Jarrell Cove State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jarrell Cove State Park |
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Waters of the cove on the shores of Puget Sound
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| Location | Mason County, Washington, United States |
| Area | 67 acres (27 ha) |
| Established | 1953 |
| Administered by | Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission |
| Visitors | 55,304 (in 2024) |
Jarrell Cove State Park is a wonderful natural area located in Washington. It sits on Harstine Island in the southern part of Puget Sound. This park is a fantastic place for families and young adventurers to explore the outdoors.
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Discover Jarrell Cove State Park
Jarrell Cove State Park covers about 67 acres of beautiful forest land. It also boasts 3,500 feet of saltwater shoreline. This means there's plenty of space to enjoy both the woods and the water! The park offers a peaceful escape with stunning views of the cove.
Exciting Activities for Everyone
There are so many fun things to do at Jarrell Cove State Park! Whether you love land or water, you'll find something exciting.
- Camping: Spend a night under the stars.
- Hiking: Explore peaceful trails through the trees.
- Biking: Ride your bike on designated paths.
- Boating: Enjoy the calm waters of the cove.
- Scuba diving: Discover the amazing underwater world.
- Fishing: Try to catch some fish from the sound.
- Swimming: Cool off in the water on warm days.
- Waterskiing: Glide across the water for an exciting ride.
- Clamming: Search for clams along the shore.
- Crabbing: Try your hand at catching crabs.
- Field sports: Play games in open areas.
- Beachcombing: Look for interesting shells and treasures.
- Windsurfing: Ride the wind across the water.
- Birdwatching: Spot different kinds of birds.
- Wildlife viewing: Observe animals in their natural home.
- Horseshoes: Enjoy a classic outdoor game.
Protecting More Natural Spaces
Jarrell Cove State Park doesn't just manage its own area. It also helps look after five other smaller state parks nearby. These include Eagle Island, Hope Island, McMicken Island, and Stretch Point.
One of these managed parks is also called Harstine Island. It's a special day-use park located about two miles from Jarrell Cove. You can reach its beautiful beach by following a half-mile trail. These satellite parks offer even more places to explore and enjoy nature.
A Glimpse into the Past
Jarrell Cove State Park first opened its doors in 1953. Over the years, it grew bigger, especially during the 1960s. Interestingly, the park was originally known by a slightly different name: Gerald Cove State Park. However, in 1966, the local community group, the Hartstene Island Grange, asked for the spelling to be corrected. They wanted it to match the Jarrell family, who were early settlers in the area. So, the name was officially changed to Jarrell Cove State Park, as we know it today.
