Hood Canal Salmon and Winter Bird watching Paddle

The winter birds have returned, the salmon have begun their migration upstream, and power boats are tethered and dry-docked for the winter. Grab your camera and binoculars and join us on the quieter side of the Salish Sea to enjoy nature’s bounty.

We’ll paddle approximately three miles across Hood Canal from Misery Point Boat Launch to Dosewallips State Park. We’ll have a leisurely lunch at Dosewallips State Park with restrooms and picnic tables.  After lunch we may nap in the sunshine or paddle an additional 1.7 nm north for ice cream at Pleasant Harbor before returning to Misery Point Boat Launch.

On route to the Park we may observe harbor seals, salmon and eagles along Dosewallips flats, where the River joins the Canal.

Birds commonly seen:

Fall bird-salmon migrations coincide creating a viewing  bonanza.  Near shore species may include surf and white-winged scoters, greater and lesser scaups; horned and  red-necked grebes, American wigeons and northern pintails. Forest dwelling species may include, black-capped and chestnut-backed chickadees, downy and hairy woodpeckers.

Salmon species found in this portion of Hood Canal include, Chinook, Chum, Coho, Pink, and Coastal and Searun Cutthroat trout.

Post-paddle dining and thirst-quenching options abound in Central and North Kitsap Peninsula. Paddlers returning to Seattle via the Bainbridge Island ferry could enjoy local seasonal favorites at Silver City Brewery. Or join the locals at the Hood Canal Brewery in Kingston and order in a wood-fired pizza to accompany the seasonal offerings.

Total paddle distance: approximately 10 nm

Immersion wear required.