The last two weeks we have looked at two ORV areas in Utah and California. This week we will head north to an ORV area where you can camp for free in Western Washington.
Tahuya State Forest is located a few miles west of Belfair, Washington.
Tahuya State Forest is a 23,000-acre working forest located in the southeastern portion of Hood Canal in Mason County. This popular destination is open year-round attracting in excess of 200,000 recreational users each year. Tahuya offers recreation opportunities and activities for everyone including off-road vehicle riding (ORV), horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing, hunting and camping along with other uses. For additional information including where to camp and fish visit: http://www.dnr.wa.gov/AboutDNR/ManagedLands/Pages/amp_rec_tahuya_state_forest.aspx
If you tire of exploring the trails, fishing and just lounging by the campfire check out the following areas nearby: Belfair lies at the end of Hood Canal and is home to the Hood Canal Theler Wetlands, the center for environmental recreation and education in the region. Last year 150,000 visitors wandered the 135 acres of the Hood Canal Theler Wetlands, where four miles of ADA accessible scenic trails are open daily, dawn to dusk. Viewing platforms, a quarter mile of floating boardwalk and interpretive kiosks provide opportunities to fully experience the variety of wildlife throughout the wetlands. Admission is free. Visit http://www.thelercenter.org/wetlands/index2.php for more information.
Belfair State Park is a 63-acre park on 3,720 feet of saltwater shoreline at the southern end of Hood Canal in western Washington. It is noted for its saltwater tide flats, wetlands with wind-blown beach grasses and pleasant areas for beach walking and saltwater swimming. The park features swimming, wading, playgrounds, playfields and picnicking.
There is no day use fee. For more information visit: http://www.parks.wa.gov/parkpage.asp?selectedpark=Belfair
If you find yourself hungry after that exploring, head up to Dewatto Bay for some excellent shell fishing. There you can harvest clams, oysters and crab. Visit:
http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/shelfish/beachreg/b270380.shtml
For more information on Tahuya State Forest camping, riding and driving instructions visit: http://atvsource.com/articles/articles/2008/052108_places_to_ride_tahuya_state_forest_washington.htm
Avoid the crowds by planning your visit midweek. Enjoy the adventure.
Camping in the Trees at Tahuya
Dave Helgeson’s many roles in the RV industry started before he even had a driver’s license. His grandparents and father owned an RV dealership before the term “RV” had been coined, and Dave played a pivotal role in nearly every position of an RV dealership. He and his wife Cheri launched their own RV dealership in the Pacific Northwest. The duo also spent 29 years overseeing regional RV shows. Dave has also served as President of a local chapter of the Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA), worked on the board of advisors for the RV Technician Program of a local technical college, and served as a board member of the Manufactured Home and RV Association. Dave’s reputation earned him the title of “The foremost expert on boondocking,” bestowed by RV industry icon, the late Gary Bunzer (The RV Doctor). When he’s not out boondocking, you’ll find Dave in the spotlight at RV shows across the country, giving seminars about all things RVing. He and Cheri currently roam in their fifth travel trailer, with Dave doing all the service, repair and modifications to his own unit.
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