Belfair Outdoors - Tygart Media

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Category: Belfair Outdoors

Hood Canal, local parks, fishing spots, kayaking

  • Cape Flattery to Ruby Beach: Two Essential West End Stops for May 2026

    Cape Flattery to Ruby Beach: Two Essential West End Stops for May 2026

    Standing at the edge of everything is not just a metaphor when you’re at Cape Flattery. It is literally the northwesternmost point of the contiguous United States, and the feeling of being at land’s end — surrounded by crashing Pacific swells, sea caves, and the ancient forest of the Makah Reservation — stays with you long after you leave. Pair that with Ruby Beach, one of the most photographed coastlines in Olympic National Park, and you have a West End day worth building a trip around.

    Cape Flattery: The Northwest Corner

    The trail to Cape Flattery begins just outside Neah Bay, deep on the Makah Reservation near the tip of the Olympic Peninsula’s northwest arm. It’s a short hike — about 0.75 miles each way — but the journey through old-growth Sitka spruce and western red cedar forest sets the tone entirely. Ferns crowd the understory. Wooden boardwalks carry you over soft, moss-covered ground, and the salt air sharpens with every step toward the coast.

    At the end of the trail, a series of cedar-railed viewing platforms jut out over the cliffs. Below you, sea caves open into the rock. Pacific swells push through in rhythmic pulses, turquoise against black basalt. On clear spring days, you can see Tatoosh Island clearly — the lighthouse there has been operating since 1857 and sits on land the Makah Tribe considers sacred. Gray whales sometimes pass within view in May, the tail end of their northward migration.

    Access requires a Makah Recreation Pass, available for $10 per vehicle per year. You can pick one up at the trailhead kiosk, at the Makah Cultural and Research Center in Neah Bay, or online through the tribe’s website. The pass directly supports the Makah Tribe’s management of the Cape Flattery area, and the trail itself is maintained by the tribe to a remarkably high standard. Arrive early on clear spring weekends — the small parking area fills by mid-morning, and there is no overflow lot.

    From downtown Forks, plan about 90 minutes of driving via Highway 101 north and then Highway 112 west all the way to Neah Bay. The road is paved the entire way and well-suited for any vehicle. Stop in Neah Bay for fuel before heading to the trailhead — there are no services on the final stretch.

    Ruby Beach: Sea Stacks and Tidal Wonders

    About 27 miles south of Forks on Highway 101, Ruby Beach marks the northern end of Olympic National Park’s coastal strip — and it is a genuine showstopper. Abbey Island, a massive offshore sea stack, dominates the view. Smaller stacks punctuate the surf in both directions. Enormous driftwood logs, bleached silver by decades of Pacific weather, pile into natural sculptural forms along the high tide line. The whole scene has the quality of a landscape that doesn’t quite look real.

    In May, the beach rewards visitors who time their arrival with the low tide. The rocks beneath and around the sea stacks become passable, revealing tide pool communities packed with purple sea urchins, ochre sea stars, hermit crabs, anemones, and chitons clinging to exposed basalt. The intertidal zone here is particularly rich because the beach is protected as part of ONP — no harvest, no collection. Look but don’t touch is the rule, and it shows in the health of the community.

    Access from Highway 101 is simple. Ruby Beach Road drops off the main highway and leads to a paved parking lot with vault toilets. The Olympic National Park entrance fee (currently $35 per vehicle) applies, and an America the Beautiful Annual Pass covers it entirely. The walk from the parking lot to the beach is short, mostly flat, and accessible to most visitors.

    Dress for coastal conditions. Temperature at Ruby Beach typically runs 8 to 12 degrees cooler than inland Forks, and morning fog is common in May even when the forecast looks clear. Waterproof boots are worth the extra weight when the tide is low and you want to explore around the base of the sea stacks.

    Plan Your Visit

    Cape Flattery: Trailhead at the end of Cape Flattery Road, Neah Bay, WA 98357. Makah Recreation Pass required — $10/vehicle/year. Trail is 1.5 miles round trip on boardwalk. Dogs on leash permitted. No restrooms at the trailhead; use facilities in Neah Bay before you go.

    Ruby Beach: Off Hwy 101 approximately 27 miles south of Forks, Olympic National Park. $35 vehicle fee or America the Beautiful Pass. Paved parking with vault toilets. Open year-round, no reservations needed. Check tide tables before you go — low tides in the 0 to +2 ft range are ideal for tide pool exploration.

    Pairing the two: If you’re running both stops in one day, do Cape Flattery first (earlier in the day before the parking fills) and Ruby Beach on the return. Allow 45 minutes minimum at Cape Flattery and at least an hour at Ruby Beach. Forks is the logical midpoint for fuel and lunch — The Smoke House Restaurant on South Forks Avenue is a reliable local stop.

    For road conditions and current NPS closures on the coastal strip, call the Olympic National Park general information line at 360-565-3130.

  • Everett City Council Unanimously Adopts NR-MHC Zone: Seven Manufactured Home Parks Now Permanently Protected

    Everett City Council Unanimously Adopts NR-MHC Zone: Seven Manufactured Home Parks Now Permanently Protected

    Q: What did the Everett City Council just vote on?
    A: On May 7, 2026, the council unanimously adopted an ordinance creating the NR-MHC (Neighborhood Residential – Manufactured Housing Community) zone, permanently protecting seven named manufactured home parks from redevelopment for other uses.

    Seven manufactured home parks in Everett can’t be redeveloped for other uses under a new zoning ordinance the City Council unanimously adopted on May 7, 2026.

    The ordinance establishes a new land use zone called Neighborhood Residential – Manufactured Housing Community (NR-MHC) and immediately rezones seven named parks to that classification. It also repeals Title 17 of the Everett Municipal Code, a section of zoning law the city described as defunct and no longer administered.

