One of Washington's state park jewels is Dosewallips. Dosewallips is considered 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 Oylmpic Peninsula. There are four species of wild salmon and steelhead that use the Dosewallips River for spawning, as this river is very pristine. You can also dig for clams at Dosewallips on the Hood Canal. It's best to dig for clams at low tide.
Flat Meadows and towering trees
The flat meadows in this park were called Dose Meadows and were made up from several old homesteads before they were purchased for a recreation area. In the far southeast side, old railroad beds can be found - remnants from the logging days when logs were railed down the mountains to the water, where they were floated to the ships and mills. The park is a winter area for a herd of approximately 75 elks.
A Steam Donkey Trail
There is a 3.5-mile trail here called the Steam Donkey Loop Trail. It is an especially good choice in spring, with lots of creeklets, views of the Dosewallips River and silent forest. There is a strong chance that you will see wildlife in winter and spring since an elk herd resides in the area, and with the estuary so close, the area is rife with bird-life. As an added bonus for fall hikers, you can search for and pick chanterelle mushrooms. Dosewallips State Park provides an interesting convergence of forest groves with saltwater delta. The park is best known for its shellfish beds and campground, but it offers some nice hiking too. The 3.5-mile loop trail winds its way through these forests, up ridges, and through open meadows. You'll cross creeks and enjoy the dappled sunlight coming through the thick foliage of deciduous trees.
Visit Dosewallips and the Pacific Northwest
If you ever have a chance to visit the Pacific Northwest…make sure to camp at Dosewallips State Park. Dosewallips is pet-friendly too, so you can bring your 4 legged friends along with you if you have any. The Dosewallips is a very compelling area. There are certainly many beautiful trails, the chance to see wildlife and take in the lowland beauty of the Olympic Peninsula.