Hope Island Marine State Park - Mason County

Hope Island Marine State Park is a marine reserve in South Puget Sound featuring mature Douglas fir forests, saltwater marshes, and a beach that becomes walkable during low tide. The island offers eight primitive campsites along with mooring buoys and dock facilities for boat access.

Commander Charles Wilkes named the island during his 1841 charting expedition of Puget Sound. The Louis Schmidt Family later established a homestead around 1900 and shaped the landscape through their farming activities.

The Schmidt Family maintained agricultural traditions by cultivating fruit orchards, vineyards, and raising livestock on the island's southern section during their residency.

Exploring the park requires traveling by boat, which means planning your visit in advance. Check tide tables before you go to make the most of beach time and navigate the shoreline safely.

Old furrows from the Schmidt Family's vineyards remain visible among the Douglas firs in the southeast corner of the island. These agricultural traces offer a tangible connection to early homesteading life and farm practices on the coast.

Location: Mason County

Website: http://parks.state.wa.us/517

GPS coordinates: 47.18732,-122.92875

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:23