Tuesday, June 09, 2015

Washington State Parks: Jarrell Cove



To borrow a phrase from my sister when she described Jarrell Cove, this is a little gem of a park.

With two large docks, 14 off-shore moorage bouys and several boat-in camping areas, Jarrell Cove is used primarily for boaters out fishing in the waters off Key Peninsula or out for a relaxing paddle around the islands. But there is so much more to this park.

A trail allows visitors to stroll through the forest, towering douglas-fir reaching towards the sky with salal and sword fern greening the forest floor. Wildflowers and mushrooms peak out from under moss covered logs that appear to glow in the light. It's a forest that seems so wild but always just a few yards from the campground and road.

But there is more. Walk to the "L" dock for views further into the cove. Come here in the morning to catch the morning glow over the trees or the evening to catch the last rays of light on those same trees - it will feel different in the different light. On the "T" dock look across to the boats moored on the other side of the cove or look out into Pickering Passage.

Come to Jarrell Cove for a quiet respite, your camera will not be disappointed.

To get here: From Shelton drive north on Highway 3 for 6 miles or south on Highway 3 from Bremerton for 23 1/2 miles. Turn east on E Pickering Rd for 3 miles across the Harstine Island Bridge then turn left on North Island Dr. Follow North Island Drive for 3 1/2 miles and turn left on E Wingert Rd to the park.

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