christmas Trees in 2019.

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Riptide Retreat | 291 East Agate Beach Drive, Shelton | riptideretreat.com

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Shelton Inn | 628 W Railroad Ave, Shelton | (360) 426-4468 | sheltoninn.com

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Super 8 Motel | 2943 Northview Circle, Shelton | (360) 426-1654 | super8.com

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City Center Best Rates | 128 E Alder St, Shelton | (360) 426-3397

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FOREST ROOTS

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Explore the Shelton Historical Museum with displays on early life on Puget Sound, Hood Canal, and working in the woods and stick around for the Mason County Forest Festival Paul Bunyan Parade.

50 masoncountyforestfestival.com

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Water view

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Little Creek Casino Resort | W 91 State Route 108, Shelton | (800) 667-7711 | little-creek.com

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Harstine Island Beach Cabin | 21 E Dana Dr, Shelton | (253) 943-5264 | harstinerental.com

SHELTON AREA LODGING

Pets OK

Wi/Fi

Dining: Onsite (O) Nearby (N)

RIDGEMOTORSPORTSPARK.COM

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ALLYN Waterfront park features AL LYN gazebo and lawns, play Anderson Lake area, and beach access.

NO FEE/PASS

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Potlatch State Park

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Totten Inlet

Totten Inlet

OYSTER BAY Beach,marshy estuary, for birding, salmon observing or fishing.

TO GO: Parking pullout on Hwy 101, marker 356 /Old Olympic Hwy. NO FEE/PASS

SCHAFER STATE PARK TRAIL THE KENNEDY CREEK SALMON TRAIL Trails, interpretive center, swimming, fishing.

Chum salmon are on view as they make their way up river TO GO: 12 miles north of Elma on the East Fork TOPOGRAPHY: flat, viewing platforms, interpretive signs of the Satsop River. The park is also accessible TO GO: Hwy 101, Old Olympic Hwy; weekends, seasonally. via the Brady exit from Hwy 12.

51 NO FEE/ PASS DISCOVER PASS REQUIRED

Dr

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S End Rd

Island Rd S

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sa HOPE ISLAND STATE Pas PARK Donly by water.

106 acre park Pugetreachable Sound Old-growth forests, saltwater marshes, fruit trees, beaches, historical buildings, friendly deer. Destination for kayakers and boaters!

TO GO: access by boat, mooring available, beach landing, boats and kayaks can launch at Arcadia Point (0.5 miles).

CAMPING FEES

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Hope Island State Park

Harstine Island

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WALKER PARK Beach access, playground, restrooms, picnic shelter, kayak access.

NO FEE/PASS Fa

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ou th

N 13th St S 1st St

S 10th St

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SQUAXIN ISLAND TRIBE MUSEUM Stories, photos, art, artifacts dating back over 500 years. TO GO: Hwy 101 to Kamilche exit , follow signs. ADMISSION CHARGE

Squaxin Island

Mill Cr k

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TAYLOR SHELLFISH STORE Fresh seafood, tours available; open to public.

Hwy 101 to Taylor Towne Exit.

d lan

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Isabella Lake

Timber Lake

Arcadia

SE Arcadia Rd

3

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Jacobys Shorecrest County Park mersley Inlet Ham

Arcadia Ave

Agate

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HARSTINE ISLAND TRAIL 300 acres to explore McMicken EASY 1.5 mile, beach Island NO FEE/PASS

Peale

Rock

vd Bl

c Hwy S SE Olympi

ISABELLA LAKE TRAILS Dayton Peak EASY 2.5 mile loop, rolling meadows TO GO: Hwy 101 exit at SR#3 to Golden Pheasant Rd, right on Delight Park Rd. NO FEE/PASS

La

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Turner Ave

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information, handouts, and maps

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SHELTON VISITOR CENTER TO GO: Red Caboose on Railroad Avenue

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Phillips Lake

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HUNTER FARMS Farm Market, seasonal events; Visitor Center

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Stretch Point State Park

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POTLATCH STATE PARK Longest stretch of PUBLIC BEACH in Mason County with shellfish, kayaking, and Hood Canal water access.

DISCOVER PASS REQUIRED W Shelto n Ma tloc kR

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Potlatch State Park Campground

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Wooten Lake

Dewatto Bay

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Skokomish Park at Lake Cushman

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Ranger Station is open in summer with information, exhibits, wilderness permits, map sales and wheelchair available. Road open year-round weather permitting. Call (360) 565-3131 NATIONAL PARK PASS TO GO: HWY 101 to SR#119, follow FS#24 to Staircase Entrance.

RAPIDS LOOP: EASY family friendly 2 mile trail through old growth forest to a bridge over the North Fork Skokomish River; only 200-foot elevation gain. BIG CEDAR, a 0.6 mile spur trail, leads to a fallen cedar while a 0.5 mile section leads to a river viewpoint.

UPPER LENA LAKE TRAIL Steep with unstable bed; camping.

MODERATE TO DIFFICULT 4.3 mile climb TOPOGRAPHY: 3,800 foot gain to sub-alpine lake TO GO: Same as Lower Lena Lake Trail above.

WILDERNESS PERMIT FOR CAMPING NW FOREST PASS FOR PARKING

FOUR STREAM: EASY 1.2 mile to Beaver Flat, swampy section of alder/cedar forest. Elevation loss 100 ft.

BIG CREEK Great pack-in picnic destination with pools and footbridges.

