Skokomish Park Lake Cushman Day Use Area sits seven miles northwest of Hoodsport along Lake Cushman Road in Mason County, providing access to the 4,000-acre reservoir created by Cushman Dam on the North Fork Skokomish River. The name Skokomish honors the Skokomish Tribe whose traditional territories encompass the region, with the word meaning river people in the Twana language referring to the tribe's connection to the river systems flowing from the Olympic Mountains to Hood Canal. Lake Cushman was created in 1926 with construction of Cushman Dam for hydroelectric power generation, flooding the original Cushman Basin and creating the reservoir that has become a popular recreation destination. The Skokomish Tribe operates the park encompassing over 500 acres with 41,500 feet of freshwater shoreline, three boat launch ramps, and extensive day use facilities for visitors exploring the lake and surrounding Olympic National Forest.
Swimming from the designated beach area attracts families during warm summer months when Lake Cushman's freshwater temperatures provide comfortable conditions compared to cold saltwater beaches, with the day use area offering safer supervised swimming opportunities. Kayaking and canoeing launch from the beach and boat ramps for exploration of Lake Cushman's extensive shoreline with routes paddling beneath forested slopes rising toward Olympic Mountain peaks including Mount Rose and Mount Ellinor visible from the water. Fishing from shore and boats yields kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and bass with Lake Cushman known as productive fishery attracting anglers year-round, though seasons and regulations apply. Beachcombing along the reservoir shoreline reveals smooth stones, driftwood deposited when water levels fluctuate, and interesting finds exposed as lake levels change throughout seasons. Wildlife watching includes bald eagles fishing the lake, osprey diving for fish, black-tailed deer visiting shorelines, Roosevelt elk in surrounding forests, and diverse waterfowl including mergansers, goldeneyes, and grebes utilizing the reservoir. Picnic facilities with tables and shelters accommodate family gatherings and group events with lakeside views. Playground equipment provides entertainment for children while parents enjoy beach access and scenic surroundings.
Hoodsport dining along Hood Canal offers excellent seafood restaurants near Lake Cushman. The Fjord Oyster Bank occupies a renovated 1973 bank building serving fresh shellfish from Hood Canal waterways with grilled oysters, chowder, and geoduck wontons honoring recipes of legendary seafood chef Xinh Dwelley. The Tides Restaurant serves breakfast all day with hand-battered Alaskan cod and hand-cut fries, offering beer, wine, and craft cocktails made with locally sourced Hardware Distillery spirits seven days a week. Hama Hama Oyster Saloon creates iconic Northwest seafood experience 15 minutes north in Lilliwaup with crab cakes, fresh oysters, and clams served in rustic saloon with amazing views. Geoduck Restaurant and Lounge overlooks scenic Hood Canal with fresh seafood and stunning water views, favorite for clam chowder, fish and chips, and seafood delicacies. Model T Pub and Eatery provides classic burgers and pub fare in Hoodsport's downtown area.