    Mayor Cassie Franklin issued a statement following the vote: “Thank you to the Council for approving this important action to preserve an affordable housing option in Everett. Manufactured home parks provide one of the most affordable home ownership options. Potential redevelopment of these properties and rising rents are threats to the homeowners’ tenure. Residents don’t own the land under their homes and pay rent. It may not be possible to find a new site for their home if their current location is no longer an option due to redevelopment. This new ordinance offers new protections for the homeowners, preserving this housing option into the future.”

    The Seven Parks Now Under NR-MHC Protection

    The ordinance rezones these communities to NR-MHC effective upon adoption:

    1. Creekside Mobile Home Park — 5810 Fleming St.
    2. Fairway Estates Mobile Home Park — 1427 100th St.
    3. Lago De Plata Villa — 620 112th St.
    4. Loganberry Mobile Home Park — 9931 18th Ave. W
    5. Mobile Country Club — 1415 84th St.
    6. Silver Shores Senior Mobile Home Park — 11622 Silver Lake Road
    7. Westridge Mobile Home Park — 7701 Hardeson Rd.

    What the New Zone Actually Allows — and Doesn’t

    The NR-MHC zone limits land use to the continuation of a manufactured housing community. That means each property must keep operating as a manufactured home park under normal circumstances.

    The single exception: if circumstances beyond the control of the property owner change in a way that results in no reasonable economic use of the property, the owner could seek a different use. That’s a high bar — it’s not a backdoor to redevelopment based on rising land values or more profitable zoning alternatives.

    Permitted uses within NR-MHC include replacement or modification of manufactured homes or tiny homes, and accessory structures including community rooms and laundry facilities. The zone does not allow conversion to apartments, retail, commercial development, or other uses typical in residential or mixed-use zoning.

    Why This Matters for Manufactured Home Residents

    People who own a manufactured home typically own the home itself but not the land it sits on. They rent a pad — the lot — from the park owner. If a park is sold for redevelopment, residents often can’t simply move their homes. Relocation is typically cost-prohibitive, and many older manufactured homes can’t survive a move at all.

    That dynamic has displaced manufactured home communities in high-growth cities throughout the Puget Sound region over the past decade. The NR-MHC zone is Everett’s mechanism for preventing that outcome in the seven parks it covers.

    The ordinance implements two goals from Everett’s Comprehensive Plan: HO-10, which directs the city to protect existing affordable housing stock, and HO-19, which specifically addresses manufactured housing community preservation.

    What the Title 17 Repeal Means

    The ordinance also repeals Title 17 of the Everett Municipal Code. City staff described Title 17 as a section of zoning law that has not been actively used or administered in recent years and is considered defunct. The repeal is housekeeping — removing dormant code language — rather than a substantive change in how anything currently works.

    Context: Where This Fits in Everett’s Housing Picture

    Everett’s planning commission and city council worked on the NR-MHC ordinance as part of the city’s broader housing affordability effort. A public hearing was held May 6 at 6:30 PM in City Council Chambers at 3002 Wetmore Ave. The council voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance the following day, May 7.

    The vote comes as the city navigates a projected $14 million general fund deficit heading into the 2027 budget cycle and considers several revenue-side options including the utility tax increase currently working through council readings. The NR-MHC ordinance doesn’t cost the city anything to implement — the protection comes through the zoning map, not city expenditure.

    Snohomish County approved $23 million in housing funding across six projects on April 24, including three in Everett — a signal that housing preservation and production is a coordinated regional priority.

    What To Do Next

    If you live in one of the seven parks: The ordinance is now in effect. Your park cannot be rezoned for other uses without extraordinary circumstances that must be demonstrated to the city. If you receive any notice from your park owner about redevelopment or sale, contact the City of Everett Planning Division at 425-257-8731 or visit everettwa.gov.

    To review the ordinance: The ordinance and associated documents, including the rezoning map (Exhibit A) and staff memo, are available through the City of Everett Agenda Center at everettwa.gov/agendacenter under the May 7, 2026 City Council meeting materials.

    To stay current with Everett zoning changes: Sign up for news flash notifications at everettwa.gov to receive city announcements directly.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Does this ordinance cap my rent?

    No. The NR-MHC zone controls what the land can be used for, not what a park owner can charge for pad rental. Rent is governed by lease terms and Washington landlord-tenant law — not this ordinance.

    Can the park owner sell the property?

    Yes. The NR-MHC zone follows the property, not the owner. If a park is sold, the new owner takes ownership of a parcel zoned NR-MHC and cannot redevelop it for other uses except under the narrow economic-use exception.

    What was Title 17 EMC?

    Title 17 was an older section of Everett’s zoning code that had not been actively used for some time. Its repeal is cleanup — removing defunct language — not a change to any active regulations.

    Are there other manufactured home parks in Everett not covered by this ordinance?

    The ordinance covers the seven parks identified in Exhibit A of the staff memo. The city did not publicly identify additional parks as being under active redevelopment threat. Parks not on the list are governed by their existing zoning designation.

    Where can I read the full ordinance?

    Visit everettwa.gov/agendacenter and search the May 7, 2026 City Council meeting materials. All ordinance exhibits are available as public documents.

  • Port Angeles to Lake Crescent and the Elwha: Two Olympic Peninsula Classics Worth Your Spring Weekend

    Port Angeles to Lake Crescent and the Elwha: Two Olympic Peninsula Classics Worth Your Spring Weekend

    There’s a stretch of US Highway 101 west of Port Angeles that I consider one of the finest drives in the Pacific Northwest — maybe the country. Within twenty minutes of leaving downtown, the highway curves along the southern shore of Lake Crescent, and the views just don’t quit. This spring, two of the Olympic Peninsula’s most iconic natural destinations are ready for visitors, and they pair beautifully into a single unforgettable day: the Marymere Falls Trail at Lake Crescent, and the Elwha River Valley, where one of the most remarkable ecological restoration stories in American history is playing out in real time.

