You won't have to stick your little toe into the water at Twanoh State Park; the water is so nice, you can probably dunk yourself all at once. Known for its warm saltwater swimming, scenic beauty and abundant shellfish, Twanoh has been a plum getaway spot since 1923, when it became a state park.

The park has the feel of an old-time camping resort but with modern amenities. Floatie-clad toddlers splash in the swim area with parents nearby. Kayakers and paddlers share space with seals, and boaters motor out in search of the perfect crabbing or fishing spot. At low tide, oyster shuckers emerge, carrying pails and hand tools. Buy a shellfish license and join them or walk down the beach watching for orange sea stars, purple crabs and other intertidal creatures.

Need a break from the beach? The park's southern half contains a hiking trail through a green forest of moss-draped trees that filter sunlight. The trail runs along a creek that is filled with Chum salmon in fall.

As a park, Twanoh came of age during the Great Depression, and New Deal history fans will find a significant, intact grouping of Civilian Conservation Corps buildings. The rustic architecture made famous by the National Park Service in the 1930s is visible in the large covered kitchen shelters and several of the park's structures.

As the day winds down, it may be a good time to check out the badminton area, horseshoe pits and volleyball court. Or grill up that seafood, tuck the kids into their sleeping bags and kick back for some quiet campfire time.

PARK FEATURES
Twanoh State Park is a 188-acre, marine camping park with 3,167 feet of saltwater shoreline on Hood Canal in South Puget Sound.