Camping ( Belair State Park, Hood Canal )

I am one of those people ,who truly believe that the best things in this life are free- the sunset, birds singing, the ocean breeze, the view from the top of a mountain. In today's economy, travel and leisure are not among the first things on people's to- do -list. But sometimes, you feel like you need to clear your mind, and get away "from all that". And there is no better way to relax, than go camping.

I didn't want to travel too far away and spend to much money on gas. So, my destination was Hood Canal. Located in the lower Hood Canal watershed, the North Mason community is just 1 hour drive from Tacoma. Using Steve Giordano's book "Washington Camping" as a guide, I chose 3 remote , but what was more important for me- free !!!, camps : Camp Spillman, Twin Lakes Camp and Tahuya Horse Camp. Unfortunately for me ,starting this year, those camps operate only on weekends, from Friday afternoon to Monday afternoon. Gates and "No Parking " signs were erected.

My second choice - Belfair State Park. Located only 3 miles east of Belfair on route 300, this park has 184 camp sites,hot showers, toilets and miles of beach access. Prices range from $ 14
(for hikers only, no car parking) -$ 26 for full RV hook ups.

What is your idea of camping ? Pigging out on hot dogs, hamburgers and beer around a bonfire ?

Not mine kind of outdoor activity. I hit the trails. And since the park didn't offer too many trails, I went back to Belfair and down south on HWY 3 to the Theler Wetlands .

The Theler Wetlands won honors in the Environmental Enhancement category of the 2000 Excellence on the Waterfront awards. The award distinguishes the Theler Wetlands as having one of the best waterfront projects in the world. A 4 mile boardwalk and gravel path wind through the wetlands offering wildlife viewing and beautiful scenery. The parks offers interpretive center, native plant gardens, totem and cedar sculptures.

Though for me, hiking was the only activity, the North Mason area offers abundant opportunities for outdoor recreations. The Tahuya State Forest ( just 10 min away from Belair SP ) has miles of trails for dirt bikers, mountain bikers, horses and hikers.

The Belfair Stete park is a put in spot for kayaking along the Hood Canal ; great for camping, fishing, shellfish harvesting and wildlife viewing