BELFAIR STATE PARK
Belfair State Park is a 94-acre, year-round camping park on 3,720 feet of saltwater shoreline at the southern end of Hood Canal in western Washington. It is noted for its saltwater tide flats, wetlands with wind-blown beach grasses and pleasant areas for beach walking and saltwater swimming. The park features swimming, wading, shellfish harvesting, over 3,000 feet of freshwater shoreline and 3,700 feet of saltwater shoreline on Hood Canal.
The park has primarily coniferous forest and marshlands on Hood Canal, with streams, tidelands and wetlands.
Long ago the site was a central meeting place for generations of Indians. The Skokomish tribe used the area as a campsite and for gathering shellfish. The area was later used as a log dump before officially becoming a state park in 1952. The park is named for the town of Belfair.
A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to Washington state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the
Discover Pass web page.
A small store and fast-food restaurant are across the street from the park. The town of Belfair, three miles away, has supermarkets, hardware store, giftshops and restaurants.
There are reservable cabins, located in the main loop and in the day-use area.
The park has standard campsites, full-hookup sites, primitive sites, one marine trail site, restrooms , showers and one dump station.
Campground Map (pdf)
1. Belfair State Park offers a saltwater beach for swimming.
2. The park's 3, 720 feet of shoreline is ideal for swimmers and sunbathers alike.
3. Swimming areas are not guarded by lifeguards; swim at your own risk.
4. Tidal changes can affect the depth and current in certain parts of the water body, so caution is advised while swimming.
5. Swimsuits or appropriate clothing must be worn when using any public waters within state parks according to Washington law.
Located in Washington, this park offers saltwater and freshwater fishing. Species include salmon, trout, flounder and shellfish like clams or oysters.
Belfair State Park is located near Bremerton, Gig Harbor and Port Orchard
The park has a kitchen shelter with no electricity, available first-come, first-served.
The park has two sheltered and 130 unsheltered picnic tables. Braziers and ADA picnic tables are available. The day-use area is very level and has ADA restroom facilities and beach access.
There is a large playing field for sports, and a play area for children is nearby.
Cycling enthusiasts can explore various trails, though some are steep and challenging. Always wear protective gear for safety.
The park offers paved paths ideal for leisurely rides; however, they may be crowded during peak times.
Mountain biking is an option but requires experience due to the rugged terrain. Be cautious of potential hazards.
Bike rentals aren't available on-site so remember to bring your own equipment if you plan on cycling here.
Off-road cyclists should note that certain areas might not permit bikes in order to protect local wildlife habitats.
While there's no specific bike trail network within this area, many find enjoyment riding along campground roads or hiking trails.
Remember: always respect other users' space when sharing multi-use pathways with pedestrians and runners alike.
1. Theler Wetlands Nature Preserve Trail: This 3-mile trail offers a flat, easy walk through the wetland area of Belfair State Park with views of wildlife and native plants.
2. Hood Canal Loop Trail: A moderate difficulty level hike that takes you around the park's perimeter offering stunning views over Hood Canal and Olympic Mountains.
3. Sweetwater Creek Trails: These trails are perfect for birdwatchers as they wind along Sweetwater creek providing opportunities to spot various species in their natural habitat.
4. North Shore Road Hiking Pathway: An ideal path for family hikes or bike rides, this pathway runs parallel to North Shore road within the state park boundaries featuring scenic forested areas on one side and waterfront vistas on another side.
5. Tidal Marsh Overlook Boardwalks: Short boardwalk paths leading towards tidal marsh overlook points where visitors can observe marine life during low tide periods.
6. Beachfront Walking Paths: Easy walking routes running alongside beachfront allowing hikers an opportunity to enjoy panoramic sea view while strolling at leisurely pace.
7. Campground Trails: Network of short hiking trails connecting different campgrounds inside Belfair State Park making it convenient for camping enthusiasts who wish explore surrounding nature without straying too far from their campsites.
8. Interpretive Forest Walkways: Guided pathways winding through dense forests showcasing diverse flora & fauna found within Washington's temperate rainforest ecosystem; informative signboards placed strategically provide interesting insights about local ecology.
9. Wildlife Observation Decks: Elevated platforms accessible via small footpaths designed specifically for observing birds, mammals & other creatures inhabiting nearby woods.
10. Fitness Track: Paved loop track suitable both jogging/walking located near main entrance equipped exercise stations promoting healthy outdoor activities among visitors.
The park offers interpretive displays on shellfish, water quality and the life cycle of salmon.
Birdwatchers can spot a variety of species including Great Blue Herons, Bald Eagles and Belted Kingfishers. The park is home to numerous songbirds like Swainson's Thrushes and Warbling Vireos. Waterfowl such as Mallards, American Wigeon, Northern Pintails are also common sights here. During migration season one might see Western Sandpipers or Dunlins.
One multi-purpose grass area may be used for softball, soccer or football. The park is situated on the warm saltwater beaches of Hood Canal. A bathhouse is nearby. An open field near Hood Canal is popular for kite flying.
The Department of Natural Resources Tahuya Multiple Use Area is nearby, with trails for motorcycles, mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding and off-road vehicles. There are several golf courses in the area.
Located three miles west of Belfair, Wash. in Mason County.
Park address:3151 NE State Route 300Belfair, WA 98528
From I-5 in Tacoma:Take SR 16 west across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and travel approximately 27 miles toward Bremerton and Belfair. After the Port Orchard exits, the highway merges into three lanes. Exit from the left lane to Belfair on SR 3 south. Turn left at the traffic signal and take SR 3 south approximately eight miles to Belfair. Turn right at the signal just after Safeway and follow SR 300 approximately three miles to park entrance.
From Bremerton and the Bremerton-Seattle ferry:Take Hwy. 304 to Hwy. 3 south, approximately 15 miles, to Belfair. Turn right at the signal just after the Safeway, and follow SR 300 approximately three miles to park entrance.
From I-5 in Olympia:Take Hwy. 8 west approximately six miles to Hwy. 101 north, and follow Hwy. 101 11 miles to Shelton. In Shelton, exit at sign marking Hwy. 3 north and proceed 26 miles to Belfair. Turn left at the signal next to Safeway, and follow SR 300 approximately three miles to park entrance.