Hoodsport

I have said that many places in Western Washington have access, can travel, and enjoy in one day. This is the case for Hoodsport, Washington which is on the Hood Canal. It takes about seventy minutes to drive from Gig Harbor, and is on Highway 101.

It is an incorporated town so there is really not much was far as population goes. Majority of the people live in cabins, and spend the time during the summer. It is known for mining, has a fish hatchery run by the State of Washington Fish and Wildlife, and has a winery as well. Also, you can turn off, and go about five miles to Lake Cushman.

The main thing about Lake Cushman it has a dam that is run by Tacoma Power and Light Company. Tacoma along with Gig Harbor gets a lot of their hydroelectric power from Lake Cushman Dam. The first dam was built completed in 1926. It is personal as well for me since my grandfather was an engineer when it was constructed. They completed a second dam in 1930.

Lake Cushman is a wonderful place to visit for the day along with Hoodsport. There are several state parks on the way to Hoodsport. I mention one before when growing up our family spent every year at Twanoh State Park. It is about thirty minutes from Hoodsport.

There is a lot to see along the Hood Canal. You can continue on Highway 101 beyond Hoodsport. There are a lot of cabins along the way. People from Gig Harbor, Tacoma, and Bremerton as well as other places in Western Washington have cabins. They spend summers along with weekends along the Hood Canal. There are those who retire and live there full time. If nothing else it is wonderful route to drive for the day. I call it very relaxing since there are many places you can stop for a few minutes. There are places where you can camp as well. Take your time and enjoy Hoodsport, Lake Cushman, and the Hood Canal.