Hiking Trails Are Abound Here In Mason County. Here we have a list of hikes near Shelton WA with different difficulty levels and a wide range of locations you can find out about five easy hikes almost anyone can complete. [caption id="attachment_8475" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Explore The Beauty of Mason County By Hiking "]

Hike Number One

The first is one you don’t even have to leave the City of Shelton for - Huff-n-Puff Trail. This is a very EASY 1.5 mile loop popular exercise course to joggers and walkers of all ages with wide well maintained trails. There is ample parking, but no restrooms. The trail loops are flat under high forest canopy. Parking is located across from Shelton High School on Shelton Springs Road. Trail head is signed and no fee is required.

Hike Number Two

A second hike is located just South of Shelton - Isabella Lake State Park Trails. This is also a very EASY hike ideal for small children and pets. There are several loops on both sides of the road varying is length up to 2.5 miles. The trails wander through deciduous and evergreen forests and rolling open meadows. There is an old farmhouse with fruit trees still producing and a disc golf course that is lots of fun for all ages - bring your own disc or frisbee. Lake Isabella sign on right leads to parking, restroom, picnic table and trails. At Shelton exit Highway 101 at Highway 3, go south on Golden Pheasant Road, turn right on Delight Park Road. Discovery Pass required.

Hike Number Three

Locate a third EASY trail just North of Shelton - Spider Lake Loop Trail. Easy well maintained trail loops around Spider Lake through old growth forest and lush plants. This is a popular camping spot and fishing is allowed with license. Trail length is 1.9 miles. Exit Highway 101 at Skokomish Valley Road and continue for 5.5 miles to junction Forest Road #23, go right and continue 10 miles to junction of Forest Road #23 and Forest Road #2353, stay left on Forest Road #23 for another 8 miles - past end of pavement. Look on left for sign on tree. No fee or pass required.

Hike Number Four

Hike number four will take you to the - Harstine Island Trail. A quiet deserted beach awaits at the bottom of a ravine shaded by big cedars and firs. With more than 300 pristine acres to explore. this is the best kept secret on Puget Sound and a true island wilderness! This is an EASY trail and 1.5 miles round trip. You will find mixed forest, fern covered slopes and beach along this perfect day hike. After crossing the Harstine Island Bridge, go left at the T junction onto North Harstine Island Drive, at 3.0 miles you will come to a four way junction. Turn right onto East Harstine Island Road and after one mile turn left onto Yates Road. Follow this road for one mile to park entrance and trail head. No fee or pass required.

Hike Number Five

Moving over towards Hood Canal between Union and Belfair there is another great park and fifth on the list - Twanoh State Park Trail. Located along Route 106 and the shores of Hood Canal, this 2.3 mile trail is an EASY pleasant walk under a lush tall canopy of cedar and fir. The trail follows Twanoh Creek then ascends the gentle bluffs above. Enjoy wildflowers, moss beds and the soft murmur of the creek. Follow down to the beach and on warm days take a dip in the Hood Canal. This popular beach park features restrooms, picnic areas and a playground. No fee or pass is required.

Hike Number Six

Now if you enjoy wetlands and bird sightings number six -Theler Wildlife Refuge is the perfect spot to wander along the 3.5 miles of EASY trail round trip. This is a favorite for birders and the wide well groomed trail passes through grassy marshland beside the shores of the Union River where it meets Hood Canal. Serene views, birds and wildlife greet the walker on this wheelchair accessible trail. This is a tidal estuary marsh, riparian zone, farm and forested wetland. Trail head is located behind the Theler Exhibit building just north of Highway 3 junction with Route 106. No fee or pass is required.

Hike Number Seven

Number seven - Belfair State Park Trail is an EASY hike leading to wide beaches with plenty of sea life to explore. The beach is excellent for swimming and sunning on hot days. Picnic tables, restrooms and fire pits are available. The trail is 1 mile in length of level forest and open beach. From Belfair take Highway 300 about 3 miles to the park entrance. No fee or pass is required.

Hike Number Seven

Still in the county, but up on the Olympic Peninsula is the eigth featured hike - Lower Lena Lake Trail. This trail offers more of a challenge through a scenic gradual climb through majestic second growth evergreens and mossy boulders. It is rated MODERATELY DIFFICULT with many switchbacks in the first two miles. This popular trail is well maintained and leads to a small crystal clear lake with icy blue water, primitive campsites and rock outcroppings for a picnic lunch. Total trail length is 3 miles. Exit Highway 101 at Hamma Hamma Recreation Area, take Forest Road #25 to ‘T’ junction, go right 1 mile to trail head. NW Forest Pass required to park at trail head.

Hike Number Nine

The Staircase Rapids Loop Trail is trail number nine. This is an EASY friendly trail through large second growth beside the rapids of the North Fork Skokomish River. Mushrooms, hanging moss and several swimming holes make for a delightful trip. What used to be a 2 mile loop has been shortened because the bridge at the far end is out and the trail is now .9 miles. The trail is well marked and discover a marked trail spur to a massive fallen old growth cedar. Great spot for a photo! This is a tall conifer trail mostly level that passes through various native plants and ferns. From Hoodsport travel 9 miles on Highway 119 to T junction with Forest Road 24. Follow signs to Staircase, turning left and continuing with Lake Cushman on your left all the way to Staircase entrance. Trailhead is signed just across main bridge from ranger station. Gate is closed to cars at National Park boundary from November to May. However this adds only a half mile to your hike. Olympic National Park entrance fee is required when toll booth is staffed.

Hike Number Ten

Trail head number ten - Shady Lane Trail starts at the same place the Staircase Rapids Loop Trail does, across the main bridge just beyond Staircase Ranger Station. Bear left and follow river downstream INSTEAD of straight (Rapids Loop trail). A small cave, a footbridge with views and a swimming hole below, plus a grove of towering ancient trees await those who take this EASY walk through Old Growth forest. Return the way you came, or continue left on forest road to cross bridge at Lake Cushman, turning left again to loop back to Staircase. This will add another 1.4 miles to your hike. Trail length is 1 mile (plus return). From Hoodsport travel 9 miles on Highway 119 to T junction with Forest Road 24. Follow signs to Staircase, turning left and continuing with Lake Cushman on your left all the way to Staircase entrance. Trailhead is signed just across main bridge from ranger station. Gate is closed to cars at National Park boundary from November to May. However this adds only a half mile to your hike. Olympic National Park entrance fee is required when toll booth is staffed.