    Marymere Falls and the Magic of Lake Crescent

    Lake Crescent is the kind of place that makes you understand why Olympic National Park exists. The lake sits at the base of Pyramid Mountain and Storm King, deep and cold and impossibly clear. The water has a blue-green quality that shifts with the light and the weather — on overcast spring mornings it goes almost silver, and on sunny afternoons it turns the color of glacial ice. The lake is one of the deepest in Washington State, and because of that depth and its unique chemistry, it’s home to two subspecies of trout — the Beardslee and the Crescenti — found nowhere else on the planet.

    The Marymere Falls Trail begins at the Storm King Ranger Station area, where the highway touches the lake’s eastern shore. The hike is 1.8 miles round trip, classified as easy to moderate, and leads through a dense cathedral of old-growth Douglas fir, western red cedar, and big-leaf maple. The understory in May is lush and green, with ferns and oxalis covering the forest floor. In spring, the falls carry full snowmelt volume and are genuinely spectacular — the creek drops about 90 feet over a basalt cliff into a mossy grotto that stays cool even on the warmest afternoons.

    This is a popular trail on weekends, and parking at the Storm King area fills up quickly — especially on sunny days. Arriving by 9:30 in the morning is the best strategy. If you want true solitude, a weekday visit is hard to beat. Bring layered clothing no matter the forecast; the old-growth canopy can be surprisingly cool, and weather on the peninsula changes quickly. The trail has some rooty and rocky sections but is manageable for most hikers, including families with older children. There are no fees beyond the standard Olympic National Park entry pass.

    The Elwha River: Watching Nature Write Its Own Comeback Story

    About eight miles east of Lake Crescent, Olympic Hot Springs Road branches north off Highway 101 and winds into the Elwha River Valley — and this is where things get extraordinary. The Elwha Dam and the Glines Canyon Dam were both removed between 2011 and 2014, making it the largest dam removal project in US history at the time. More than a century of blocked fish passage opened back up almost overnight. The results have exceeded what many scientists predicted.

    Chinook, coho, pink, and sockeye salmon — along with steelhead trout — are now moving farther up the Elwha watershed than they have since the early 1900s. In spring the river is running clear and fast with snowmelt, and the salmon runs are active. You may see fish from the trail or the riverbanks, particularly in shallower sections near Madison Falls.

    Madison Falls is the perfect entry point for anyone who isn’t up for a long hike. The parking area is right off Olympic Hot Springs Road, and the falls are a 100-yard walk on a paved, ADA-accessible path — making this genuinely one of the easiest waterfall visits in any national park. The falls drop into a mossy canyon and are beautiful year-round, but spring snowmelt makes them roar. From the Madison Falls parking area, the Elwha River Trail continues north into the valley, and you can walk as far as you like before turning back.

    The riverbanks and former reservoir beds are visibly regenerating. Willows and cottonwoods are reclaiming the sediment flats, native grasses are spreading across what were once lake bottoms, and the whole valley has a quality of wild, active recovery that’s unlike anything else on the peninsula. For families, this combination — a short easy waterfall walk plus a flexible river trail — is essentially perfect. There’s no technical terrain, no serious elevation gain, and wildlife sightings including birds, Roosevelt elk, and salmon are genuinely common in the spring months.

    Plan Your Visit

    Both destinations are managed by Olympic National Park, and an NPS entry pass is required for both. For current road and facility conditions, call the Olympic National Park information line at 360-565-3131 or check nps.gov/olym before heading out. The Storm King Ranger Station at Lake Crescent is open seasonally; staff there can provide current trail conditions and recommendations.

    Getting there: From Port Angeles, take US-101 west. The Storm King trailhead for Marymere Falls is approximately 20 miles from downtown Port Angeles on the south shore of Lake Crescent. For the Elwha, turn north onto Olympic Hot Springs Road from US-101 approximately 8 miles west of Port Angeles — Madison Falls parking is about 2 miles up the road.

    These two stops make a natural half-day or full-day loop. Start with the Elwha and Madison Falls in the morning when parking is easy, then drive out to Lake Crescent for the Marymere Falls hike and a lakeside lunch. Either way, you’ll leave with a much better sense of what makes this corner of the Olympic Peninsula worth every mile of the drive.

  • New to North Mason? Tahuya State Forest Is 3.5 Miles From Belfair — Here’s Your Spring 2026 Access Guide

    New to North Mason? Tahuya State Forest Is 3.5 Miles From Belfair — Here’s Your Spring 2026 Access Guide

    One of the things that takes new North Mason residents by surprise: you have 23,000 acres of public forest practically in your backyard. Tahuya State Forest starts about 3.5 miles west of Belfair on SR-300, and it’s the kind of year-round recreational resource that people in larger metro areas would drive two hours for. North Mason residents often make it there in under fifteen minutes.

    The 2026 season is open — gates run April 15 through October 31. But a few things are worth knowing before your first trip, because Tahuya isn’t a conventional park and doesn’t operate like one.

    This Is a Working Forest, Not a Preserve

    Washington’s Department of Natural Resources manages Tahuya State Forest specifically to generate revenue for the state’s K-12 school trust lands — which means active timber harvesting is part of how this land is supposed to work. That has a direct effect on recreation: when logging operations are active in a section of the forest, trails in that zone get temporarily closed. This isn’t unusual, and it isn’t a sign of mismanagement. It’s the model.

    Right now in spring 2026, three active timber sales — Trail Mix, Little Wrangler, and School — are affecting portions of the trail network including Randy’s H2O Stop, Mission Creek, the 1.9 Mile trail, Hoof & Tail, and the Tahuya River Trail. The Howell Lake Loop Trail is also closed due to a washed-out bridge, with no repair timeline announced by DNR.

    What this means for your first visit: check conditions before you go, every time. Trails that are closed this week may be open next month as logging shifts to another section. The DNR page at dnr.wa.gov/GreenMountainTahuya is the authoritative source, and the DNR phone line at (360) 825-1631 is often more current for active timber operations.

