Hike of the Week: Dosewallips Park

A quiet evening on the Dosewallip River Delta

Dosewallips Park

Steam Donkeys to steamed oysters!






by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

April 7, 2006

Quick Facts
Location: Hood Canal, Olympic Peninsula
Land Agency: Washington State Parks
Roundtrip: Steam Donkey Trail: 3.5 miles; Tide Flats 1.5 miles
Elevation gain: 300 feet
Access: From Shelton drive north on US 101 for 40 miles to Dosewallips State Park. Entrance is at MP 307, one mile south of Brinnon. (From Quilcene drive US 101 south for 11 miles).
Notes: Dogs must be leashed.



Legend has it that Dos-wail-opsh was a Twana Indian who was turned into a mountain, forming the source of the Dosewallips River. From his lofty position in the Olympic Mountains wilderness, this transformed Native American did well by creating one of the Peninsula’s wild and scenic rivers. At Dosewallips State Park, you can enjoy with ease the river’s grandeur and bounties.
The Dosewallips River drains into Hood Canal creating a productive delta and estuary. Protecting over 400 acres of rich and diverse habitat surrounding the delta is the state park. Dosewallips State Park sits on the transition zone where lush evergreen forests meet marsh, mudflats, and saltwater channels. At Dosewallips State Park you can witness elk herds or seal colonies-pick chanterelles or dig oysters-hike under a cool forest canopy or play in the surf under the sun.
The park is a fun place to visit anytime of the year, but during the winter and spring months it holds a special appeal. This is the time when big game is abundant in the park and visitors aren’t. And although winters and spring are wet on the Peninsula, Dosewallips is within the Olympic rainshadow-meaning that this is no Quinault or Hoh. Rainfall is significantly less here than on the windward side of the Peninsula.
Five miles of trails will keep you busy if you want to go for a hike. The Steam Donkey Trail makes for an especially nice spring hike. Offering glimpses of the Dosewallips River, passing by tumbling creeks and traversing quiets stands of tall timber; this loop hike can be enjoyed by almost all hikers. Relics of the area’s logging days can be witnessed along the way too, adding an historic perspective to your ramblings
The short trail to the delta is also rewarding. An observation deck helps you spot the abundant birdlife that call this area home. In season you can fish or dig for clams or oysters. The park can serve as a good base for further exploring the adjacent Olympic National Park and Forest. But upon visiting, you’ll soon realize that Dosewallips State Park in itself makes for a fine getaway destination.