Dosewallips State Park
On the western shoreline of Hood Canal, like an inland ford found in Norway, is the Washington State Park of Dosewallips. The park gets its name from the river, which borders the park’s northern boundary. There are plenty of activities to be found both in the park and the immediate area. The Olympic National Park and Forest are a stone’s throw away, with numerous peaks, waterfalls, and old-growth forests to explore.
However, you don’t have to leave the park to enjoy the outdoors. Miles of trails meander through the hills, giving access to waterfalls and deep green forests. We found the remnants of a homestead in the form of a small spillway build on a small creek. I’m assuming it was created to provide the residents with drinking water during the dry season. I’m sure there is much more to be discovered as well.
Our Surprise
Once we got set up in our campsite, we decided to go for a walk and head over to the far side of the campground. This campground has Highway 101 bisecting it with a tunnel passing underneath the highway providing access to the eastern half. We’ve dry camped over on this side which sits against the Dosewallips River delta. It’s usually closed in the winter but opens in the summer season.
Imagine our shock when we came out of the tunnel only to view what looked like total destruction on this side of the campground. The river appeared to have flooded its banks and washed away 75% of the campsites.
Like much of the country, Washington has been experiencing severe weather, from abnormally high King Tides to major 100-year river floods.
Support
Our mission is a labor of love, but it does come with overhead. If you’d like to support our efforts we’d certainly appreciate it. Currently, we’re actively participating in the following field research:
- COASST Beached Bird Surveys
- Wild and Scenic River Project
Thank you.
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Imagine our shock when we came out of the tunnel only to view what looked like total destruction on this side of the campground.
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One of the best things about volunteering for citizen-science projects is the opportunity to spend time in some truly breathtaking places. And with fall just around the corner, it's an especially beautiful time to be outdoors. There's nothing quite like watching the leaves change colors and feeling that fresh autumn breeze on your face. It's a great way to connect with nature and make a difference at the same time.
Our only tide window to conduct this month’s #COASST bird survey was just before sunset. Not only did we have the beach to ourselves, but we were rewarded with this view when we rounded the point. Had to pause the survey and just enjoy the view and tranquility.
We're spending the weekend exploring the 'Great Bend' of Hood Canal. We found a nice private campground to base out of. This is just one of the many views to be found on North Shore Drive.
Taking a brief pause to appreciate the beautiful sunset on the Long Beach Peninsula.
I recently went hiking in the Olympic Peninsula forests and stumbled upon this beautiful waterfall. It was such a serene and peaceful spot, and I felt so lucky to have found it. There are so many hidden gems to discover when exploring the great outdoors!
With the hot weather we've endured, I'm looking forward to Fall and the dramatic weather. Here's a sunset over North Head Lighthouse.
After a short hike along Murhut Creek, which originates from a narrow basin on the south side of the lower Duckabush River valley, we arrived at the lower half of Murhut Falls. The falls consist of two sections with a combined height of 153 feet, although only the lower half was visible from our vantage point.
I haven't had the opportunity to take a stroll around Waughop Lake lately, yet I couldn't help but notice the abundant greenery that now adorns the trails.
During our recent camping trip on the Washington coast with friends, we took a bike ride to Cape Disappointment State Park. We came across the Northhead Lighthouse, but unfortunately, it was closed at the time due to an ongoing cliff rescue operation.
Spent an incredible day immersed in nature's wonders with my adventurous partner, Theresa! 🌿🌈 We hiked along the majestic Chehalis River, mesmerized by its crystal-clear waters and lush surroundings. And then, we stumbled upon the magnificent Rainbow Falls waterfall, its cascading waters painting the landscape with vibrant colors! 🏞️💦 Moments like these remind us of the pure magic that awaits when we embrace the great outdoors.
Looking forward to this sunny weekend getaway at Rainbow Falls State Park Exploring the stunning beauty of nature and immersing ourselves in the serenity of the namesake waterfall.
On a sunny day at the beach, the four of us enjoyed riding our bikes along the shoreline, feeling the sun's warmth on our skin. We laughed and chatted as we pedaled, the refreshing sea breeze accompanying us. Eventually, we reached the breathtaking Cape Disappointment Lighthouse, where we paused to take in the stunning view of the sparkling ocean and rugged cliffs. It was a perfect moment of friendship and natural beauty.
I had to stay close to home this weekend, but the Lakewood Summerfest was fun. Hot air balloons lit the venue.
We recently adopted a new #COASST beach for our beaches bird surveys. You can find more articles and photographs in the link above. #YourShotPhotographer #conquernorthwest #nextstop24traveler
A trail leading through the coastal forest on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Read the latest article about our new #COASST beach. Link in the description.
Looking at the turnaround point to our new survey beach, which lies just to the west of Murdock Beach.
Salmon Recovery Project
The next day we returned for a closer look, and that’s when I noticed some items that seemed off. What first looked like chaos had a certain symmetry. Passing a ranger later, we asked about it and were informed that it was all planned as part of an effort to recover the Dosewallips River salmon run.
Salmon restoration is a complex process that typically involves several steps. While the specific steps may vary depending on the region and the particular restoration project, here are some general steps that are often followed:
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- Assessment of the current status of the salmon population: The first step in salmon restoration is to assess the current status of the salmon population in the area. This typically involves gathering data on population size, distribution, genetic diversity, and habitat quality.
- Identification of limiting factors: Once the current status of the salmon population is known, the next step is to identify the factors limiting the population’s growth and survival. These factors include habitat degradation, water pollution, overfishing, and other human activities.
- Development of a restoration plan: A restoration plan is developed based on the information gathered in the first two steps. This plan typically includes specific actions to address the identified limiting factors and improve the habitat conditions for the salmon population.
- Implementation of the restoration plan: The restoration plan is implemented by carrying out the actions outlined in the plan. This can include habitat restoration projects, regulation of fishing activities, and the introduction of hatchery-raised salmon.
- Monitoring of the salmon population: Throughout the restoration process, the salmon population is monitored to track changes in population size and distribution, genetic diversity, and overall health. This information is used to evaluate the effectiveness of the restoration actions and make any necessary adjustments to the restoration plan.
- Outreach and education: Finally, outreach and education activities are often conducted to raise public awareness of the importance of salmon conservation and restoration and to encourage support for ongoing restoration efforts.
It’s important to note that salmon restoration is a long-term process that requires ongoing monitoring and management to ensure the continued health and sustainability of the salmon population.