    Where to Start: Elfendahl Pass Staging Area

    For your first visit, Elfendahl Pass is the right entry point. It’s the main trailhead hub — approximately 50 vehicle spaces with pull-through room for trailers, and access to the bulk of the open trail network.

    To get there from Belfair: SR-300 west 3.5 miles → right on Belfair-Tahuya Road for 1.9 miles → right on Elfendahl Pass Road for 2.3 miles. The March 2025 DNR trail map (available at dnr.wa.gov/GreenMountainTahuya) shows what’s accessible from Elfendahl Pass and how the system divides between motorized and non-motorized zones.

    Who Uses Tahuya and How

    The trail system is multi-use with designated routes for different activities. ATVs, dirt bikes, and 4×4 vehicles have designated motorized routes. Mountain bikers and hikers use shared and dedicated non-motorized trails. This is one of the more heavily used ATV and off-road recreation areas in the Puget Sound region — the two communities share the system well when everyone knows their designated zone. Bring the DNR trail map, especially on your first visit.

    Tahuya and the Broader North Mason Environment

    If you want to understand Tahuya in the context of the broader watershed, the Tahuya River flows from the heart of the state forest down to Hood Canal. The Belfair Bugle covered the recent expansion of the Tahuya River Preserve — a separate conservation effort that has assembled 190 acres of protected land along the lower river, focused on salmon habitat restoration: Tahuya River Preserve Reaches 190 Acres.

    For the full spring 2026 trail access picture, see: Know Before You Go: Spring Trail Closures at Tahuya State Forest.

    Frequently Asked Questions: Tahuya State Forest for New North Mason Residents

    Is Tahuya State Forest free to access?

    There is no day-use fee for the trail system. A valid Washington State Discover Pass is required to park at DNR recreation sites — check dnr.wa.gov/GreenMountainTahuya for specific parking requirements at different areas within the forest.

    Can I camp at Tahuya State Forest?

    Yes. The forest has several primitive campgrounds accessible from the trail system. Sites are typically first-come, first-served with basic amenities. Contact DNR at (360) 825-1631 or check dnr.wa.gov/GreenMountainTahuya for current campground status and locations.

    Is Tahuya State Forest different from Belfair State Park?

    Yes. Belfair State Park is a Washington State Parks-managed facility on Hood Canal with camping, a beach, and 3,720 feet of shoreline. Tahuya State Forest is a DNR-managed working forest several miles inland with an extensive multi-use trail network. They’re different facilities, different agencies, and serve different recreational needs. Both are accessible from Belfair.

    What’s a good first hike at Tahuya State Forest for new residents?

    Start at Elfendahl Pass Staging Area and pick a non-motorized designated route from the current DNR trail map. Given the active timber closures this spring, checking the map the day of your trip is the right first step. The DNR trail map at dnr.wa.gov/GreenMountainTahuya shows what’s currently open from each staging area.

    How long does it take to get to Tahuya State Forest from Belfair?

    The Elfendahl Pass Staging Area is approximately 8 miles from downtown Belfair via SR-300 and Belfair-Tahuya Road — typically 15-20 minutes by car depending on conditions. The forest is one of North Mason’s most accessible natural assets.

  • North Mason Families: Which Tahuya State Forest Trails Are Actually Open This Spring?

    North Mason Families: Which Tahuya State Forest Trails Are Actually Open This Spring?

    If you’re loading the truck for a Tahuya weekend — mountain bikes, ATVs, kids who’ve been waiting all winter — the 2026 season is open. Gates are running April 15 through October 31, and Elfendahl Pass is set up to handle you. What it’s not set up to do is guarantee every trail on your mental list is accessible. Two distinct closure situations are affecting the network right now, and knowing them before you leave Belfair saves the Saturday.

    The Howell Lake Situation

    The Howell Lake Loop Trail is closed. A bridge washed out and DNR hasn’t set a repair timeline. If Howell Lake is on your family’s plan specifically — for fishing, swimming, or a picnic with easy lake access — the lake and day-use area are still open for non-motorized activity year-round. Your family can get to the water. You just can’t do the full loop trail until the bridge is fixed. Before committing to Howell Lake specifically, call DNR at (360) 825-1631 to get current status.

    Active Logging Is Blocking Several Trails

    Three timber sales currently operating in Tahuya — Trail Mix, Little Wrangler, and School — are causing temporary closures on Randy’s H2O Stop, Mission Creek, the 1.9 Mile trail, Hoof & Tail, and the Tahuya River Trail. If any of those are on your ride list, check current status before heading out.

    The key thing to understand about timber sale closures: they move. As logging operations shift from section to section, some trails reopen while others close. A trail that was shut last weekend may be running this weekend. This is why checking dnr.wa.gov/GreenMountainTahuya before every trip matters more at Tahuya than at a conventional park — conditions here aren’t static.

    What’s Definitely Running: Elfendahl Pass

    The Elfendahl Pass Staging Area is open and handling traffic well. It’s the best entry point for families — approximately 50 vehicle spaces with room to pull through with a trailer. From Belfair: SR-300 west 3.5 miles → right on Belfair-Tahuya Road 1.9 miles → right on Elfendahl Pass Road 2.3 miles. The majority of Tahuya’s trail network is accessible from there, divided between motorized and non-motorized designated routes.

    Before You Head Out

    • DNR page: dnr.wa.gov/GreenMountainTahuya — current closure alerts and the March 2025 trail map
    • Phone: (360) 825-1631 — often more current than the website for active timber operations

    For the full spring access picture, see our complete Tahuya spring 2026 trail guide. If you’re planning a broader Hood Canal family day, the North Mason families summer planning guide covers Belfair State Park, shellfish, and what to build around this season.

    Frequently Asked Questions: Tahuya State Forest for North Mason Families

    Can kids use Tahuya State Forest trails safely?

