Save
You must be signed in to save park lists.
Your Park Lists
add New List
Add Photo
You must be signed in to add photos.
state route ranger badge
Washington
12

Washington State Parks

responsive menu icon
USA Parks
Washington
Olympic & Kitsap Peninsulas Region
Mystery Bay State Park
Spring Hike © stateparks.com
Keep On Leash © stateparks.com
Search
Availability
Calendars
Availability Search
MYSTERY BAY STATE PARK
MYSTERY BAY STATE PARK
7875 Flagler Road
Marrowstone, Washington   98358
(lat:48.0592 lon:-122.6954) map location

Phone: 360-385-1259
This 10-acre marine park is reachable by car or boat. The park features 685 feet of saltwater shoreline on Mystery Bay and offers a spectacular view of the Olympic Mountains. This 10-acre marine park features 685 feet of saltwater shoreline and offers a spectacular view of the Olympic Mountains. This park is of primary interest to boaters, although it is reachable by car or boat.
History of the Area
The name "Mystery Bay" derives from smuggling activity on the island during Prohibition days. Transporting booze from Canada was a profitable and somewhat honored occupation in the remote waters of northwest Washington. Sequestered between Marrowstone and Indian Islands, Kilisut Harbor was one refuge used by smugglers to evade Coast Guard vessels. Smugglers' boats were easily hidden in the overhanging trees at a small bay near the end of the harbor. Smugglers' regular disappearance here was categorized by the Coast Guard as "mysterious," hence the name of the bay.
Passes
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.
Camping
The park has no camping.
Boating
The park offers one single-lane launch ramp, which drops gently down the beach north of the floats.

A daily watercraft launching permit and a trailer dumping permit may be purchased at the park.

Annual permits also may be purchased at State Parks Headquarters in Olympia, at region offices, online, and at parks when staff is available.

The park also provides 683 feet of moorage and a boat pumpout station.

Moorage fees are charged year round for mooring at docks, floats and buoys from 1 p.m. to 8 a.m. Daily and annual permits are available. For more information, call (360) 902-8844.



Picnicking
The park provides one kitchen shelter without electricity, plus four unsheltered picnic tables, all available first-come, first-served. Drinking water is available, however the water contains high levels of sodium. Sodium intolerate persons should not consume.
Trails
1. Mystery Bay Trail: This is a short, easy trail that takes you through the heart of the park and offers stunning views over Mystery Bay.

2. Flagler Road Loop: A moderate 3-mile loop starting from near Nordland General Store, this path winds around Fort Flagler State Park before looping back to its start point via Marrowstone Island's scenic coastline.

3. Kinney Point Trail: An off-the-beaten-path hike leading down to an isolated beach on Kilisut Harbor with beautiful vistas across Puget Sound towards Indian Island Naval Reserve.

4. East Beach Pathway: Ideal for families or those looking for a leisurely stroll along sandy beaches while enjoying panoramic water views; it also provides access points for clamming during low tide periods.

5. West Shoreline Walkway: It's perfect if you're interested in bird-watching as it passes by several prime spots where herons and other shorebirds are often seen feeding at low tides.

6. North Bluff Overlook Track: Offers breathtaking elevated viewpoints overlooking Admiralty Inlet - great spot to watch sunsets!

7. South Forest Ramble: Takes hikers deep into lush woodland areas filled with native flora like ferns, salal bushes & towering Douglas firs - ideal choice if seeking solitude amidst nature.

8. Lagoon Creek Crossing Route: Crosses small creeks flowing out into bay area providing opportunities spotting local wildlife such as otters playing in waters below bridge crossings.

9. Old Military Bunkers Exploration Pathways (within adjacent Fort Flagler) offer unique historical perspective exploring remnants past military installations dating back World War II era.

10. Fort Flager-Marrowstone Circumference Hike: Longest route within vicinity covering entire perimeter both parks including sections passing residential neighborhoods, farmlands vineyards offering diverse landscapes throughout journey.
Area Attractions



Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
write a review
Share On

Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Located on the west side of Marrowstone Island off the Olympic Peninsula in Jefferson County.

By car from Hadlock:Drive one mile south on Oak Bay Road turn left onto SR 116 and continue eight miles, crossing bridge, skirting Indian Island, and crossing a spit to Marrowstone Island. The road name changes to Flagler Road. Drive approximately six miles and turn left into park.

By car from Seattle or Edmonds:Take the Kingston Ferry or Bainbridge Ferry and follow signs to the Hood Canal Bridge. Cross over and drive five miles, then turn right onto easily-missed Highway 19 (Beaver Valley Road). Travel 10 miles, turn right onto Chimacum-Center Road. At the four-way stop in Port Hadlock, turn right onto Oak Bay Road. Drive approximately one mile and turn left onto SR 116. Drive approximately eight miles, turn left into the park.

By boat:Boat access is the channel through Kilisut Harbor. The narrow channel makes an S-curve at the entrance. Any deviation from the center of the channel can lead to grounding. Mystery Bay is on east side of harbor, two miles south of entrance.

state route ranger badge
Washington
12

Washington State Parks

X