Published March 25, 2011
Weekend Getaway: Dosewallips State Park
Craig Hill, staff writerWhat: Dosewallips State Park on the Hood Canal has 5,400 feet of freshwater shoreline and 5,500 feet of saltwater shoreline. The park offers camping all year, along with five miles of hiking trails and picnic facilities. It's also a popular spot for divers. When: The park is open 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. in the winter and 8 a.m.- 10 p.m. in the summer. Where: On the west side of Hood Canal, just north of Brinnon Activities: Many visitors swim and fish in the river. The park is also popular for clamming, beachcombing and bird-watching. It is closed to metal detecting. Getting there: From Shelton, drive north on U.S. 101 for 40 miles and follow the signs to the park. Also: The park has an amphitheater and two horseshoe pits. Campsite fees range from $14 for a primitive camp to $28 for a full-utility campsite. Camping check-in time is 2:30 p.m., and checkout time is 1 p.m. Washington State Parks expects the park’s day-use area to be closed intermittently due to river flooding. History: Before the park, the “Dose Meadows” were homestead sites. Old railbeds used for transporting logs from the woods to the water are still in place. Information: Parks.wa.gov