South Hood Canal, Annas Bay & Lower Skokomish River

launch points

• Belfair State Park
• Potlatch State Park
• Twanoh State Park
• Public boat launch at Hood Canal Marina in Union
• Menard's Landing (Mason County Parks)

• Hood Canal North Shore Public Boat Launch (Port of Allyn)

on the water

Annas Bay & Lower Skokomish River

8.0 nm round trip, difficulty: II+

Paddle from Annas Bay 4 nm up the Skokomish River or as far as desired.

• Avoid paddling on the Lower Skokomish River during salmon season. There will be hundreds of fisher folk in the river.
• Members of the Skokomish Tribe fish all year but it is easy to stay out of their way.
• Watch for and avoid gill nets that may run part way across the river.

Twanoh State Park to Belfair State Park

11 nm round trip, difficulty: Sea Kayak II-III

Paddle to Belfair on a rising tide and return on a falling tide or paddle the reverse, depending on tide cycle.

Belfair State Park to Potlatch State Park

 13 nm one-way. Sea Kayak II-III

Paddle from Belfair State Park to Potlatch State Park with a car shuttle for a day trip or the reverse, depending on tide cycle.

Potlatch State Park to Triton Cove State Park

17 nm one-way, Sea Kayak II-III

Paddle from Potlatch State Park to Triton Cove State Park with a car shuttle possible for a day trip or the reverse, depending on tide cycle.

South Hood Canal to Central or North Hood Canal

Mileage and difficulty vary based on the trip

Paddle multiple days on Hood Canal camping at Cascadia Marine Trail sites along the way. There are marine trail campsites at Belfair State Park, Twanoh State Park, Potlatch State Park, and Triton Cove State Park. See Central Hood Canal and Port Gamble Bay for more information about points further north.

notes

• Winds are often 10+ knots in the afternoon.

Information for Leaders

Scheduling & permits

• This route allows multiple bookings. Please check scheduled trips listed below in the "Activities" tab to see if there is another group already booked on the same day. Leaders are expected to contact the leader(s) of existing trips to ensure there are no concerns or conflicts, according to The Mountaineers Outdoor Ethics Policy. Please review our Group Size & Multiple Bookings page for guidance.
• The Mountaineers has a commercial use permit with Washington State Parks for all free and fee-based outings at state parks. Leaders should carry a print or digital copy of our  commercial use permit to show rangers they may encounter. 

• Suitable Activities: Sea Kayaking
• Seasons: Year-round
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: *Varies*

• Land Manager: Land Manager Varies
• Parking Permit Required: see Land Manager
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 20
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12