Trail of the week: Twanoh State Park

Twanoh State Park

HIKE DESCRIPTION: : Moss hangs from the trees and Twanoh Creek gurgles as you wander into the lush green ravine that’s just one of the highlights of a 182-acre park on Hood Canal.

Twanoh State Park is home to a short loop hike that offers a taste of history and nature. Keen eyes might spot springboard notches in the cedar trees, evidence from when the land was logged more than a century ago.

The creek teems with life. Fish spawn in the creek and birds and other animals can sometimes be spotted. Signs at the trailhead warn visitors to be aware of black bears.

Starting at the trailhead near state Route 106, the path follows Twanoh Creek upstream for about a mile before it makes a short uphill climb then loops back toward the campground. The trail is well marked and there is a bathroom and group campsite along the way.

Several benches are placed along the route, including one on the edge of hill with a view into the trees. Just beyond the group camp, a sign directs hikers to a trail that drops back into the ravine. This trail deposits hikers back on the trail on which they started. Turn left and follow the path back toward the campground.

Back at the trailhead, be sure to take a side trip across to the beach. The park has more than 3,000 feet of shoreline on Hood Canal.

DIRECTIONS: From Olympia follow U.S. Highway 101 north of Shelton, then turn right on state Route 106 and continue to the park. For some in Pierce County it is faster to follow state Route 16 to Purdy or Gorst, then access Route 106 via Route 302 (from Purdy) or Route 3 (Gorst). Then follow Route 106 southwest to the park. A parking lot is located on the south side of the road near the campground entrance.

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (5 is most difficult, 1 is easiest).

MILES ROUND TRIP: 2.4.

ELEVATION GAIN: 400 feet.

BEST TIME OF THE YEAR: Year-round.

MAP: A map is posted at the trailhead and is available on the State Parks website.

PASS: Discover Pass. $10 per vehicle per day, $30 for an annual pass.

ALSO: Hikers must stay on the designated trails. Bikes are allowed on some trails and dirt roads in Twanoh State Park. The beach is currently closed to clam digging. Camping is available at the park. There are several geocaches hidden in and around the park, including one from the 100-cache series commemorating the State Park centennial. For more information, visit geocaching.com. Dogs must be on leashes and cleaned up after. Signs posted near the trailhead warn visitors not build rock dams across the river. These illegal dams prevent fish from traveling upstream.

INFO: parks.state.wa.us

This story was originally published March 9, 2016 at 4:48 PM with the headline "Trail of the week: Twanoh State Park."