Twanoh Creek Loop
Wander a quiet ravine above Hood Canal
Quick Facts:
Location: Twanoh State Park, Hood Canal
Land Agency: Washington State Parks
Round Trip: 2.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 400 feet
Contact: Twanoh State Park
Detailed Information: Urban Trails Kitsap Peninsula (Mountaineers Books)
Notes: Discover Pass required. Dogs permitted on leash.
Access: From Bremerton head west on SR 3 to Belfair. Continue west on SR 106 for 7.7 miles to Twanoh State Park. Turn left into campground entrance and immediately come to the day-use parking and trailhead before camp information station.
Good to Know: kid-friendly, snow free winter hikes, dog-friendly, historic, beach access
Twanoh State Park is known for its large beach on Hood Canal boasting some of the warmest saltwater in Washington. Most visitors who take to this park which was developed by the Depression Era Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) head straight for the beach or the campground. That leaves the 182-acre park’s hiking trails pretty quiet.
Locate the trailhead south of the day-use parking area and start hiking on a wide trail through a cluster of rhododendrons. The way parallels gurgling Twanoh Creek which forms a small delta on the park’s beach. Soon come to a junction. Here a side trail crosses the creek on an attractive bridge and reaches the campground—an alternative start if you’re camping in the park.
The main trail continues straight through a tunnel of rhododendrons and a grove of big cedars. It then begins working its way up a small ravine cradling the small creek. While this ravine was logged in the past, the second growth forest here is now quite mature.
At .3 mile come to a junction for the loop. While you can go either way, consider heading left for a clockwise loop for a more gradual ascent and transition out of the ravine. As you ascend out of the depression, the salal and evergreen huckleberries thin out. It’s much drier on the ridge above the ravine. After two switchbacks, the trail reaches the head of the ravine. It then heads right following an old woods road.
The walking is now easy going. Slowly descend to a group campsite. Then come to another junction. The old road continues straight leading back to the Day Use Parking Area and can be used as an alternative return. The loop continues right on a switchback descent back into the ravine. Take it passing by a few big old Douglas firs and clusters of leathery-leaved rhododendrons. Reach the loop junction and head left back to the trailhead. Consider exploring the beach afterward.
For more details on this hike and many others in the area, pick up a copy of my best selling Urban Trails Kitsap (Mountaineers Books).
