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Washington
12

Washington State Parks

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USA Parks
Washington
Olympic & Kitsap Peninsulas Region
Twanoh State Park
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Twanoh State Park Cold Water Bridge © Allyson Ricketts
Twanoh State Park in Washington State shot by Allyson Ricketts in October of 2009.
Twanoh State Park Walking Tree Roots © Allyson Ricketts
Twanoh State Park in Washington State shot by Allyson Ricketts in October of 2009.
Twanoh State Park Moss And Color © Allyson Ricketts
Twanoh State Park in Washington State shot by Allyson Ricketts in October of 2009.
Twanoh State Park Fabulous Foliage © Allyson Ricketts
Twanoh State Park in Washington State shot by Allyson Ricketts in October of 2009.
Twanoh State Park Creepy Roots © Allyson Ricketts
Twanoh State Park in Washington State shot by Allyson Ricketts in October of 2009.
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TWANOH STATE PARK
TWANOH STATE PARK
12190 E. State Route 106
Union, Washington   98592

Phone: 360-275-2222
Twanoh State Park is a 182-acre marine, camping park with 3,167 feet of saltwater shoreline on Hood Canal. The name of the park derives from the Native American Twana tribes, better known as the Skokomish, who made their home in the area. The park is situated on one of the warmest saltwater beaches in the state. This is because Hood Canal is one of the warmest saltwater bodies in Puget Sound. The park offers access to one of the warmest saltwater beaches in the state. Wading, swimming and oyster and crab harvesting are immensely popular.

Park hours/updates:

The park is open year round for camping, with limited water supply in the winter.

Summer: 6:30 a.m. to dusk.Winter: 8 a.m. to dusk.

Camping:Check-in time, 2:30 p.m.Check-out time, 1 p.m.Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.
Nature of the Area
The soil in the park is "glacial till," an unlayered sediment which was deposited by glaciers over most of western Washington. Twanoh Park is on Hood Canal, which is actually a "canal" in name only. Hood Canal is (in reality) a "fjord," a long narrow body of water open to the ocean and bordered at one end by steep cliffs or hills.
History of the Area
"Twanoh" is a Native American word for "gathering place." The Skokomish Indians, a Twana tribe, made their home along Hood Canal because of its abundant wildlife. Because of this abundance, the Twana were among the few hunting/gathering societies of the world that produced wealth beyond their needs. The basis of their economy was salmon.

The park area was logged extensively during the 1890s. Scars still show in some cedar stumps from "spring boards," accessories to an early logging technique.

Most of the park buildings were built during the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Most of the CCC structures still stand as a monument to the hard work and craftsmanship provided to this country by the men of the CCC. The buildings are made of brick, stone, and round logs. Most are still used extensively today.

The area was a private resort for many years before becoming a state park.
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.
Park Store
Available in the park Available in the area? Camping? Pay phone? Fire wood? Auto repair? Airport? Boat rental? Camping? Diesel? Fishing/hunting? Gasoline? Gifts? Golf? Groceries? Hardware? Hospital? Marine supplies? Overnight Accommodations? Pay phone? Postal service? Propane? Recreational equipment? White gas? Wood? Swimming

Fast food and camping accessories are available at local stores along SR 106 and in the nearby towns of Belfair and Shelton.
Camping
The park has 25 tent spaces, 22 full hookup spaces, six restrooms and one shower. Maximum site length is 35 feet (may have limited availability). Gathering firewood is not allowed, but packaged firewood is available for purchase from the campground host or local stores. All campsites are first-come, first-served.

Group Accommodations: The park offers a group camp that accommodates up to 50 people. Facilities include a picnic shelter, water tap and vault toilet. The dirt road up to the group camp is steep and windy, so vehicle access is restricted to non-RV-type vehicles. Rental fees vary with size of the group. For reservations, call (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688.

Check-in time is 2:30 p.m., and check-out time is 1 p.m.Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.Engine-driven electric generators may be operated only between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.Length of stay: You may stay up to ten consecutive days in any one park during the summer; the stay limit is extended to 20 days between Oct. 1 and March 31.
Boating
The park offers one watercraft launch ramp and 100 feet of dock.

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 200 feet of moorage.

