Dougall Point extends into Pickering Passage near the northern end of Harstene Island in Mason County, bearing a name whose specific origin remains undocumented in readily available historical records, likely honoring an early settler, landowner, mariner, or surveyor associated with this section of southern Puget Sound's intricate shoreline. The point sits approximately two miles north of Jarrell Cove State Park on the eastern shore of Pickering Passage, in waters that connect Case Inlet to the broader southern Puget Sound system. The geographic feature appears on USGS topographic maps of the Vaughn quadrangle, with coordinates placing it in the maritime landscape where Hood Canal's southern reaches give way to the network of passages, inlets, and islands that characterize this portion of Mason County. The area surrounding Dougall Point falls within territories historically used by Coast Salish peoples including the Squaxin Island Tribe, whose ancestors harvested the rich shellfish beds, salmon runs, and other marine resources of these protected waters for thousands of years before American settlement transformed the region. While the specific "Dougall" after whom the point was named has faded from accessible historical records, the name pattern follows typical 19th-century American surveying and settlement practices that assigned personal names to geographic features as aids to navigation and land description, creating a naming system that persists even when the original honoree's identity becomes obscure over time.
Dougall Point provides access to Hood Canal's characteristic shellfish harvesting opportunities, with Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife maintaining two public shellfish beaches at West Dougall Point and South Dougall Point that allow year-round harvesting of clams, mussels, and oysters subject to seasonal openings and Department of Health safety closures. West Dougall Point offers shore access for shellfish harvesters, though the Department of Health cautions against harvesting inside the cove near the marina due to water quality concerns, while South Dougall Point remains accessible only by boat with no public upland access. The beaches feature the characteristic gravel, shell, and mud substrate typical of southern Puget Sound tideflats, where butter clams, littleneck clams, and Pacific oysters thrive in the nutrient-rich waters. Kayaking in Pickering Passage and around Harstene Island rewards paddlers with opportunities to explore protected waters, observe harbor seals and river otters, watch for bald eagles and great blue herons, and experience the relatively quiet shorelines that contrast with more urbanized areas of Puget Sound. Jarrell Cove State Park, located approximately two miles south, offers camping, mooring buoys, picnic facilities, and beach access that complement the Dougall Point area's recreational opportunities. Boaters navigating Pickering Passage frequently pass Dougall Point while traveling between Shelton, Olympia, and the San Juan Islands, using the point as a landmark in waters that require attention to tidal currents and channel markers.
Dining options serving visitors to the Dougall Point area center on Shelton, the Mason County seat located at the southern end of Hood Canal, where historic downtown supports diverse restaurants and cafes. County Line Fire serves upscale American fare including grilled ribeye steaks with garlic butter, pan-seared salmon with seasonal vegetables, gourmet burgers with creative toppings, craft cocktails featuring regional spirits, and desserts made in-house, creating a popular destination for evening dining. High Steel Beer Co. combines microbrewery operations with a family-friendly restaurant and arcade, serving wood-fired pizzas with combinations like pepperoni and sausage, burgers made with local beef, fish and chips featuring Hood Canal cod, house-brewed ales and lagers, and pub appetizers including nachos and wings. CJ's provides traditional American comfort food including breakfast plates with eggs, bacon, and hash browns, sandwiches featuring deli meats and fresh vegetables, burgers with various toppings, daily soup specials, and homemade pies, all served from 7 AM to 8 PM daily. Olympic Bakery and Deli offers fresh-baked breads and pastries, sandwiches made with smoked meats and artisan cheeses, soups prepared daily, wines from Washington vineyards, and specialty food items, providing breakfast, lunch, and light dinner options in a European-style bakery atmosphere. Bob's Tavern serves bar fare including fried chicken with sides, steak bites with dipping sauces, the popular "Chicken and Jo's" dish, burgers, sandwiches, and happy hour drink specials, operating from 6:30 AM to 2 AM for those seeking late-night dining. For visitors exploring Hood Canal's northern reaches near Alderbrook and Union, The Restaurant at Alderbrook presents fresh local seafood, dry-aged beef, and world-class wines with waterfront views, while Hood Canalé serves Napolitano-style wood-fired pizza, fine wines, and local craft beers, providing upscale dining options that complement the casual establishments in Shelton and create a full range of culinary experiences for those exploring the beaches, passages, and points of southern Puget Sound including Dougall Point.
