Seabeck (Washington)

A roadside pullout at the mouth of Big Beef Creek. It's the first dramatic view of the Olympic Mountains from Seabeck Hwy, and also a popular birdwatching spot.

184 acre nature preserve along a creek draining into a small cove, preserved by the original landowner as habitat for birds and other creatures. Hiking trails through mature forest lead to beach access and several old structures. No restroom facilities are available at this site.

An 88-acre camping park with 1,500 ft of saltwater beachfront. Terrific picnic areas and campsites as well as the historic Emel House, which can be rented for meetings, family gatherings or weddings. The park is known for its wild, native rhododendrons and stunning views of Hood Canal and the Olympic Mountains.

A waterside residential community with about 60 families (nearly half summer residents) and no commercial establishments, where little has changed in 30 years. With an average of 68" of rain a year it is the greenest corner of the Kitsap Peninsula. Anderson Creek and Holly Creek have the purest water because there is so little development.

Established in 1915 by the Seattle YMCA, the Seabeck Conference Center became an independent non-profit corporation in 1936. The facilities are located on 90 beautiful acres with sweeping views of Hood Canal and the Olympic Mountains. The grounds are reminiscent of small village, complete with walkways that meander past manicured lawns, fruit orchards, and wooded trails. The mission of the center is dedicated to the moral, social, and spiritual well-being of its guests and staff by providing a non-profit, non-sectarian setting conducive to education, renewal, and character development.

This inland sea trail is a National Recreation Trail and designated one of only 16 National Millennium Trails by the White House. Suitable for day or multi-day trips, the Cascadia Marine Trail has over 50 campsites to visit. People can boat to the campsites from many public and private launch sites or shoreline trailheads including Hood Canal.

There are dozens of public water access points along 371 miles of Kitsap shoreline. 13 continuous trail segments, each of which can be paddled in a day, make up the only saltwater trail in the National Water Trails System. Seabeck is an excellent place to launch and see Hood Canal.