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 offers two kitchen shelters with electricity, plus 125 unsheltered picnic tables. One kitchen shelter can accommodate up to 150 people. To reserve, (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688. The other kitchen shelter accommodates up to 40 people and is available first-come, first-served.
Trails
1. Twanoh Tidelands Trail: This 0.5-mile trail is perfect for those who want to explore the park's beautiful shoreline and tidal areas.

2. Nature Loop Trail: A short, easy loop of about a mile that takes hikers through lush forests with interpretive signs explaining local flora and fauna along the way.

3. South Shoreline Trail: An approximately two miles long scenic route offering stunning views over Hood Canal as well as opportunities for bird watching or spotting wildlife like seals, otters, eagles etc.

4. North Shoreline Pathway: Another waterfront path but on north side which offers different perspectives of water bodies in addition to forested landscapes; it's around one mile long making it suitable even for beginners or families with children.

5. The Forest Exploration Trails: These are multiple interconnected trails winding their ways into deeper parts of woods providing an immersive experience amidst nature while also increasing chances encountering various species inhabiting these regions.

6. Twanoh Creek Interpretative Walk: It provides educational insights regarding ecosystem surrounding creek area besides being a pleasant walk under tree canopies alongside flowing waters.

7. Wildlife Viewing Area Paths: They lead towards designated spots from where visitors could observe animals without disturbing them in natural habitats.

8. Campground Access Routes: Short paths connecting camping sites ensuring convenient access throughout day & night.

9. Picnic Point Track: Leads up to picnic spot overlooking canal ideal place enjoying meals midst serene surroundings.

10. Unmarked Adventurous Tracks: For experienced trekkers seeking off:beaten routes within dense foliage exploring untouched corners at own pace.
Nature Programs
A plaque stands along the road in nearby Union. It commemorates Captain George Vancouver, the first European to sail into Hood Canal in search of the Northwest Passage.
Area Attractions
Trails Water Activities Other? 2.5 mi. Hiking Trails? Boating (saltwater)? 1 boat ramp (saltwater)? 100 feet of dock (saltwater)? 200 feet of moorage (saltwater)? Fishing (saltwater)? Personal Watercraft (saltwater)? Swimming (saltwater)? Water Skiing (saltwater)? Crabbing? Oysters? 1 Badminton area? Beachcombing? Bird Watching? 20 Fire Circles? 1 Horseshoe pit? 1 Volleyball Field? Wildlife Viewing

Campers and day-users must bring their own hand equipment, racquets, etc.

There is a winter smelt run along the park beaches. Oyster beds are seeded annually, providing for ample harvests. In late fall, there is a chum salmon run in Twanoh Creek, but the creek is closed to fishing.

Clam season is open from Aug. 1 ? Sept. 30, closed the rest of the year. Oyster season is open year-round. Oysters must be shelled on the beach. A shellfish license is required to shuck oysters or to crab. This license is sold anywhere fishing licenses are sold. Please check Department of Fish & Wildlife fishing publications for daily limits and information. Regulations are available wherever fishing licenses are sold. Anyone over 14 years of age needs a shellfish license to harvest oysters. The daily limit is 18 oysters.

Gathering firewood is prohibited, but firewood is sold at the park.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
February 3 by Dave George
park review stars; one to five first time here, I was 4 years old (now 73) from Bremerton. I would get to this park any way I could. (bike, hitch hike with friends) Still my most fav. park. (been in 30 states)
April 24 by Dawn Rogers
park review stars; one to five I camped here all of my life with my mom who passed away in 2001.....she brought us here every spring and summer.Many many times.There is no nicer camprground.Many Fond memories!
May 18 One of The BEST Parks To Visit in the US
park review stars; one to five This place really knocked my socks off. Its clean. Quiet. Tranquil. Pristine. Drop dead gorgeous. I do a lot of travel and travel photography and this place is just magical!
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Directions
Located on the south shore of Hood Canal, eight miles west of Belfair, Wash.

From Bremerton : Take Hwy. 3 southwest to Belfair, and go west on Hwy. 106 eight miles to the park.

From Hwy. 101 : Drive east on Hwy. 106 for 12 miles to the park.

From downtown Seattle : Take a beautiful, one-hour ferry ride to Bremerton, then a half hour drive on Hwy. 3 southwest to Belfair. From Belfair, go west eight miles on Hwy. 106 to park entrance.

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Washington
12

Washington State Parks

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