Hoodsport, Washington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hoodsport, Washington
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 Hoodsport, Washington
Location in Washington (state)
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| Country | United States |
| State | Washington |
| County | Mason |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 419 |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific (PST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
| ZIP code |
98548
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| Area code(s) | 360 |
Hoodsport is a small community in Mason County, Washington, United States. It is known as a census-designated place (CDP). This means it is a special area identified for gathering population data. In 2020, about 419 people lived here.
Hoodsport is located right on the Hood Canal. This is a natural fjord, which is a long, narrow inlet of the sea. The community sits where U.S. Route 101 and State Route 119 meet. Lake Cushman is only about 5 miles (8 km) away on State Route 119. Hoodsport is also seen as the main entry point to the Staircase area of the famous Olympic National Park. It's a great spot for outdoor adventures and exploring nature.
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The Story of Hoodsport
The first person to settle in the Hoodsport area was a ship captain named G.K. Robbins. He had spent many years moving lumber along the Hood Canal. Soon, other settlers joined him, and a small community began to grow. Most of these early settlers worked in farming or logging.
In 1890, the town was officially mapped out. This was done by the Mason County Mine and Development Company. This company owned manganese mines located near Lake Cushman. People also looked for copper in the area. Over 400 mining claims were made in the late 1800s and early 1900s. However, most of these claims did not lead to successful mining.
Exploring Hoodsport's Geography
Hoodsport is a popular place for SCUBA divers. It is known as a great spot to see the amazing giant Pacific octopus. Local marine preserves offer special places for divers to explore.
Underwater Wonders
Places like Octopus Hole and Sund Rock are marine preserves. Here, divers can see not only octopuses but also other cool sea creatures. These include wolf eels, rock fish, and plumose anemones. These areas are protected to help marine life thrive.
Hoodsport's Climate
The Hoodsport area has warm and dry summers. The average monthly temperature does not go above 71.6°F (22°C). According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Hoodsport has a "warm-summer Mediterranean climate." This type of climate is often called "Csb" on climate maps.
Hoodsport's Economy and Businesses
Hoodsport has several local businesses that serve both residents and visitors. The Hoodsport Winery is located just south of the town.
Local Businesses and Services
You can find a grocery store with a gas station in Hoodsport. There is also a hardware store for home needs. For food, there are five restaurants and an espresso shop. Other businesses include three real estate offices, a dentist, and a post office. There is also a construction office, a beauty salon, a brewery, and a distillery. A diving shop caters to the many SCUBA divers. Several gift shops focus on tourism. The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife also runs a fish hatchery in town.
Community Resources
The Hoodsport branch of the Timberland Regional Library is a valuable community resource. It is located overlooking the town.
Parks and Recreation
The Port of Hoodsport manages a public beach and a dock. These are great places for people to enjoy the water and the beautiful surroundings. They offer easy access to the Hood Canal for boating and other water activities.
