Scenic Tranquility
Along the snowberry-lined Portage Trail, I stumbled upon a lagoon with more than 100 flapping and Northern pintails, named for their sharp-as-a-quill-pen tail feather, mixed with buffleheads, whose bulbous, white-patched heads made each appear as if it was wearing a marshmallow bonnet.
From Lagoon Beach, you might launch a kayak and explore the protected waters, or set off to poke into the paddler’s haven of hidden, lakelike Mats Mats Bay, 4.5 miles to the south.
Find more paddling opportunities on long, eel-shaped Kilisut Harbor, between Indian Island and neighboring Marrowstone Island.
At the head of Mystery Bay on Marrowstone’s western shore, island life centers on almost-century-old Nordland General Store, with its postage-stamp of a post office, well-trodden wood floors, good wine selection, and kayaks for rent in warmer months. Classic sailboats rock on mooring balls just off the dock. Want excitement? Storekeeper Tom Rose will tell you to come back Memorial Day weekend for the tractor parade.
Homegrown Delights
South of Port Hadlock, the Chimacum Valley is a growing haven of organic farms, some with their own stands, guarded by visiting posses of trumpeter swans. Or stop by Chimacum Corner Farmstand at the four-way stop on Highway 19, with local foods from around the region. Up Center Road, Finn River Farm and Cidery is open for tastings from noon to 5 p.m. daily. To warm up the first days of spring, they party with cider and pizza, co-owner Crystie Kisler said.
If that’s not enough, Port Townsend is 20 minutes up the road, with more classic boats and saltwater views.
After all this, have you caught a bad case of boat envy? Better sign up for a workshop.
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