Potlatch State Park

Basics: Potlatch State Park is a 57-acre camping park with 9,570 feet of saltwater shoreline on Hood Canal. The park’s grounds are home to a variety of activities, from interpretive programs for kids to boating and shellfish harvesting.

Where: Hood Canal

History: Potlatch State Park was once known as “Enetai,” the Skokomish Indian word meaning “beyond.” The Indians set their winter villages here and held potlatches. The site has also been home to the Minerva Resort and a sawmill.

Activities: Clamming, fishing, boating, diving, hiking and biking

Getting there: Follow Highway 101 through Shelton or Hoodsport to the park entrance.

Cost: There is no charge for day use at state parks. Campsites range from $12 to $24 per night.

Of note: Potlatch is popular for picking oysters, digging for clams and catching crabs and fish. Hood Canal offers scenic views, and windy days bring out kite fliers and windsurfers. Scuba divers favor Potlatch for its accessibility and easy descent, and kayaking is a popular day-trip activity. The park also has a Junior Ranger program. The park has one picnic area that can be reserved and 25 unsheltered picnic areas. There are 1.5 miles of hiking and biking trails. There is moorage at the park. The Skokomish, Hamma Hamma, Duckabush and Dosewallips rivers lie within 30 miles of Potlatch. Camping is available at the park.

Source: Parks.wa.gov

Craig Hill, The News Tribune