MODERATE 4 miles TO GO: Trailhead at FS#24 and SR#119 junction.

NW FOREST PASS Tri t o n Triton Head

WAGONWHEEL LAKE: MODERATE TO DIFFICULT climbing 2.9 miles (elevation gain of 3,365 ft).

FLAPJACK LAKES: DIFFICULT climbing 7.8 mile one-way hike (3,115 ft elevation gain). k Cr

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Hamma Hamma Campground et Wak

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HAMA HAMA STORE Beach access & parking, seasonal outdoor Oyster Saloon and fresh seafood market.

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Lilliwaup Creek Campground Tenas Lake

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Anderson Lake

106

Annas Bay

106

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Taggert Crk

Potlatch State Park

Skokomish Indian Reservation

AL LYN

vehicle/vessel/fishing/hunting northmasonchamber.com

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VISITOR CENTER/ BELFAIR LICENSING nal od CaGO: On Hwy 3 in Belfair HoTO PASSES FOR PURCHASE Park/

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Belfair State Park

Stre

Expansive beach with panoramic views of Maggie Lake Olympics.

Picnic tables. NO FEE/PASS R

PASSES FOR PURCHASE

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MENARD’S LANDING

Grisdale Hill

Potlatch State Park Campground

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– information, handouts, maps

DISCOVER PASS

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Lake Kokanee

HOODSPORT VISITOR CENTER TO GO: Located just off Hwy 101 in Hoodsport

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Lake Haven

Dewatto Bay

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Wooten Lake

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Lilliwaup Falls

Price Lake

TAHUYA STATE FOREST

23,100 acre forest provides open spaces for sightseeing, camping, nature study, fishing, hiking,horse, ATV, ORV, and biking.

State ATahuya “working forest” trail Forest may be closed due to forest management activities.

TOPOGRAPHY deep woods TO GO: Hwy 300/Belfair 300 Tahuya Rd, 1.1 mile.

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Saddle Mtn

Skokomish Park at Lake Cushman

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Lake Cushman

Blacksmith Lake

Lake Melbourne

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Big Creek Campground

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DEWATTO BAY Beach with dramatic view of the Olympics; excellent photography destination. Lots of ripe berries in late summer.

TO GO: Belfair-Tahuya Rd to Dewatto Rd, 4 miles.

SERVICES AT PORT OF DEWATTO CAMPGROUND

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EAGLE CREEK Beach access & parking across from Eagle Creek Saloon. NO FEE/PASS

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Jefferson Peak

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LIVING LEGACY TRAIL Spectacular views of the Mt. Skokomish and the Brothers ranges; interpretive signage.

Trail passes Hamma Hamma Cabin built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (1930s).

EASY TO MODERATE 1.5 mile loop.

TOPOGRAPHY: First 0.25 mile is barrier free along the river; ascends bluff to creek.

TO GO: Hwy 101 to FS#25, 5.5 miles.

WILDERNESS PERMIT REQUIRED FOR CAMPING

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Lena Creek Campground

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LOWER LENA LAKE TRAIL Well maintained popular trail leads to a small lake MODERATE TO DIFFICULT 3 mile climb,switchbacks TO GO: Hwy 101 at Hamma Hamma Recreation Area

STAIRCASE | OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK

HIKING & BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING

Clamber up the rugged trails, tiptoe through the quiet old growth forest, or careen through the pristine meadows of Olympic National Forest & National Park. Shoulder your pack and experience the sights and sounds of the vast wilderness home to some of the most beautiful flora & fauna in the world.

Ablaze with wildflowers in the spring, cool hidden swimming holes in the summer, a chance to see spawning salmon in the fall, and snow capped peaks in the winter, there is never an inopportune time to hike Hood Canal.

ITINERARY 3: HOODSPORT & NORTH HOOD CANAL

DIVE DEEPER

Water view

Watercraft

RV Sites

Kitchen

Beach

Pool/Spa

CUSHMAN, ELDON, HOODSPORT, POTLATCH & LILLIWAUP

Pets OK

WEST HOOD CANAL LODGING

TV/Cable

Giant octopus, wolf eels and swarms of ancient rock cod add to the wonder of this special place. AIR, GEAR & SCUBA LESSONS, RENTALS & CHARTERS available.

Wi/Fi

CANAL SPIRIT

HOODSPORT WINERY, STOTTLE WINERY, and HARDWARE DISTILLERY offer tastings amongst shopping, dining and the famous Olympic Mountain Ice Cream.

FORAGE DINNER

Come prepared with buckets and boots. Check regs at wdfw.wa.gov before digging – or stop by HAMA HAMA STORE & OYSTER SALOON for freshly prepared seafood.

Dining: Onsite (O) Nearby (N)

HUG THE CURVES

As Hwy 101 navigates the bays of HOOD CANAL, imagine relaxing dockside of a beachside cabin, watching the seals roll off the rocks.

