Above: Hood Canal(northern Club area)
Below: Southwest
Puget Sound region
(southern Club area)
The two maps above show the major saltwater bodies in the Mason County area, including Hood Canal (the top map) and branches of southwestern Puget Sound (the lower map). Part of the "lower" or east-west arm of the Hood Canal appears in both maps.
Places to explore
in the Club's area --
About local waters:
Kayak trip areas -- "destinations" -- are listed on pages linked to this one. Destination names on those linked pages are based on the name of the primary body of water, followed by the specific area. The linked pages divide area paddling locations into three general geographic regions --• The "northern area" covers Hood Canal and nearby waters (including lakes) north of the Canal's east-west baseline:
Link to Northern Area list
• The "southern area" consists of branches and inlets of Puget Sound and other bodies of water near Shelton (including lakes), as far north as below the southern shoreline of the Hood Canal:
Link to Southern Area list
• A third category covers "other" destinations, describing kayaking locales in or near Mason County, or special locations in the larger region within a half-day's drive of the Shelton / Hoodsport / Belfair triangle:
Link to Other Waters list
The information available through the linked pages includes descriptions of specific areas and driving directions to nearby launch sites, which may help kayakers design their own outings. Although information provided on this Website is intended to be accurate, kayakers should use their own judgment to evaluate trip locations and verify any safety-related details that are important.
Directions to launch sites:
In addition to being linked to files about specific kayaking destinations, driving directions to many launch sites can be accessed through a list that sets out the names of area launch sites in alphabetical order. Use the link below to access that list.Link to Launch Site list