This beach has been enhanced with clams and oysters.
West Dewatto is a relatively small beach that has a good population of butter clams in the minus tidal zone (-1.0' or lower). Native littleneck clams and Manila clams are found in patches throughout the mid-high tidal zone but their abundance on West Dewatto can vary from year to year and conservation closures may be necessary.
From the south travel north on Highway 16 to the town of Gorst. Take the Belfair exit to Highway 3 and continue for eight miles to Belfair. Look for signs to Belfair State Park and take the turnoff (a right turn) onto North Shore Road continuing past Belfair State Park and on to Tahuya. When you reach Tahuya (about 15 miles from Belfair) look for the turnoff (a right turn) to the Befair-Tahuya Road just after you cross the Tahuya River bridge. Contine for about five miles until you come to the Dewatto Road. Take a left and continue on Dewatto Road for about four miles to Dewatto. West Dewatto is on the right side of the road just south of the mouth of the Dewatto River. Look for the information signs and stairway to the beach. Parking is limited to the shoulder of the road.
To reach West Dewatto from the Hood Canal Bridge and Highway 3 take the Newberry Hill Road/Seabeck exit (just south of Silverdale) and proceed north on Newberry Hill Road to Seabeck Highway NE. Turn right and travel through Seabeck. Seabeck Highway will become Seabeck-Holly Road. Continue south on the Seabeck-Holly Road for about 11 miles to the town of Holly. Turn left onto the Dewatto-Holly Road and travel another 12 miles to Dewatto. Look for the information signs and stairway to the beach. Parking is limited to the shoulder of the road.
FUN FACTS/OTHER INFORMATION Dewatto comes from the Indian place name du-a-to, meaning "home of evils spirits who make men crazy." In legend, spirits emerged from the bowels of the earth in the Dewatto Bay area and attempted to enter the bodies of warriors.
Beach information last updated: March 14, 2013 @ 10:22am
South Hood Canal
For individual beach information, including harvesting seasons, click on the yellow squiggles below.
Yellow map areas (links) identify approximate public property boundaries and should not be considered legal property boundaries.
Many of these public beaches have no upland entrance and must be accessed by boat. Please respect adjacent private property.
This map is provided for informational purposes only.
The accuracy of this map is not guaranteed.