Alice’s Little Beach House | 112 N Allie Ahl Ln, Lilliwaup | (360) 877-9226 | aliceslittlebeachhouse.com

N

Creekside Inn | 27131 N Hwy 101, Hoodsport | (360) 877-9686 | creeksideinnwa.com

N

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Glen Ayr Waterfront Resort | 25381 N Hwy 101, Hoodsport | (360) 877-9522 | glenayr.com

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Mike’s Beach Resort | 38470 N Hwy 101, Lilliwaup | (360) 877-5324 | mikesbeachresort.com

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The Moose House at Lake Cushman | Lake Cushman | themoosehouse.com

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Pali-Kai Canal House | 327000 N Hwy 101, Lilliwaup | (360) 426-2224

N

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Sunrise Motel & Dive Resort | 24520 N Hwy 101, Hoodsport | (360) 877-5301

N

Waterfront at Potlatch | 21660 N Hwy 101, Potlatch | (360) 877-9422 | thewaterfrontatpotlatch.com

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Yellow House | 23891 N Hwy 101, Hoodsport | (360) 877-6818 | hoodsportndive.com

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Watrview

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Watercraft

Kitchen

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RV Sites

Pool Beach

TV/Cable

Pets OK

Allyn House Inn | 18350 State Route 3, Allyn | 535-2198 | allynhouseinn.com

Wi/Fi

Allyn

Dining: Onsite (O) Nearby (N)

ALLYN/ BELFAIR/UNION LODGING

• • •

Belfair & Tahuya Belfair Motel | 23322 NE State Route 3, Belfair | 275-4485 | belfairmotel.net

N • • •

Gladwin Beach House | 391 Gladwin Beach Rd, Belfair | (360) 337-2960 | explorehoodcanal.com

N • •

Sisters Point Waterfront Cabin | 12121 NE North Shore Rd, Belfair | (360) 275-6816

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Summertide Resort | 15781 NE Northshore Road Tahuya | (360) 275-9313 | summertideresort.com

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Alderbrook Resort & Spa | 10 E Alderbrook Drive, Union | (360) 898-2200 | alderbrookresort.com

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Blue Heron Resort Condos | 6520 E SR106, Union | (360) 614-3191 | attheblue.com

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Cameo Boutique Cottage & Suite | 6871 E SR 106, Union | (360) 490-7006 | cameoboutique.com

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Harmony Hill Retreat Center | 7362 E SR 106, Union | (360) 898-2363 | harmonyhill.org

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Hood Canal Events Accommodations | curated short term rentals | hoodcanalevents.com

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Hood Canal Resort Properties | 8761 E SR 106, Union | (360) 842-9779 | hoodcanalresort.com

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Robin Hood Village Resort | 6780 E State Route 106, Union | 898-2163 | robinhoodvillageresort.com

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Union

ALLYN & GRAPEVIEW enjoy gorgeous views of the protected harbor waters of Case Inlet.

The area features quaint shops, waterfront lodging, restaurants, and beach parks.

Annually, the Grapeview area hosts the Water and Art Festival, a day-long event featuring entertainment and juried artists.

ITINERARY 4: ALLYN/GRAPEVIEW LOOP A CUT ABOVE

The largest chainsaw carving outlet, BEAR IN A is a great place to explore this unique art.

They also teach chainsaw carving.

WATERFRONT WANDERINGS

GRAPE VIEWS

Waterfront Grapeview is the location of first winery and vineyards of the Pacific Northwest.

BEACH WALK

There are plenty of great public beaches to explore and launch The area features quaint shops, a variety of points for your kayaks. restaurants, and beach parks.

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54

ALLYN

ITINERARY 5: BELFAIR AREA TAKE A WALK ON BOARDWALK

TAKE TO THE TRAILS

Hood Canal’s wild 139 acre THELER WETLANDS hosts two miles of trails.

1,700+ feet of floating boardwalk, native plants, and interpretive kiosks to experience wetland wildlife. olympicbirdtrail.org

23,100 acre TAHUYA STATE FOREST for camping, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, ATV, ORV, and mountain biking. dnr.wa.gov

SALMON STRONG

THE SALMON CENTER provides education and recreation through a series of collaborative activities at their certified organic farm.

They also host seasonal events. pnwsalmoncenter.org

VISITOR INFORMATION & RESOURCES HOODSPORT VISITOR CENTER 150 N Lake Cushman Rd, Hoodsport, WA (360) 877-2021 | (800) 576-2021

BELFAIR VISITOR CENTER 30 NE Romance Hill Rd, Belfair, WA (360) 275-4267 | northmasonchamber.com

UNION VISITOR INFORMATION

Located at Hunter Farms, E 1921 SR 106, Union, WA

SHELTON CHAMBER VISITOR CENTER

215 W. Railroad Ave, Shelton, WA | (360) 426-2021 Open 8 AM - 5 PM | Monday through Friday

MASON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM 427 W. Railroad Ave, Shelton, WA 11 AM - 4 PM | Tuesday through Saturday

KAMILCHE VISITOR CENTER 31 West State Route 108, Kamilche, WA (360) 432-0921

RIDE FREE IN MASON COUNTY From ferries in Seattle to trailheads in Hood Canal, Mason Transit offers free rides – masontransit.org

OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK nps.gov

55

55 FJORD

25 SCENIC WATERFALLS

Hood Canal to the Pacific Coast & points between Receiving hundreds of inches of rain annually, the Hoh, Quinault and Queets Rainforests are located on the coastal foothills of the Olympics. With 21 feet of snow or rain at its peaks, it’s no wonder there is a myriad of waterfalls lacing the area. Explore this sampling curated by celebrated guidebook author and avid hiker, Craig Romano. Some are small, secret, and unique, others are popular but magnificent. All

are worth the journey!

