The Ultimate Travel Guide To Washington's Spectacular Hood Canal

Nestled in between the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains in Mason County, Hood Canal is a dream getaway for the savvy Washingtonians who know about it. It’s a peaceful place without a doubt, but you’ll also find a surprising amount of exciting activities for those who like to get active. Basically, Hood Canal is a choose-your-own adventure kind of place.

If you’ve never been to this picturesque part of Washington, you’re missing out on one of our greatest treasures. You’ll find it all here: culinary delights, wine tasting, cascading waterfalls, scuba diving and even skydiving. You can also ignore all of that and spend your time at a cozy cabin or bed and breakfast instead.

Doug Kerr / Flickr

Hood Canal is one of the four main basins of the Puget Sound. It’s not a "canal" in the traditional sense of the word since it’s actually a natural waterway. The basin separates the Kitsap Peninsula from the Olympic Peninsula, and several of the Olympic Peninsula’s rivers flow into it.

Jessie Hey / Flickr

Several charming small towns border Hood Canal. Union, Potlatch, Brinnon and Hoodsport offer more accommodations and things to do, while the eastside spots like Seabeck are the most scenic.

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Michelle's Espresso

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Hama Hama

This part of Washington might seem rustic, but it actually has a great dining scene. Start your morning with a coffee from Michelle’s Espresso (Belfair). Treat yourself to some fresh seafood at Hama Hama Oyster Company in Lilliwaup (pictured above) or leave the cooking to the experts at Xinhs Clam & Oyster House, which was featured on World’s Dirtiest Jobs. If comfort food is more your style, try Casey’s Bar & Grille in Belfair. You’ll also find great pizza, ice cream… anything you’re craving.

brewbooks / Flickr

Needless to say, there are some incredible hiking trails in the Hood Canal area. The Living Legacy Trail in the Hoodsport area is an easy 1.5-mile trek that’s great for kids and wheelchair friendly. For a more challenging hike, take the 7.3-mile Upper Lena Lake Trail, pictured here. It’s a difficult climb that isn’t recommended for beginners, but the scenery makes it all worth it.

Skydive Kapowsin

Anthony Dulce / Flickr

Of course, you don’t have to go skydiving for your adrenaline rush. There are several spots to rent kayaks to paddle around the water, and you can always go scuba diving (Hood Sport ‘N Dive offers lessons). If you’d rather stay on land, enjoy the natural beauty of one of the many state parks near the canal.

Whether you’re seeking an exciting adventure or a peaceful getaway, you’ll find it in Hood Canal. And if you visit, you’ll be close to some of Washington’s most charming small towns.