Hood Head

getting there

From SR 104 just west of the Hood Canal bridge, turn north Paradise Bay Road and then immediately right onto Shine Tideland State Park Road. An alternative is to continue on Paradise Bay Road about a half mile and turn right onto Seven Sisters Road to enter the park.

on the trail

Hike north on the beach on the west side of Bywater Bay when there's a "minus tide" to prevent getting your feet wet crossing the channel connecting the west and east lobes of Bywater Bay or hike the long detour around the west lobe. Point Hannon (aka Whiskey Spit) on the northeast corner of Hood Head features open vistas to the San Juans and the infamous driftwood dragon.

notes

• Part of the walk is across private tidelands so please be respectful.
• Read notices regarding shellfish gathering and do so only on public tidelands.
• Wolfe Property State Park along the way features shellfish harvesting.

Information for Leaders

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: Day Hiking
• Seasons: Year-round
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Easy
• Length: 4.0 mi

• Land Manager: Shine Tidelands State Park
• Parking Permit Required: Discover Pass
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12