    Yes. Tahuya has both motorized and non-motorized designated trail zones. Non-motorized routes for hikers and mountain bikers are appropriate for families on foot or with bikes. Motorized routes handle ATVs and dirt bikes on separate designated trails. Check the DNR trail map to stay in the correct zone for your activity.

    Can we still go to Howell Lake with young children?

    Yes — the lake and day-use area remain open year-round for non-motorized activity. Fishing access, the picnic area, and the water are still accessible. The loop trail around the lake is closed due to the bridge washout, but getting to the lake itself is not affected.

    Is Elfendahl Pass suitable for families with trailers?

    Yes. The staging area accommodates approximately 50 vehicles with trailer pull-through space for rigs hauling ATVs, bikes, or boats. It’s the primary staging area for both motorized and non-motorized trail access.

    How much of the Tahuya trail network is currently accessible this spring?

    The majority of Tahuya’s trail system is open in spring 2026. Current closures affect the Howell Lake Loop Trail (bridge washout) and portions of several trails under active timber operations. Elfendahl Pass and its connected trail network remain available. Check dnr.wa.gov/GreenMountainTahuya for the current closure map before your trip.

  • Tahuya State Forest Spring 2026: Trail Access Guide for North Mason Families, Riders, and Hikers

    Tahuya State Forest Spring 2026: Trail Access Guide for North Mason Families, Riders, and Hikers

    Tahuya State Forest sits 3.5 miles west of Belfair on SR-300, and on any given spring weekend you’ll find North Mason families loading ATVs, mountain bikes, and hiking boots at the Elfendahl Pass Staging Area. It’s one of the most-used backyards this community has — 23,000 acres of DNR-managed working forest with a multi-use trail system that draws riders, hikers, and families from across Mason and Kitsap counties.

    The 2026 season opened April 15 and runs through October 31. Most of the trail network is accessible. But several sections are currently closed, and knowing which ones before you drive out could save a frustrating Saturday.

    The Howell Lake Bridge Is Out

    The biggest single closure this spring is the Howell Lake Loop Trail, which is shut down due to a washed-out bridge. DNR has not announced a repair timeline. The lake and day-use area themselves remain accessible for non-motorized use year-round — if you’re heading out for fishing, a picnic, or a family swim day, you can still get to Howell Lake. But the loop trail that circuits the lake is impassable until bridge repairs are completed. Before planning around it specifically, a call to the DNR South Puget Sound Region office at (360) 825-1631 is worth the two minutes.

    Three Timber Sales Are Affecting Multiple Trails

    Active logging operations across three DNR timber sales — known as Trail Mix, Little Wrangler, and School — are causing temporary closures and access disruptions across a section of the trail network. Trails currently affected include Randy’s H2O Stop, Mission Creek, the 1.9 Mile trail, Hoof & Tail, and the Tahuya River Trail.

    This is normal for Tahuya. DNR manages these 23,000 acres as working forest to generate trust land revenue for Washington public schools, and timber sales rotate through different sections over time. What that means practically: the closure footprint shifts week to week as operations move. A trail blocked this weekend may be clear in a few weeks, and new sections can become active as well. Check before you go, every time.

    What’s Open and Accessible: Elfendahl Pass

    Despite the active closures, the majority of Tahuya’s trail system remains open this spring. The Elfendahl Pass Staging Area — the main trailhead hub for the forest — is open for the 2026 season with space for approximately 50 vehicles, including trailer pull-through capacity for rigs hauling ATVs or trailers.

    Getting there from Belfair: take SR-300 west 3.5 miles → right on Belfair-Tahuya Road for 1.9 miles → right on Elfendahl Pass Road for 2.3 miles. The staging area is the entry point for the bulk of the open trail network.

    The Tahuya trail system is multi-use, meaning you’ll find both motorized (ATVs, dirt bikes, 4×4) and non-motorized (mountain bikes, hikers) users sharing the system on different designated routes. Know your designated zone before you ride or hike — the March 2025 DNR trail map at dnr.wa.gov/GreenMountainTahuya breaks this out clearly.

    How to Check Before You Go

    Trail conditions in Tahuya can shift quickly as logging operations relocate and spring weather affects access. The best practice is to verify current status every time:

    • Official DNR page: dnr.wa.gov/GreenMountainTahuya — current closure alerts, trail map updates, and campground information
    • Phone: (360) 825-1631 — DNR South Puget Sound Region office (often more current than the website for active timber operations)

    The Bigger Picture: Tahuya as Working Forest

    The closures and disruptions are worth understanding in context. Tahuya State Forest is not a dedicated recreation preserve — it’s a working forest where timber production and recreation coexist. DNR manages it specifically to generate revenue for Washington’s K-12 school trust lands, which means active logging is part of how the forest is supposed to function. Temporary trail closures are a predictable feature of that model, not an anomaly.

    For the North Mason community, that also means the forest’s recreational value is protected long-term by the same management structure that makes parts of it temporarily inaccessible. The trail network exists because DNR sees recreational access as compatible with its working forest mission.

    For a broader look at environmental stewardship in the Tahuya watershed, see the Belfair Bugle’s coverage of the Tahuya River Preserve’s 190-acre expansion and salmon restoration work. And if you’re planning a full day out that includes Hood Canal, our Hood Canal summer 2026 planning guide has the verified information for crab, shellfish, and camping.

    Frequently Asked Questions: Tahuya State Forest Spring 2026

    Can I still access Howell Lake if the loop trail is closed?

    Yes. Howell Lake and its day-use area remain accessible for non-motorized recreation year-round. The closure applies specifically to the Howell Lake Loop Trail due to a washed-out bridge. The lake itself, fishing access, and the picnic area are open. Contact DNR at (360) 825-1631 for current access details.

    What is the 2026 season for Tahuya State Forest?

    DNR gates at Tahuya are open from April 15 through October 31, 2026. Some areas including Howell Lake are accessible year-round for non-motorized use regardless of the gate season. Motorized access generally follows the gated season.

