Diving & Other Things to Do in Hoodsport, WA
At the Sunrise Resort in Hoodsport, WA you’ll have several full days worth of entertainment at the beach including: kayaking, whale watching, crabbing & shrimping, fishing, boating, beach combing, hot tubbing, picnicing, BBQing, and of course SCUBA! If you’re not too interested in water sports or beach activities, that’s okay too. At the Sunrise or nearby, there is plenty of other things to keep you occupied, from exploring the little town of Hoodsport, to bird watching, winery & distillery tours, dining waterfront, or hiking in the Olympic National Park.
Things To Do in Hoodsport, WA
Boating
Boating enthusiast? Here at the Sunrise Resort there is a private dock system available. You can moor your boat or jet ski while you rest from your active day of water skiing, shrimping, or crabbing. Boat Moorage is $25 per day (up to 20’), there’s room for your trailer too, parking $10 per day.
Fish, Crab, Shellfish
What better way to take in the natural beauty of Hood Canal than to spend a quiet afternoon fishing. No boat? No problem, there is great seasonal crabbing and fishing right off our docks! Enjoy area oyster and clam gathering year round, and coho and chinook salmon fishing in the fall. View Fishing License Information.
Relax at the Resort!
There’s no need to even leave the resort! Everything needed for a relaxing day on the waters of Hood Canal is just steps away. Beach comb, swim or play in the water, then BBQ some lunch and enjoy a beach picnic. Afterwards, relax in the waterfront hot tub.
SCUBA!
Hood Canal is a SCUBA diver’s playground known for gentle currents and interesting rock formations, and plentiful sea life. Dive with giant Pacific octopuses, wolf eels, rockfish, and plumose anemones that live in the canal’s clear waters. Water temperature averages from a low of 45 degrees in the winter to 50-60 degrees in the summer. Here at Sunrise Resort, we take pride in providing a facility that meets all the needs of divers. From our easy access staircase right into the water, to gear clean off tanks, outdoor diver’s shower, and tank refill service.
Hiking
From Hoodsport you can enjoy both Olympic National Forest & National Park. Get out there to experience the sights and sounds of this stunning wilderness. Guest favorites include the Hoodsport Trail, Staircase Rapids Loop Trail and the Mount Ellinor Trail.
The Hoodsport Trail is an easy walking trail between Hoodsport and Lake Cushman and goes through alder and conifer forests with footbridges over Dow Creek.
The Staircase Rapids Loop Trail is a .9 mile family friendly trail through large second growth forests beside the North Fork Skokomish River. Wildlife, rapids, moss, and swimming holes make for a great hike. From Hoodsport, take Highway 119 nine miles to “T” junction with Forest Road 24. Follow signs to Staircase, turning left and continuing with Lake Cushman on your left, all the way to Staircase entrance.
The Mount Ellinor Trail is a solid climb through evergreen forests becoming subalpine meadows. It’s moderate to difficult in spots but experienced hikers LOVE the views.
For more trails and information check out the Explore Hood Canal Hiking Map and visit the Washington Trails Association website.
Waterfalls
Cascading waterfalls dot the Hood Canal area. Nearby favorites are Rocky Brook Falls, Staircase Rapids, and Hamma Hamma Falls.
Rocky Brook Falls is one of the easiest to access waterfalls in the area. The visible portion of the falls drops 229 feet with a nice pool at its base which is popular for swimming during the summer months. From Brinnon at Milepost 306 on US 101, drive west on the Dosewallips Road for 3 miles to parking in turnout on your left just after bridge over Rocky Brook.
Staircase Rapids is a 2 mile easy loop including a suspension bridge spanning the North Fork Skokomish River near a series of rapids. From Hoodsport follow SR 119 and then FR 24 for 14.7 miles, turn right into ONP and continue 1.2 miles to Staircase Ranger Station for trailhead.
Hamma Hamma Falls has two tiers and falls more than 80 vertical feet. The road spans above the upper and lower falls. A path leads along cliff edge, but it can be dangerous, it’s best to enjoy from the safety of the bridge. On the drive back there are pull outs which provide views of lower falls. From Milepost 318 on US 101 travel west onto FR 25 for 13.3 miles to road’s end at Mildred Lakes Trailhead.
Hoodsport Restaurants
The Hoodsport area is well known for it’s world class oysters, as well as waterfront views enjoyed from many of our restaurants.
Hoodsport Wineries and More
No matter if you like wine, beer, or fine spirits, the Hood Canal area has a relaxing and refreshing beverage waiting for you.
More from our Blog
Stay in the know and learn more about things to see and do in the Hood Canal area of Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula.
For more great things to see and do in the beautiful Hood Canal Area, visit ExploreHoodCanal.com