Olympia & Hood Canal

9. Dosewallips Falls (9.0 MILE ROUND-TRIP – MODERATE)

Brinnon | US 101 Milepost 306, Dosewallips Rd 9.7 miles to trail Olympic National Park, no pass, kid-friendly, dog-prohibited Spectacular 100’ waterfall previously had vehicle access but now to reach waterfall you must hike or mountain bike closed road..

1. Tumwater Falls Loop (1 MILE – EASY)

Olympia | Exit #103 off of I-5 S to Deschutes Way Tumwater Falls Park, no pass required, kid/dog friendly Iconic landmark, multi-tiered showy falls separated by gorge.

2. Kennedy Creek Falls (6.8 MILE RT – MODERATE)

Kamiliche | US 101 N, left at Old Olympic , mile to gate Forestry & WA DNR, no pass required, kid/dog friendly Descend to a grove of big trees — and the falls. Here Kennedy Creek tumbles over basalt flow.

3. Vincent Creek Falls (ROAD ACCESS – EASY)

Skokomish Valley Rd; 5.6 miles to FR 23; 2.3 miles to FR 2340 Olympic National Forest, no pass, caution: low guardrail Arched truss 685’ High Steel Bridge (1929) spans 375’ and is the 14th highest bridge in USA. Falls drop 250’ over canyon.

4. Big Creek Cascades Loop (4.2 MILE – MODERATE)

10. Fallsview Falls (0.2 MILE ROUND-TRIP – EASY)

Quilcene | US 101 at Falls View Campground. Trail in picnic area Olympic National Forest, pass required, kid/dog friendly, ADA Trail is ADA accessible to a falls cascading 100’. By late summer it trickles—but during the rainy season the falls put on a little show.

Lake Crescent & Elwha River 11. Striped Peak Falls (2.2 MILE RT– MODERATE)

Salt Creek County Park | SR 112 , 7.2 miles, R. @ Camp Hayden Rd Clallam County Parks and WA DNR, no pass, dog-friendly Small but location in remote cliff-enclosed sea cove is stunning.

12. Madison Creek Falls (0.2 MILE ROUND-TRIP – EASY)

Elwha River Valley | Olympic Hot Springs Rd 2.1 miles Olympic National Park, no pass, kid-friendly, ADA, dog-friendly Short walk to mossy maple and cedar lined grotto. This path is one of the few within the national park that is open to leashed dogs.

Lake Cushman / Hoodsport | SR 119 for 9.3 miles to trail head Olympic National Forest, pass required, kid/dog-friendly Loop utilizes old logging roads, new trails and series of bridges constructed by volunteers that continue to improve this loop.

5. Staircase Rapids Loop (2 MILE – EASY)

13. Wolf Creek Falls (0.8 MILE ROUND-TRIP –MODERATE)

Elwha River Valley | US 10, milepost 240, Olympic Hot Springs Rd, 4.0 miles, left onto dirt Whiskey Bend Rd, 4.2 miles to trail head Olympic National Park, pass required, dogs prohibited After a steep descent to river walk along the gravel bank of Wolf Creek to a fanning 25’ falls. Step back to see another tier above it.

Lake Cushman/Hoodsport | SR 119; FR 24 for 14.7 miles Olympic National Park, pass required, kid-friendly, no pets Follow river to suspension bridge, cross river and complete loop on North Fork Skokomish River back to Ranger Station.

6. Hamma Hamma Falls (ROAD ACCESS – EASY)

Lilliwaup | FR 25 for 13.3 miles Olympic National Forest, pass required, kid-friendly Bridge spans two-tiered falls (80’). Overhead view decent year round. On drive back, enjoy views of secondary falls along river.

7. Murhut Falls (1.6 MILES ROUND-TRIP – EASY)

Duckabush River Valley | FR 2510 6.3 miles, FR 2530, 1.3 miles Olympic National Forest, no pass required, kid/dog-friendly Well-built trail to 130’ two-tiered waterfall. Pacific rhododendrons line the trail in May and June.

14. Goblins Gate (3.6 MILES ROUND-TRIP – MODERATE)

Elwha River Valley | milepost 240, Olympic Hot Springs Rd, 4 miles onto dirt Whiskey Bend Rd, 4.5 miles to trail head ONP, pass required, kid friendly, dogs prohibited Hike to a Elwha River gorge to a series of rapids.

15. Boulder Creek Falls (8.4 MILES ROUND-TRIP – MODERATE)

Elwha Valley | Milepost 240, Olympic Hot Springs Rd, 10 miles Olympic National Park, pass required, dogs prohibited A series of cascades in valley with luxuriant old-growth forest. The hike is an all-day event but is remoter than nearby popular sites.

8. Rocky Brook Falls (QUARTER MILE – EASY)

Brinnon | Milepost 306 on US 101, Dosewallips Road 3 miles Private, no pass, kid/dog-friendly - check for closures Classic horsetail waterfall crashes more than 200’ from hanging FJORD valley. Summer, the cascade pool is a popular swimming hole.

FJORD

Thank you.

56 58 p a c i f i c

coast scenic

waterfall trail

Waterfall project made possible with Mason County Lodging Tax funding. explorehoodcanal.com

®2020 | Information and images courtesy of Craig Romano.

Craig has written more than 20 guidebooks including Day Hiking Olympic Peninsula 2nd Edition.

www.waterfalltrail.org 16. Marymere Falls (1.8 MILES ROUND-TRIP – EASY)

Lake Crescent | milepost 228, right at Lake Crescent Lodge Olympic National Park, no pass, kid-friendly, dogs prohibited A popular waterfall on the Olympic Peninsula, if it was harder to reach, this 90’ horsetail cascade would still be well-visited.