    Where do I park for Tahuya State Forest trails?

    The main staging area is Elfendahl Pass, which handles approximately 50 vehicles with trailer pull-through capacity. From Belfair: SR-300 west 3.5 miles → right on Belfair-Tahuya Road 1.9 miles → right on Elfendahl Pass Road 2.3 miles. A second staging area is located at Mission Creek.

    Are the timber sale trail closures at Tahuya permanent?

    No. Active timber sale closures are temporary — they shift as logging operations move through different sections of the forest. A trail closed today may reopen in a few weeks. Check dnr.wa.gov/GreenMountainTahuya for current closure status before any trip.

    Is Tahuya State Forest open to both motorized and non-motorized users?

    Yes. The trail system is multi-use, with designated routes for motorized users (ATVs, dirt bikes, 4×4) and non-motorized users (hikers, mountain bikers). The DNR trail map shows the designated zones for each user type.

  • Know Before You Go: Spring Trail Closures at Tahuya State Forest

    Know Before You Go: Spring Trail Closures at Tahuya State Forest

    Every spring, Belfair and North Mason families load up the truck — ATVs, mountain bikes, hiking boots — and head out Belfair-Tahuya Road toward one of our closest and most-used backyards: Tahuya State Forest. The DNR gates opened April 15 to kick off the 2026 season, running through October 31, and the bulk of those 84 miles of trail are accessible.

    But not all of them. Several trail sections are currently closed or disrupted — one because of a washed-out bridge, others because of active timber harvesting — and knowing the picture before you drive out could save a frustrating Saturday morning.

    The Howell Lake Bridge Is Out

    The biggest closure right now is the Howell Lake Loop Trail, which is shut down due to a washed-out bridge. DNR has not announced a repair timeline as of this writing. If you’re heading to Howell Lake for the fishing, a swim, or a family day-use outing, the lake and the day-use area remain accessible for non-motorized use year-round — but the loop trail itself is impassable until bridge repairs are completed. Worth a call before you commit to that detour.

    Three Timber Sales Are Affecting Multiple Trails

    Active logging operations across three DNR timber sales — known as Trail Mix, Little Wrangler, and School — are also causing temporary closures and access disruptions across a wider section of the trail network. Affected trails currently include Randy’s H2O Stop, Mission Creek, the 1.9 Mile trail, Hoof & Tail, and the Tahuya River Trail.

    Timber harvesting is core to how Tahuya State Forest functions. DNR manages 23,000 acres here as working forest to generate trust land revenue for Washington public schools, and sales rotate through different areas over time. That means the closure footprint shifts week to week as operations move. A trail blocked today may be clear in a few weeks — but new sections can open to logging as well.

    What’s Still Open: Elfendahl Pass

    Even with the active closures, the majority of Tahuya’s trail network — which draws around 200,000 visitors a year — is still open and accessible. The Elfendahl Pass Staging Area, the forest’s main trailhead hub at NE Elfendahl Pass Road, is open for the season and can handle about 50 vehicles, with trailer pull-through for rigs up to 35 feet.

    From Belfair: take SR-300 west 3.5 miles → right on Belfair-Tahuya Road 1.9 miles → right on Elfendahl Pass Road 2.3 miles.

    Before You Head Out

    Trail conditions in Tahuya can shift quickly as logging operations relocate, so check current status before you go:

    • Official DNR page: dnr.wa.gov/GreenMountainTahuya — current closure alerts and the updated March 2025 trail map
    • Phone: (360) 825-1631 — DNR South Puget Sound Region office

    Spring is the best time to be out there. Just know the lay of the land before you leave Belfair.

    Related Coverage from Belfair Bugle

    Related Coverage from Belfair Bugle

  • Visiting Hood Canal This Summer? Here’s What’s Confirmed for Belfair State Park and Marine Area 12

    Visiting Hood Canal This Summer? Here’s What’s Confirmed for Belfair State Park and Marine Area 12

    Belfair, WA — If you’re planning a Hood Canal trip to Belfair this summer — whether it’s a Seattle weekend, a Tacoma family run, or a longer Pacific Northwest itinerary — here’s the cleanest read on what’s confirmed and what’s still pending as of May 3, 2026. The headline: lock in crab and camping now; treat the Belfair State Park shellfish opener as “watch the WDFW page” until officially posted.

    What’s Confirmed

    Marine Area 12 Dungeness crab opens 6 a.m. June 16, 2026, runs through September 5, harvest Thursdays through Mondays. Daily limit: five male, hard-shell, 6¼-inch minimum carapace, recorded on your Puget Sound catch record card. You’ll need a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish/seaweed license and the Puget Sound crab catch record card. Visitor licenses are sold online at wdfw.wa.gov.

    Belfair State Park camping reservations are open for all three loops — Main, Beach, and Tree — through washington.goingtocamp.com or (888) 226-7688. The park has 90 standard sites, 41 full-hookup sites, two primitive sites, and one marine trail site on 3,720 feet of Hood Canal shoreline at 1002 NE Beck Road. Beach Loop is the closest to the water and accommodates RVs up to 60 feet. Tree Loop (May-Sept only) is the cheapest but limited to vehicles 18 feet and under. Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day are essentially gone; book August now if it’s on your list.

    Theler Wetlands is open today. Mary E. Theler Wetlands Nature Preserve at 600 NE Roessel Road in Belfair offers more than three miles of accessible trails through 139 acres of salt marsh and Union River estuary. Free, dawn to dusk, ADA-accessible boardwalk. May is peak shorebird migration on Hood Canal — if your visit is May or early June, this is the highest-value low-effort stop.

    What’s Pending

    The 2026 Belfair State Park clam, mussel, and oyster opener has not yet been published to the official WDFW Belfair beach page (wdfw.wa.gov/places-to-go/shellfish-beaches/270470). The page still shows Aug 1 – Sept 30, 2025 as the most recent posted season. If you’re booking a trip specifically for shellfish, build a flexible window (late July through September is the historical pattern at Belfair) and watch the WDFW page in May and June for the official 2026 announcement.

