Mason County is a hiker’s paradise nestled between the Olympic Mountains and Hood Canal. Whether you’re a seasoned mountaineer or just looking for an afternoon walk with the family, our trails offer something for everyone. This guide covers the best hiking destinations across Mason County, from easy waterfront strolls to challenging alpine peaks.
Best Trails by Difficulty Level
Easy Trails (Families & Beginners)
If you’re just starting out or want a leisurely walk, these trails offer stunning views without the steep elevation gain.
Potlatch State Park – Salmon Spawning Trail: This 0.7-mile loop is perfect for families. The trail follows the North Fork Skokomish River and offers excellent chances to see salmon during spawning season (fall). The interpretive signs explain the ecosystem and native history.
Twanoh State Park – Waterfront Trail: A gentle 1.5-mile loop around Hood Canal with interpretive markers about local shellfish harvesting and geology. This is one of the most accessible waterfront walks in the county.
Lake Cushman State Park – Staircase Loop: A 2-mile mostly flat trail around the lower lake, perfect for morning walks with great views of the Olympic Mountains.
Moderate Trails (Regular Hikers)
These trails offer real mountain scenery with manageable elevation gain—typically 500-1,500 feet over 4-6 miles.
Lake Cushman – Mud Lake Trail: A 4-mile round trip gaining about 800 feet. This trail climbs through second-growth forest and offers views of Lake Cushman from higher elevations. Best hiked in summer and early fall.
Belfair State Park – Theler Trails: The 2-mile main loop is one of the easiest waterfront trails, but there are longer variations pushing 5 miles. Great for year-round hiking since it’s relatively sheltered.
Skokomish River Trail: Starting from Potlatch State Park, this 3.5-mile trail follows the North Fork Skokomish River upstream with moderate elevation gain. Excellent for wildlife viewing and river photography.
Challenging Trails (Experienced Hikers)
These backcountry trails require good fitness and proper gear. Elevation gains typically exceed 2,000 feet.
Lake Cushman – Flapjack Lakes Trail: A 9-mile round trip gaining about 3,500 feet. This is a classic Washington alpine hike through old-growth forest to pristine subalpine lakes. Snow may block the trail until July. Camp with care at designated sites only.
Mildred Lake Trail (Olympic National Forest): A 6-mile trail gaining 2,000 feet through old-growth forest to a beautiful alpine lake. This trail offers solitude and stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
Dosewallips River Trail: Starting near Brinnon (just northeast of our county), this 10+ mile option penetrates deep into Olympic National Forest with stream crossings and dramatic gorge views.
State Parks: Your Gateway to Public Lands
Lake Cushman State Park
The crown jewel of Mason County hiking. Lake Cushman sits at 2,000 feet elevation and offers everything from easy family walks to challenging alpine hikes. The park has 30 miles of maintained trails, a campground, and day-use areas. The lake is surrounded by the Olympic Mountains, making it impossibly scenic.
Most of Lake Cushman State Park is in winter closure from December through April due to snow. Check the Washington State Parks website before planning winter trips.
Twanoh State Park
Located on Hood Canal near Union, Twanoh is Washington’s oldest state park. It’s smaller than Lake Cushman but offers beautiful waterfront access, a swimming beach, and easy trails perfect for families. The interpretive signs teach about local Native history and shellfish harvesting—a uniquely Mason County experience.
Potlatch State Park
Situated on the North Fork Skokomish River, Potlatch State Park is famous for salmon spawning. The Salmon Spawning Trail is one of the best places in Washington to watch salmon in their natural habitat. The park also offers camping and day-use facilities.
Belfair State Park
Mason County’s hidden gem on North Bay. Belfair offers Hood Canal waterfront access, the Theler Trails system, and is less crowded than other county parks. The proximity to Olympia (about 30 minutes) makes it perfect for quick weekend trips.
Olympic National Forest Access
The eastern portions of Mason County border Olympic National Forest, giving us access to hundreds of miles of backcountry trails. The Pacific Ranger District covers our area and maintains everything from day-use trails to remote backpacking routes.
Getting permits: Day hikes are free, but overnight camping in the backcountry requires Northwest Forest Pass ($5/day or $30/year). Purchase at ranger stations or online.
Trail conditions: Call the Packwood Ranger Station (360-494-0600) to ask about snow levels and trail conditions. Many higher elevation trails don’t fully clear until July.