17. Sol Duc Falls (1.6 MILES ROUND-TRIP – EASY)

Sol Duc River Valley | Sol Duc Hot Springs Road, 14 miles to trail Olympic National Park, pass required, kid-friendly, no dogs ONP’s most photographed waterfall. The falls tumble about 40’ into a tight slot and abruptly flow at a right angle into the gorge.

Pacific Coast & Quinault

18.Strawberry Bay Falls (3.6 MILES ROUND-TRIP – EASY

Olympic Coast | SR 110 to Quillayute Prairie, 3.8 miles to trail Olympic National Park, no pass, kid-friendly, dogs prohibited Hike to Third Beach to witness this waterfall tumbling more than 100’ from a towering headland into the surf.

For full descriptions on all these waterfalls including maps, updates and images, visit: WATERFALLTRAIL.ORG Wynoochee River Valley

23. Spoon Creek Falls (6 MILE ROUND-TRIP – MODERATE)

Wynoochee Valley | FR 22 34 miles, FR 23 2.5 mile to trail Olympic National Forest, no pass, kid-friendly, dog friendly 93’ falls plunge into a box canyon. Trail goes through old-growth forest to a viewpoint of falls dropping into the gorge.

24. Maidenhair Falls (1 MILE ROUND-TRIP – EASY)

Wynoochee Valley | FR 22 34 miles, FR 2312 5.8 miles, FR 2385 Olympic National Forest, no pass, kid-friendly, dog friendly Overlooked by many due to its close proximity to Wynoochee Falls, this is a pleasant surprise in a quiet corner of the Olympics.

25. Porter Falls (1.6 MILE ROUND-TRIP – EASY)

Porter Creek Rd, 2.9 miles B-0150 Rd, .5 mile, B-Line 0.9 mile

19. Mineral Creek Falls (5.0 MILES ROUND-TRIP – EASY)

Capitol State Forest, Discover Pass required, kid/dog friendly

Hoh Rainforest | Upper Hoh Rd from US 101, 18 miles to trail Olympic National Park, pass required, kid-friendly, no dogs Tucked within towering Sitka spruces, firs, and maples in the rain forest this pleasant hike follows along the glacier-fed Hoh River.

20. Cascade Falls Loop ( .7 MILES LOOP – EASY)

Quinault Rainforest | South Shore Rd 2.3 miles to trail Olympic National Forest, no pass, kid / dog friendly Not the tallest, nor most popular of the waterfalls within the Quinault Rainforest, Cascade Falls is perhaps the prettiest.

21. Merriman Falls (ROADSIDE—MINIMAL WALKING)

Quinault Rainforest | South Shore Rd from US 101, 6.7 miles Olympic National Forest, no pass, kid-friendly, dog friendly The falls plummet 40 feet over a mossy and ferny ledge into a mossy tangle of boulders and saturated logs.

22. Enchanted Valley of 10,000 Waterfalls

(26 MILES ROUND-TRIP – MODERATE BACKPACKING TRIP) Quinault Rainforest | South Shore Rd from US 101, 13 miles to Quinault River Bridge,right on Graves Creek Rd 6.2 miles ONP Wilderness Permits required, kid-friendly, no dog Behold its stunning backdrop of sheer cliffs 3,000 feet high streaked with waterfalls and hanging snow and ice.

Full descriptions: waterfalltrail.org

(including map coordinates)

Located at the confluence of the South and West Forks of Porter Creek.

Here one branch cuts through a cleft while the other plunges over a ledge into a big punchbowl.

CAPE FLATTERY

LAKE CRESCENT

LAKE OZETTE

17 LA PUSH

16

15

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PORT TOWNSEND

13 QUILCENE

Olympic National Park

18 KALALOCH

PORT ANGELES

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19

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QUINAULT

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BRINNON

SEATTLE

HOODSPORT BELFAIR

SHELTON TACOMA

ABERDEEN

2 1

OLYMPIA

FJORD 5759 FJORD NOTE: MAP NOT TO SCALE, FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY.

MASON COUNTY'S

shellfish Forage on Washington’s Wild Side.

Our Local Bivalves

Mason County’s saltwater bays and inlets OLYMPIC along Hood Canal and South Puget Sound are renown for NATIONAL FORES some of the tastiest and freshest bivalves in the OLYMPIC Northwest. Visit for the NATIONAL PARKpristine waters, open wilderness and public beaches stocked annually for families to enjoy!

EAGLE Hamma

Get to know a few species NATIVE LITTLENECK CLAM

Up to 3.5” with rounded shell displaying concentric rings and radiating ridge lines, cream, grey, brown, or mottled.

White inside shell; found at 6-10” deep in gravel, mud, mid-tide level.

119

MANILA LITTLENECK CLAM (NOT NATIVE)

Up to 2.5”, oblong shell, Color can vary—typically gray,brown, or mottled and often times with what appears to be hand painted designs; some purple on the inside shell; found at 2-4” in gravel, mud, sand, typically above the half-tide level.

BUTTER CLAM

Up to 5”, shell with concentric rings (no radiating ridge lines), Yellow to gray/white colored; found at 1-1.5’ in sand, gravel, or cobble; lower intertidal or shallow subtidal zone. Butter clams retain marine biotoxins longer than other clams.