    The Visitor Rule You Must Know: WDFW + DOH

    Two parallel approvals govern every Hood Canal harvest. The WDFW season must be open, and the Washington Department of Health (DOH) health approval for the beach must be active. Either can be closed with little notice for biotoxin, vibrio, or water-quality reasons. The DOH Shellfish Safety hotline is 1-800-562-5632 and the DOH interactive map updates in real time. Run both checks within 24 hours of any planned harvest. Visitors who skip this step get tickets — or worse, get sick.

    Practical Logistics for the Belfair Trip

    Belfair sits at the south end of Hood Canal, roughly two hours from Seattle via SR-3 through Gorst, or about 75 minutes from Tacoma via SR-16 and SR-3. The town center has gas, groceries, and a handful of restaurants; expect basic services, not a tourism strip. The Belfair State Park beach is mostly soft mud at the tideline — waterproof boots are non-negotiable for any harvest trip. Standard Puget Sound daily shellfish limits when the beach is open are 18 oysters, 10 clams, and 10 mussels per harvester, with kids 15 and under harvesting free without a license.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Do I need a Washington fishing license to crab on Hood Canal?

    Yes. You need a WDFW shellfish/seaweed license plus the Puget Sound crab catch record card. Both are sold online at wdfw.wa.gov. Daily limit in Marine Area 12 is five male Dungeness, hard-shell, 6¼-inch minimum carapace.

    How do I book a Belfair State Park campsite?

    Reserve at washington.goingtocamp.com or call (888) 226-7688. Three loops: Main (year-round, mix of hookup and standard), Beach (year-round, full hookups, up to 60 ft RVs), Tree (May-Sept, vehicles 18 ft and under, no hookups).

    Is Belfair State Park shellfish season definitely open in summer 2026?

    The 2026 opener has not yet been posted to the official WDFW Belfair beach page as of May 3, 2026. Build a flexible visit window (late July through September is the historical pattern) and check wdfw.wa.gov/places-to-go/shellfish-beaches/270470 weekly through May and June for the official date.

    How far is Belfair State Park from Seattle?

    Roughly two hours via I-5 south, SR-16 across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, then SR-3 through Gorst to Belfair. The park is at 1002 NE Beck Road, about three miles west of the Belfair town center.

    Related coverage: Tahuya River Preserve Reaches 190 Acres · Original Hood Canal summer planner

  • North Mason Families: How to Plan Around an Unconfirmed Belfair State Park Shellfish Opener

    North Mason Families: How to Plan Around an Unconfirmed Belfair State Park Shellfish Opener

    Belfair, WA — If you’re a North Mason parent or grandparent, summer planning runs on shellfish dates the way it runs on school calendars. As of May 3, 2026, here’s the part nobody is saying out loud: the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has not yet posted the Belfair State Park 2026 clam, mussel, and oyster opener on its official beach page. The most recent published season on wdfw.wa.gov/places-to-go/shellfish-beaches/270470 is still Aug 1 – Sept 30, 2025.

    That’s not a reason to skip planning. It’s a reason to plan smarter.

    What You Can Lock In Today

    Marine Area 12 Dungeness crab is confirmed. The recreational opener is 6 a.m. on June 16, 2026, running through September 5, with harvest allowed Thursdays through Mondays each week. Five male Dungeness daily, hard-shell, 6¼-inch minimum carapace. The south end of the Canal near Belfair, Union, and Tahuya tends to fish well early in the season — that first Father’s Day weekend is on the table this year.

    Belfair State Park camping is reservable now. Three loops, 90 standard sites, 41 full-hookup sites, plus the seasonal Tree Loop (May-Sept, vehicles 18 ft and under, no hookups). Book at washington.goingtocamp.com or (888) 226-7688. Memorial Day weekend is essentially gone already; July 4 weekend is going fast. If grandparents are visiting in August, treat the booking as urgent this week.

    Theler Wetlands is open right now. 600 NE Roessel Road, dawn to dusk, free, 139 acres, more than three miles of trails, ADA-accessible boardwalk, peak spring migration in May. For families with younger kids, this is the cheapest and lowest-friction Hood Canal day in your toolkit.

    What to Do About the Unposted Shellfish Date

    Two practical moves. First, bookmark the WDFW “Find a Beach” tool and the Belfair beach page directly. WDFW typically updates beach pages a few weeks before openers. The 2025 season opened August 1 — planning a soft window of late July through September keeps you flexible without committing to specific dates. Second, learn the dual-check habit before opening day arrives: WDFW season status PLUS Washington Department of Health beach approval. The DOH Shellfish Safety hotline is 1-800-562-5632, and the DOH interactive map shows real-time health status. Both have to be green for the trip to count.

    Family-Specific Reminders

    Kids 15 and under harvest free without a WDFW license — bring them. The Belfair flats are mostly soft mud at the tideline, so waterproof boots are non-negotiable for everyone. Standard Puget Sound daily limits when the beach is open: 18 oysters, 10 clams, 10 mussels per harvester. The Belfair beach is best known for oysters specifically. If you’re building a multigenerational summer plan, the realistic anchor right now is: confirmed crab June 16, confirmed camping (book now), Theler today, and shellfish “watch the WDFW page weekly starting in mid-June.”

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Has WDFW announced the Belfair State Park 2026 shellfish opener?

    Not as of May 3, 2026. The official Belfair beach page on wdfw.wa.gov shows the 2025 season (Aug 1 – Sept 30, 2025) as the most recent published season. Check the page weekly through May and June for the 2026 announcement.

    Can my kids harvest at Belfair State Park without a license?

    Yes — children 15 and under harvest shellfish free without a WDFW license, when the beach is open under both WDFW season and DOH health approval. They count toward the family limit only on their own catch, not the adult bag.

