Did you know that Hood Canal is a fjord? A fjord is a “long, narrow inlet with steep sides, created in a valley carved by glacial activity” (hat tip: Wikipedia).

Most people think of places like Norway or New Zealand when they hear of fjords, but residents of the Pacific Northwest only need travel to Hood Canal to enjoy the beauty of this unique geographical feature.

Hood Canal separates the Kitsap Peninsula from the Olympic Peninsula, and averages 1.5 miles wide and 177 feet deep. It’s long, extending for about 50 miles from its entrance between Foulweather Bluff and Tala Point down to Union, Washington, (just down the road from Alderbrook Properties) where it makes a sharp turn, known as The Great Bend. It continues for 15 miles to the northeast, ending in the shallow tidelands of Lynch Cove, near Belfair.

Hood Canal got its name from Captain George Vancouver, who named it for Admiral Lord Samuel Hood, on May 13, 1792. It boasts the world’s third longest floating bridge, the Hood Canal Bridge, which spans 6,521 feet. (Information and statistics courtesy of Wikipedia, here.)

Hood Canal is a great place for all kinds of water activities: kayaking, boating, fishing, whale-watching, shellfishing, and scuba diving, to name just a few. It features many state parks along its coastline, such as Belfair, Twanoh, and Potlatch, where you can swim, fly kites, picnic, camp overnight, and generally enjoy the beauty of Hood Canal. Or, if you prefer, you can enjoy the beauty of Hood Canal from your automobile on the Hood Canal Scenic Drive.

Welcome to the camping segment! Yes, the sun is out and we do think “camping” here in the Northwest when it’s warm and with good reason-the Northwest is famous for excellent camping options. Along the Hood Canal in particular, there are a multitude of choices. So hit the websites now to reserve your spots and make sure that you choose ones with great features.

Here are some tips on choosing the right campsite once you decide where you are heading.

Facilities-If you have small children or elderly, you might want to be closer to the restrooms. However, be prepared for heavier foot traffic near your campsite if you do choose this.

Privacy- Perhaps you like some privacy and if so, a tree line might be perfect between you and the next site. I know of a campground (not on the Canal) that is a complete, wide-open field with many spaces. I never book my friends there and they always seem grateful.

Space- Consider your tents, vehicles, number of people and toys before deciding whether you need a small, medium or large space.

Water- Camping near water access always seems to have benefits not only for drinking but washing dishes, rinsing feet, etc.

Fun- If you have children, they will consider the campsite a vacation spot in itself. A few trees to climb, a river nearby or a trail to play on will make their camping trip even more fun.

Don’t forget to bring your bikes and fishing poles!

Hood Canal Camping Spots

Camping in Brinnon

Camping in South Hood Canal