COCKLE CLAM

Up to 5” with round shell; prominent evenly-spaced radiating ridges fanning from hinge; mottled, light brown color; found at 1-2” in sand, mud in intertidal or subtidal zone.

LILLIWAUP STATE PARK

Full off on Hwy 101, stairway to beach at north opening of Lilliwaup Bay. Walk north or south when tide is out.

Oysters and Clams. Eagles andOLYMPIC osprey. Overnight RV camping permitted; no restrooms.

NATIONAL FOREST

TAYLOR SHELLFISH 130 SE Lynch Rd Shelton (360) 432-3300 Taylor’s product line includes worldwide export of geoduck, clams, mussels and oysters. Headquartered in Kamilche, retail store is open daily. taylorshellfish.com

V I

HOODSPORT

Public boat dock with beach access. Starfish and crabs at low tide. Closed to shellfish gathering. Picnic tables & restrooms,nearby dining, grocery and shopping.

POT

POTLATCH BEACH PARK

Longest stretch of public beach, popular for swimming, kayaking, and picnics. Camping & restrooms

M AT LO C K

SH WALKER PARK

MUSSELS

Blue Mussel (native) up to 3”, California Mussel (native) up to 6”, Mediterranean non-native) up to 5”. Oblong shell, blueblack or brown, attaches to rocks, pilings, boats, gravel, or other hard surfaces in the intertidal zone with bissel threads.

GEODUCK

Up to 10”, 2.5 – 10 lbs. Gaping oblong shell with concentric rings; white shell with flaky brown skin; siphon and mantle are too large to withdraw; found at depth of 2-3’ in mud, sand, gravel in the subtidal zone (extreme low tides).

FJORD

HOO

Traditionally held in October at Shelton Airport, the two day festival features seafood delicacies prepared by local non-profits as well as the Northwest Oyster Shucking Championship & live music.

Up to 12”, white/gray oblong shell with irregular, wavy edges; found in intertidal zone; tumbled (farmed) Pacifics have cupped shape with fragile shells.

Up to 3”, rounded shell, white to purplish black and may be striped with yellow or brown; oyster’s flesh is a light olive green with a metallic flavor. Native oyster to the area and currently protected in wild habitats.

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OYSTERFEST

PACIFIC OYSTERS (NOT NATIVE)

OLYMPIA OYSTER

Expansive b property sig Warm enou Parking acro

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Beach access, playground, restrooms, picnic basketball court. Olympic Hwy to Arcadia Rd Rd take Left on Walker Park Rd, Park is on rig No shellfish harvest. No passes required

OYSTER BAY

Easy beach access on marshy estuary. Popula for bird watching and salmon observing/fish Pullout on Hwy 101 near Mile Marker 356; n KENNEDY CREEK INTERPRETATIVE TRAIL

explorehoodcan

CHECK. CHILL. COOK.

S BEACH &

h map

TR ITON 101

ST

EL D O N

DEWATTO BAY

HAMMA HAMMA

E CREEK

Do not harvest in areas with pollution closures. Ask your doctor before eating raw shellfish if you have any concerns about allergies, are taking medications, or have a weakened immune system (such as cancer, liver disease, or HIV). Shellfish are a great and healthy food.

BELFAIR STATE PARK

Nice beaches for walking and exploring with summer water temperatures surprisingly warm.

Restrooms, camping and picnic facilities.

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DEWATTO

3

B E LFAIR

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MENARD’S LANDING

Visitor Information

T L ATC H

NORTH BAY

ALLYN

Expansive beach (at low tide), picnic area, and views of the Olympics.

RENDSLAND CREEK, DNR owned clams and oysters open all year.

101

Gazebo, garden, play area, pier, restrooms and beach access with boat ALLYN launch.

TA H U YA

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TWANOH STATE PARK

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UN I ON Visitor Information

Excellent camping, swimming, kayaking, picnic sites, and shellfish harvesting.

GRAPEVIEW

UNION CITY MARKET

3

E Pine St S 1st St

Visitor Information

c Hwy S SE Olympi

c shelter and d, from Arcadia ght. d.

HOPE ISLAND STATE PARK

A 106-acre marine camping park reachable only by boat.

Covered with old-growth forests and saltwater marshes, the park features a beach oneand-a-half miles long. Access by boat only.

3

101

ar hing. near L. 108

CHELSEA FARMS OYSTER BAR

KA M I LC H E

Enjoy vendors, wine and beer garden, and live music - one day revised event. allyntown.com

Local Seafood

Here are a few locations that serve Hood Canal & South Puget Sound seafood on their menus.

Bistro at Lakeland Village

Robin Hood Restaurant

Boat House Restaurant

Smoking Mo’s

Burger Claim & More

Spencer Lake Bar & Grill

18340 E WA 3, Allyn (360) 275-2954

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101

ALLYN DAY JULY 17 | Allyn, WA

470 E Country Club Dr, Allyn (360) 277-4137

921 WA-106, Union | (360) 426-2222 Direct farm to market retail includes Hood Canal oysters at the general store located on the farm.

H ELTON

Community park offers beach access, a picnic area and portable restroom and is very popular with kayakers, fishermen and local residents. Located on SR-3 at the south end of Allyn. The parking area is open only during the shellfish season.

