Potlatch State Park

Potlatch State Park is conveniently situated to suit the needs of day trip visitors looking for a beach to stop at for lunch and stretch their legs before carrying on down the highway, or for weekenders searching for a base camp to explore the eastern access to Olympic National Forest, Hood Canal and the miles of hiking in the region. 

Potlatch State Park is divided between the forested camping loops and the beachfront day-use area. From the day-use parking area, the beach is mere steps away and boasts sweeping views up across the deep blue waters of Hood Canal. With picnic space in the grass and 0.2 mile of accessible beachfront to explore, Potlatch State Park makes for the perfect place to slow down, unwind and look for creatures among the barnacle-encrusted rocks and oyster shells. 

While the beachfront itself does not take particularly long to traverse, the joy of the park comes in its setting as an escape from the highway or other campers in the overnight area. With both grassy park and rocky beach, there is plenty of room to set up a chair, pull out a book and enjoy the space without needing to hike for hours to get there. Depending on the season, Potlatch State Park is a place for clam digging, windsurfing, kayaking, swimming and myriad other ways to keep cool in the water.

WTA Pro Tip: Potlatch State Park sits on a fairly quiet stretch of Highway 101. If you opted to drive around the Puget Sound through Olympia to arrive, consider taking one of the Washington State Ferries on your return home to take in more views of Puget Sound.