Dosewallips State Park

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Dosewallips State Park, only 60 miles north of Olympia, is the eastern gateway to the Olympic Peninsula. The region is made up of forests, mountains, rivers, beaches and deltas – and surrounded by sound and sea. This freshwater/saltwater park makes a perfect day or weekend trip. It can also serve as a base from which to explore the historic forts and charming small towns to the north, or the first night on a grand road trip around the peninsula. 

The park's moss-carpeted forest and glacial river slope down to a shell-strewn delta on Hood Canal, a delight for clam-diggers, anglers, boaters, birders and beach explorers. The park features riverside campsites, cabins and five-person platform tents. 

Guests may share space with the local elk herds that wander through camp. (Stay back 100 feet, and never offer food.) Bald eagles have been seen on the beach and great blue herons flock to the river. 

The evening may find you grilling up a shellfish dinner and retiring to your cabin or tent, where you'll fall asleep to the sound of the river, enchanted by this lush, green corner of the country.

Park features
Dosewallips State Park is a 1,064-acre, year-round camping park with 5 miles of shoreline on Hood Canal and the Dosewallips River. All camp areas are grassy and located in scenic, rustic settings.

For more information on fishing seasons, regulations and the federally protected species that swim in these waters, please visit the Department of Fish and Wildlife website.

  1. Activities
  2. Boating
  3. Camping
  4. Maps

ada amenities/facilities

  • Cabin
  • Campground
  • Restroom



Use our interactive ADA recreation map to search for other state parks with ADA amenities and facilities.

Picnic & day-use facilities

The park provides one kitchen shelter without electricity and six sheltered picnic tables. There are braziers and restrooms. Picnic shelters are reservable.

Activities

Trails

  • 3.5 miles of hiking trails

Water activities & features

  • Clamming
  • Crabbing
  • Fishing (freshwater/saltwater)
  • Oysters

Other activities & features

  • Amphitheater
  • Beach exploration
  • Bird watching
  • Wildlife viewing
Interpretive opportunities

In summer months, campfire programs are conducted on most weekends.

Additional information

  • There is a wildlife viewing platform, and vast areas are open for field sports.
  • Freshwater activities are nearby on the banks of the Dosewallips River, and saltwater activities can be found on nearby Hood Canal.
  • A recreational license is required for fishing and shellfish harvesting at Washington state parks. For regulations, fishing season information, or to purchase a recreational license, visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
  • Printable park brochure (PDF).