5101 E State Route 106 | Union | (360) 898-3500 3 Art, gifts, seafood and grocery items and seasonal cafe DNR 24/GRAPEVIEW, DNR beach clams and oysters open within a working marina. all year. Access by boat only.

HUNTER FARMS 101

Avoid illness by following the 3 C’s above and enjoy!

Visitor Information

OD SP ORT

106

CHILL: Harvest shellfish on the outgoing tide and put on ice as soon as possible to prevent bacterial growth. Keep them cold until ready to eat. Cover in fridge with a wet cloth to prevent drying out.

COOK: Cook shellfish in summer months when Vibrio illnesses can occur. To kill Vibrio bacteria cook shellfish to 145° F for at least 15 seconds, cooking does not destroy biotoxins.

Small beach with dramatic view of the Olympics. Lots of ripe berries in late summer.

From Belfair: take the Befair-Tahuya Road to Dewatto Rd. Continue four miles to Dewatto.

Parking limited.

beach when tide is out, obey gns. Excellent oyster beach. ugh for swimming in summer. oss from Eagle Creek Saloon.

LIL LIWAU P

HAMA HAMA OYSTER SALOON 35846 US-101, Lilliwaup 5th generation farm serves oysters prepared to order with an ever changing menu of seasonal local ingredients. Retail store and farm dining. hamahamaoyster.com

CHECK: Health closures and advisories: doh.wa.gov/shellfishsafety Harvesting closures: wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfishing-regulation Signs on the beach: Follow posted warnings and respect private property.

24171 WA 3, Belfair (360) 277-5141

Hama Hama Oyster Saloon 35846 US-101, Lilliwaup (360) 877-5811

Hook & Fork

5101 E State Route 106, Union (360) 898-3500

Model T Pub & Eatery

24281 N US 101, Hoodsport 222 CAPITOL WAY N, OLYMPIA | (360) 915-7784 (360) 877-9883 Eld & Totten Inlet, South Puget Sound Chelsea Farm have made a priority of farming Restaurant at Alderbrook the native Olympia oyster that was on it’s way to 10 E Alderbrook Dr, Union extinction. Visit their oyster bar in Olympia for (360) 898-2200 local seafood experience! chelseafarms.net

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6790 E State Route 106, Union (360) 490-8168 233 S. 1st St, Shelton (360) 462-0163 1180 E Pickering Rd, Shelton (360) 426-2505

Squaxin Island Seafood Bar 91 West State Route 108, Shelton (360) 432-7120

Taylor Station

62 SE Lynch Rd, Shelton (360) 426-8501

Tides Family Restaurant 27061 US-101, Hoodsport (360) 877-8921

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View more area dining at explorehoodcanal.com

Information meeting on the consultation process for the Enchanted Valley Chalet Virtual Meeting, November 15, 3:00 PM-4:30 PM

WA State Parks Free Days 2022 FREE DAYS

The National Park Service is entering the next phase of the process to determine the final disposition of the Enchanted Valley Chalet, located 13 miles up the Quinault River from the Graves Creek Trailhead in the Daniel J. Evans Wilderness area in Olympic National Park. Olympic National Park, with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and the Washington State Historic Preservation Officer, will hold a meeting to provide an overview of the Section 106 consultation process; to discuss the process for consultation of interested parties; and a review of the proposed project to date.

Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act requires the NPS to work with consulting parties to determine the effects of a project on historic properties and, when there is an adverse effect, to develop mitigation measures for that effect.

Section 106 also requires the NPS to seek and consider the views of the public on the project’s effects to historic properties, which this meeting will address.

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Jan. 1 First Day Hikes; New Year’s Day Jan. 17 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day March 9 Billy Frank Junior's Birthday March 19 State Parks’ 108th Birthday April 22 — Earth Day June 11 National Get Outdoors Day

MEETING INFORMATION

The virtual meeting will be held on November 15, 2021 from 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM Hyperlink to join the meeting is available at nps.gov –"Virtual Meeting - Enchanted Valley Chalet NHPA Section 106 Consultation." If you need special accommodations, contact Penny Wagner at 360-565-3005 a minimum of 3 business (Monday-Friday) days prior to the meeting so that they may have sufficient time to attempt to meet your request.

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June 12 — Free Fishing Day June 19 — Juneteenth Sept. 25 National Public Lands Day Oct. 10 World Mental Health Day Nov. 11 — Veterans Day Nov. 25 Native American Heritage Day

How to Start an

OYSTER FARM

Daniel Hanson and Dawn Smart You can ask Siri or Alexa how to do it and surprisingly, they’ll give you several helpful options. The articles range from “jonathans blog” to Hobby Farm Magazine and the Port City Daily online news source for Wilmington, NC. YouTube also has a number of informative videos on the subject.

Together they cover everything you need to know, including startup costs, siting, permitting, equipment and where to get seed.

Of course, it’s a lot of work to tackle each item and it is not for the faint of heart, especially permitting. But if you are interested in starting a farm you could do worse than to follow these leads. They may not be complete, but there is enough information to get you headed in the right direction.

Alternatively, there is an online course from the Institute of Food and Agriculture at the University of Florida, Sea Grant of Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana and the Auburn University Shellfish Lab. It is free and here’s the link: https://oyster-culture. teachable.com/p/online-oyster-course.

In our case the process was somewhat less structured—more serendipitous and fun.

