State Parks and National Parks

Dosewallips State Park

Although the Dosewallips River flows through it, and the Olympic Mountains rise behind it, Dosewallips State Park is best-known for its tidal flats.

The park includes two satellite parks, Pleasant Harbor and Triton Cone. Pleasant Harbor is a State Moorage for overnight users, and Triton Cove State Park offers a saltwater boat launch, picnicing, and a pier for fishing and wildlife viewing.

The 514-acre park, located just south of Brinnon, includes a large tidal flat with plentiful supplies of clams and oysters. Although the seasons vary year to year, visitors often dig when the beds open in March; they generally are closed for replenishment during late summer and fall (bacterial contamination has been a problem in the past, so call before you plan to dig).

A campground along the river includes 100 tent sites, 40 full-hookups and two primitive sites.Two group camps and three platform tents are available by reservation only.

Four miles of hiking trails wind up the hills that rise up from the beach.

Wildlife includes deer, bald eagles and a large seal population. The park is the winter home for a herd of elk. Consequently, cougar are sometimes seen.

Sport fishermen angle for steelhead trout in January and for chum salmon in November. Dungenness crabs are also sought in nearby Hood Canal.

A parking fee is charged at the park.

Photo credits in order: Courtesy of Washington