Seasonal Hiking Guide
Spring (April-May)
Spring is wet but beautiful. Lower elevation trails are clear by late April, and wildflowers start blooming. Expect mud on most trails. Higher elevation areas (above 3,000 feet) still have significant snow through May.
Best bets: Trails around Lake Cushman lower elevations, Twanoh, Potlatch, and Belfair waterfront walks.
Summer (June-September)
The prime hiking season. Most trails are clear and dry by mid-June. This is when you can safely tackle higher elevation trails like Flapjack Lakes. The downside: trails get busy, especially on weekends. Start early to beat crowds and secure parking.
Peak season: July and August. The weather is most reliable, but expect company on popular trails.
Fall (September-October)
Crisp air, fewer crowds, and stunning views as fall colors emerge. This is many locals’ favorite season. Trails are still dry and clear. The downside: days get shorter, so plan hikes for morning starts.
Special season: September-October is salmon spawning season, making Potlatch State Park extra special.
Winter (November-March)
Most higher elevation trails are closed by snow. However, lower elevation waterfront trails (Twanoh, Belfair, lower Potlatch) remain accessible. Expect wet conditions. Higher elevation areas like Lake Cushman State Park are typically closed by December.
Trail Etiquette and Safety
Respect the Land
- Stay on marked trails. Cutting switchbacks and bushwhacking damages habitat and promotes erosion. This is especially critical in alpine and riparian zones.
- Pack out all trash. This includes orange peels, nut shells, and other “natural” items. Pack it in, pack it out.
- Camp at designated sites only. Backcountry camping is allowed in Olympic National Forest but restricted to designated sites. In national parks and some state parks, camping is only in approved campgrounds.
- Camp 100 feet from water. This protects water quality and wildlife access to streams.
Wildlife Encounters
You might see black bears, elk, deer, mountain lions, or coyotes. Here’s how to react:
- Bears: Make noise while hiking (talk, use a bear bell). Store food properly in bear canisters or hang it high. Never between you and your tent. If you see a bear, back away slowly and make yourself appear larger.
- Mountain lions: Rare, but they exist. If you see one, DO NOT RUN. Back away facing the lion, make yourself large, and speak firmly.
- Elk: Maintain distance, especially during fall rut (September-October) when bulls are aggressive.
Trail Safety
- Bring more water than you think you need (2+ liters for day hikes)
- Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll return
- Start early to maximize daylight
- Bring a map and compass or GPS device—cell service is unreliable in the mountains
- Wear proper footwear (broken ankles end trips and threaten lives)
- Check weather forecasts; mountain weather changes fast
How to Get There
Lake Cushman: Take Highway 101 north from Shelton about 20 miles. Well-marked turnoffs lead to various trailheads and the main day-use area.
Twanoh State Park: From Shelton, take Highway 101 north 10 miles, then turn east on Highway 106. Follow signs to Union and Twanoh. (35 minutes from downtown Shelton)
Potlatch State Park: Highway 101 north from Shelton 14 miles, then Highway 106 east. (30 minutes from downtown Shelton)
Belfair State Park: From Olympia, take Highway 101 south 10 miles, then follow signs to Belfair. (25 minutes from Olympia)
Resources
- Washington State Parks: parks.wa.gov – reservation system, trail maps, and conditions
- Olympic National Forest: fs.usda.gov/olympic – trail reports, permits, and backcountry information
- AllTrails App: Crowdsourced trail reviews, route GPS, and conditions reports from other hikers
- WTA (Washington Trails Association): wta.org – detailed trail reports from hikers, recent conditions, and photos
The Salmon Spawning Trail at Potlatch State Park is one of the easiest and most rewarding hikes in Mason County. It’s a 0.7-mile loop suitable for all ages with interpretive signs and excellent views of the North Fork Skokomish River.
Summer (June-September) and early fall (September-October) offer the best hiking conditions with clear trails and reliable weather. July-August has the longest daylight but also the most crowds. Spring is wet and muddy; winter closes higher elevation trails.
Day hikes at state parks and national forests are free. Overnight backpacking in Olympic National Forest requires a Northwest Forest Pass ($5/day or $30/year). Some trails in Olympic National Park require backcountry permits.
Black bears live in the mountains around Mason County but attacks are extremely rare. Make noise while hiking, store food properly, and maintain distance if you see a bear. Most bears avoid humans when they hear you coming.
Dogs are allowed on most trails at state parks and in Olympic National Forest, but must be on-leash in state parks. Some specific trails prohibit dogs. Always check before going. Dogs must be under voice control in national forests.
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