Early one spring Saturday our 92-year-old father and Dan attended a Taylor Shellfish Community Seed Sale. It started at 8:00 AM so they thought they should get there around 7:30 AM. What did they find but a line of about 100 people snaking through the parking lot? It was fun to talk with others looking to start or expand their farms.

There were people from all over the area.

The waiting time enabled Dan and Ray to talk to other would-be oyster gardeners and some actual farmers. It was the perfect venue for our dad to have a conversation with whomever would talk to him, so he did, and they made friends with a few people. One person really helped—Steve Bloomfield. He told them what they would need besides oyster seed… some rope, rebar, plastic lay-flat bags, and lots of zip ties.

They had no idea!

Steve gave them some used lay-flat bags and they bought Pacific oyster seed and the rest of the equipment and headed home. Suddenly, and to their surprise, they realized that the seed needed to be planted that day before the tide came in!

When they got home the tide was still low enough for them to install the lines, rebar, and the bags with seed. They really didn’t know what they were doing, but it was simple enough to get it done. That would be the beginning of our fledgling farm.

Flashback: Oyster harvesting was Dan’s very first job as a young person; in 1959 he was hauling gunny sacks of oysters from our beach on Hood Canal up to Highway 106. They were picked up by a truck from a Grays Harbor shellfish company; don’t remember the name and not sure if the truck was even refrigerated back then. They opened the oysters and Dan was paid $2.50 for a gallon of shucked meat. Not a lot at the time, but a lot to a 13-year-old boy!

Our two tidelands on Hood Canal had been used by the family as recreational properties for three generations. Swimming, water skiing, picnics and sunbathing were the main events but our grandfather, the original settler, used to dig clams and open oysters on the beach and share them with friends and business associates.

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His contribution to the health of the animals was to sort them by size, throwing the largest ones further down the beach to spawn and harvesting the more edible sizes in the intertidal zone. We formed HC Snail, LLC in 2006 and put our two beach properties into the company. We didn’t do much farming at first. The beaches were leased to a harvester, and we were paid a little bit for the product. But it was a second beginning.

road trip-worthy bites: Friday, Saturday, Sunday 2-6PM

Fast forward to 2010 when Dan retired from the Weyerhaeuser Company after a 30+ year career as a scientist. Having a technical and scientific background was helpful as we progressed and learned more.

This was the third and the true beginning of his experience as an oyster farmer.

HC Snail joined PCSGA in 2012 and Dan attended his first annual Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association Conference that fall. He was hooked! The people and the conference were so great, and he knew he had to learn more. Impressed with the attendees’ openness and willingness to share their experiences, Dan took advantage to learn as much as possible and make industry contacts. After a career in a highly competitive industry where trade secrets and patents were closely guarded, it was really refreshing.

In 2013 we negotiated a lease agreement with DeNotta Seafood and have enjoyed a mutually beneficial business relationship with them ever since. Their cooperation and help were invaluable. In exchange for the use of our beaches, from time to time they provide advice, oyster seed and labor from their crews. Among other things, DeNotta is responsible for harvesting wild set oysters from both beach properties and managing the relationship with the Skokomish Tribe.

In 2014 HC Snail got its Department of Health Operating License and Site Certificate. Dan attended HACCP and Vibrio training. This was the year we began more serious oyster cultivation and installed long lines with tumble baskets. We were helped by Taylor Shellfish, Allen Shellfish, the Hama Hama Company, and several individuals.

10AM-3PM

5101 E HwY 106, UnIoN, Wa 98592 UnIoNcItYmArKeT.CoM 360.898.3500

We can’t say enough about the people that helped us get started. They were generous with their time, advice and help on the ground. They were patient, kind and fun to work with.

We’ve learned a great deal since 2010, reworking the lines and equipment we use, creating a Safety Officer, establishing a mental approach to continuous improvement, and developing more efficient sorting and harvesting processes. Inventions to make our farm more productive included a sorting table, a mechanism to keep tumble baskets in place, and thanks to Dan’s grandson, a quick and easy way to remove barnacles from the lines. We also learned, likely true of most oyster growers, that we like the spring and summer low tides better than the middle of the night winter tides, although a calm, moonlit night on the beach is a beautiful thing.

Beginning in 2016 we applied for and received a Nationwide 48 Permit from the Army Corps of Engineers.

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Everything was good until all permits in Washington State were vacated by court order due to a lawsuit in which the Army Corps was named as the defendant. Then began the anxious process of getting a new permit. In our case, it turned out to be a five-year Letter of Permission, which we received in the spring of 2021.

So, we were back in the saddle again… at least until 2026! Others have not had it that easy. We are so very fortunate and realize what a blow this has been to Washington’s shellfish industry. Dan’s participation on the PCSGA Corps Permit Committee was and continues to be a real education.

HC Snail would not be in the position we are in today without that experience.

We hope to continue farming our oysters and participating in select PCSGA and other industry activities for the foreseeable future. From Dan’s first job and now to this last one, he can’t think of a more rewarding retirement avocation, but then again, he doesn’t really know what retirement is!

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Because Christmas Isn’t Canceled.

CRAFT WORKSHOPS • WAGON DINNER RIDES • SANTA LETTERS

GINGERRBREAD CHALLENGE • GUINNESS TRIBUTE TREE MAZE

Kennedy Creek Preserve

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M A N Y

R E A S O N S

DEC 3-12

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C E L E B R A T E.

2021

KRISTMAS TOWN

SHELTON, WA

ChristmastownWA.org

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