Located within an hour of Seattle, Hood Canal is known for its' oysters, quiet beaches, epic views of the Olympic Mountains, and tiny towns such as Lilliwaup, Brinnon, and Potlatch. Quilcene on the northwest end is tucked inside two bays - Dabob and Quilcene Bays. Most often, the water is calm. Mudflats empty at low tides requiring the paddler to plan their route prior to departure. 
From Quilcene, launch from the Herb Beck Marina south of town, or from the Pt Whitney Shellfish Labs beach. The Pt Whitney beach is strewn with oysters. I once saw a guy trying to get in his newly built wood strip kayak in a few feet of water to avoid scratching the hull. Another method is to bring along those foam pool noodles to launch on if this is an issue for you. I'd recommend booties or shoes while walking on the oyster covered beach.
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| Beach Launch from the Herb Beck Marina. |
Learn more about my book Kayaking Puget Sound and the San Juans, 60 Trips. I also offer SUP and Kayak lessons available throughout the year at Salmon Bay Paddle. Questions about paddling on the Salish Sea, give me a holler anytime at salmonbaypaddle@gmail.com or 206-465-7167
Support the Washington Water Trails Association and the Cascadia Marine Trail. The wwta works to create and protect access for paddlers on Puget Sound as well as provide an extensive network of over 60 paddle-in camping sites - www.wwta.org
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