Hood Canal Ranger District

The Hood Canal Ranger District abounds with recreational opportunities. From wilderness hiking through the enchanting Olympic Rain Forests, to mountain climbing, trail riding, and water sports, this district has it all. There are also a number of great extended hikes which access the scenic Olympic National Park. The Duckabush and Hamma Hamma Recreation Areas are two of the "hot spots" in the district and are both rich in recreational activities.

Attractions - The Hood Canal Ranger District abounds with recreational opportunities. From wilderness hiking through the enchanting Olympic Rain Forests, to mountain climbing, trail riding, and water sports, this district has it all. There are also a number of great extended hikes which access the scenic Olympic National Park. The Duckabush and Hamma Hamma Recreation Areas are two of the "hot spots" in the district and are both rich in recreational activities.

Recreation - From wilderness hiking through the enchanting Olympic Rain Forests, to mountain climbing, trail riding, and water sports, this district offers a wide range of recreational opportunities for enthusiasts of varied ages and abilities.

Climate - Various environmental and climatic changes occur in a relatively short distance around the Peninsula. Within 50 miles between Mt. Olympus and the Pacific Ocean, the vegetation changes from a lush, temperate rain forest typical of the Hoh, Queets, and Quinault Valleys to an alpine environment of lichens and mosses above 7,000 feet.

The Olympic Peninsula features a marine-type climate. Precipitation occurs throughout the year, but the heaviest rainfall typically is in the late fall and winter months, decreasing into the Spring. The northeast section of the Quilcene Ranger District experiences the driest conditions on the Forest, receiving as few as 25 inches of rain annually. Quinault Ranger District receives the most abundant rainfall, ranging from 120 to 240 inches annually. Winter snowfall around the Peninsula averages from 10 inches in the lower valleys to 250 inches in the higher mountain elevations. Summer temperatures average from 65 to 75 degrees, occasionally reaching the 80+ degree level with intermittent rains occurring often, except in unusually dry years.

Location - The Hood Canal Ranger District encompasses the eastern stretch of the Olympic National Forest and includes the areas formerly administered by the Quilcene and Hoodsport Ranger Districts. This district is sandwiched between the Olympic National Park to the west and Hood Canal to the east and reaches from the Buckhorn Wilderness to the areas south of Lake Cushman. U.S. Highway 101 travels its length from north to south.