Generations of families in our community have been visiting Twanoh State Park since it was dedicated in 1923, when the state leased the first 30 acres to develop this wonderful waterfront park on the east side of Hood Canal. The park was the original home of the Twana tribes, and the name of the park is derived from them.
The camping and picnic areas and the buildings were created in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, a federal government agency developed during the Great Depression to provide jobs for people. In 2014, the park was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Former Congressman Norm Dicks has a long history with the park that continues to this day.
“I grew up coming to Twanoh State Park with my family during the summer,” he said. “And now, 50 years later, I live on Hood Canal and I still visit the park with my own children and grandchildren.”
In the height of summer, the park is packed with people from all over the Northwest who come to camp out, hike the trails or swim in the warm water of Hood Canal. For almost a hundred years, the park has charmed people who have a love for the Northwest and for the waters of Hood Canal.
Twanoh State Park is located in Mason County, about 16 miles west of Belfair on Highway 106, on the east side of Hood Canal. The park can be reached from downtown Bremerton in about 40 minutes and anyone going west on Highway 106 will drive right through the middle of the park.
With 188 acres of land, the property includes 3,167 feet of shoreline and 2.5 miles of inland hiking trails. On the water side, there is a large boat launch with ample parking for boaters towing their boats. A 100-foot dock and a two-lane boat launch are also included.
About 200 feet of moorage is available for boats for a fee. An automated pay station is on site for purchasing either the daily boat launch fee or a Discover Pass for state parks.
Salmon can be caught right in front of the park, along with other types of fish that inhabit the waters of Hood Canal. Crabbing is also a popular activity near the park.
The amenities take you back in time, as they were constructed almost 100 years ago and still today serve thousands of people each year. The camping side of the park has 22 full hookup campsites and 25 tent campsites, with facilities for showers and restrooms.
There are two large, covered picnic shelters and ample picnic tables and barbecue grills for those who just want to come for the day. A group camp can accommodate up to 50 people and reservations can be made by calling 888-226-7688. These facilities are excellent for a company or organization retreat.
You’ll find multiple opportunities for a variety of recreation activities including camping, hiking, boating, fishing and swimming (in the very warm water in the summer). The beach and shoreline offer oyster harvesting as well as beachcombing and bird watching. Oyster season is open year-round but oysters must be shelled on the beach and a shellfish license is required.
Twanoh State Park not only offers the full Hood Canal experience but also gives you a sense of the local history.
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