Mason County

Mason County is a county in west-central Washington with forests, waterways, and coastal access. The area stretches from Hood Canal in the north to several bays along Puget Sound and includes the town of Shelton as its administrative center.

The area was first established in 1854 as Sawamish County, carved from Thurston County, then renamed to its present name in 1864. For more than a century, logging remained the backbone of the local economy and shaped how communities grew.

Logging shaped the way families lived and worked here for generations, leaving marks on small towns and how people see themselves. Walking through older neighborhoods, you still notice the mill houses and community layouts that grew out of that era.

Most visitors explore the region by car to see forests, lakes, and access points to Puget Sound. The area works best for day trips or weekend visits since points of interest are spread across a larger territory.

The 1980s brought a major shift when timber sales were restricted to protect spotted owls, forcing mills to close and reshape the economy. This transition led to the growth of different industries that remain important to the region today.

Location: Washington

Inception: March 13, 1854

Capital city: Shelton

Shares border with: Jefferson County, Kitsap County, Pierce County, Thurston County, Grays Harbor County

Website: https://masoncountywa.gov

GPS coordinates: 47.35000,-123.18000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 09:24