Hood Head

Start out at the Historic Port Gamble Village. Put in at the old mill site, just inside of the breakwater, you will be heading out of the bay and west around the breakwater. There is more often than not a strong northerly wind so the goal is to start paddling north only once you make it leeward of Hood Head. Follow along the north shore to Salsbury Point Park when you will turn northwest and begin crossing Hood Canal towards Hood Head using the landmass to help shelter you from the worst of the north wind. At this point you can explore Bywater Bay on the west side of Hood Head or just head right to rest on the beach and see the driftwood dragon sculpture. On the return home you will want to use the wind to your advantage by crossing the canal and paddling south along the eastern shore.

The difficulty of this paddle is very much dependent on the weather and conditions. There is often a significant wind from the north, only experienced paddlers should tackle this paddle in anything other than calm conditions.

There is a small primitive campsite around the north end of Hood Head at Wolfe Property State Park.