    Which Belfair State Park camping loop is best for families?

    The Beach Loop has full hookups and immediate beach access for kids. The Main Loop is open year-round and offers a mix of hookup and standard sites. The Tree Loop is the cheapest but limited to vehicles 18 feet and under with no hookups, and is May-September only.

    Where can we go on Hood Canal today, before shellfish season opens?

    Theler Wetlands at 600 NE Roessel Road in Belfair is open dawn to dusk, free, with three-plus miles of trails through 139 acres of salt marsh and the Union River estuary. May is peak migration. The Tahuya River Preserve and Belfair State Park’s day-use shoreline are also open for hiking and beach-walking outside harvest seasons.

    More from Belfair Bugle: Tahuya River Preserve Reaches 190 Acres · Original Hood Canal summer planner

  • Hood Canal Property Owners: What the 2026 Shellfish and Crab Calendar Means for Your Beach

    Hood Canal Property Owners: What the 2026 Shellfish and Crab Calendar Means for Your Beach

    Hood Canal, WA — For property owners between Belfair, Union, and Tahuya, the summer harvest calendar isn’t entertainment — it’s the schedule your guest list, your dock traffic, and your shoreline read of the Canal all run on. As of May 3, 2026, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has confirmed the Marine Area 12 Dungeness crab opener but has not yet published the 2026 Belfair State Park shellfish dates. Here’s the clean read for property owners.

    The Confirmed Anchor: Marine Area 12 Crab, June 16 – Sept 5

    Marine Area 12 (Hood Canal) recreational Dungeness opens at 6 a.m. on June 16, 2026, and runs through September 5, with harvest allowed Thursdays through Mondays each week. Five male Dungeness daily, hard-shell, 6¼-inch minimum carapace, recorded immediately on your Puget Sound catch record card. Two important nuances for shoreline owners: the area north of Ayock Point operates on a different season schedule, and the area south of Ayock Point has had recent winter closures driven by abundance concerns. Pull the WDFW Hood Canal page before you set pots off your own dock so you’re running under the right rule for your stretch of the Canal.

    For owners hosting guests in late June or early July, the practical move is to plan crab the first Thursday-Friday of any guest visit. Public Marine Area 12 pots cluster heaviest on opening weekend; the Father’s Day window after the June 16 opener tends to thin out by week two.

    Belfair State Park Shellfish: Unposted as of Today

    The Belfair State Park clam, mussel, and oyster opener for 2026 has not yet been published to the official WDFW Belfair beach page (wdfw.wa.gov/places-to-go/shellfish-beaches/270470). The page still shows Aug 1 – Sept 30, 2025 as the most recent published season. If you’ve seen earlier dates circulating, treat them as preliminary until WDFW posts to the beach page or issues a press release.

    For waterfront owners, this matters in two specific ways. First, your guests asking “when’s the oyster trip?” need a calendar window, not a date — the honest answer right now is “late July through September, watch the WDFW page.” Second, if your own beach is DOH-approved for harvest, your dual-check rule still applies: WDFW season open AND DOH health status active. Health closures driven by biotoxins, vibrio, or seasonal water quality can shut your beach with little notice.

    The Water-Quality Read That Matters for Your Beach

    Hood Canal water quality is the upstream variable behind every harvest decision. The DOH Shellfish Safety interactive map shows real-time health status for every approved beach on the Canal, and the DOH Shellfish Safety hotline is 1-800-562-5632. South Hood Canal beaches in particular have had health-driven closures in recent years — the long arc of nutrient loading, summer hypoxia, and stormwater runoff from the SR-3 corridor and shoreline development all feed into beach health calls. The Tahuya River Preserve restoration work is one of several efforts directly aimed at the freshwater inputs that drive beach health on the south Canal.

    The Property-Value Angle Most Owner Conversations Skip

    Hood Canal beach health and shellfish-season reliability are now meaningful inputs to waterfront property valuations. Buyers comparing south Hood Canal to Bremerton or Central Kitsap shoreline are reading WDFW season pages and DOH closure histories the same way they read school ratings. A clean shellfish year — predictable opener, no biotoxin closures, low vibrio risk — quietly supports comparable values; a year of repeated closures quietly pressures them. The community-level work on water quality (HCSEG restoration, Mason County stormwater, septic upgrades) is the long lever on that valuation signal.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When does Marine Area 12 crab open in summer 2026?

    6 a.m. on June 16, 2026, through September 5, 2026, Thursdays through Mondays. Five male Dungeness daily, hard-shell, 6¼-inch minimum carapace. Confirm the rule for your specific stretch — north or south of Ayock Point — on the WDFW Hood Canal crab page.

    Is my Hood Canal beach approved for shellfish harvest?

    Approval is set by the Washington Department of Health, not WDFW. Use the DOH Shellfish Safety interactive map to check approval status for your specific tideland, or call 1-800-562-5632. Private tideland approval status changes; check seasonally.

    Why hasn’t WDFW posted the 2026 Belfair State Park shellfish dates?

    WDFW typically publishes annual public-beach seasons through its rule-making cycle and updates beach pages a few weeks before openers. As of May 3, 2026, the Belfair page still reflects 2025. Bookmark wdfw.wa.gov/places-to-go/shellfish-beaches/270470 and check weekly through May and June.

    Can a DOH closure shut my beach even when WDFW season is open?

    Yes. WDFW and DOH operate independent approvals; both must be active for legal harvest. Biotoxin and vibrio closures can happen with little notice during the season. Always run the dual-check within 24 hours of harvest.

    Related coverage: Hood Canal Property Owners: Tahuya River Preserve and Water Quality · Original Hood Canal summer planner

    Related Coverage

    WDFW Closes Two Northern Hood Canal Beaches Over Harvest Pressure — What It Signals for Belfair-Area Shellfish in 2026 — the May 3, 2026 closure at Shine Tidelands and Wolfe Property and what it means for Twanoh and Belfair State Park.