The name of this park honors the native ceremony. The word “potlatch” is Chinook jargon meaning “to give.” Potlatch ceremonies, given for important milestones, had rigid protocol and could last for entire winters. These events marked changes in position, bestowal of titles, and transfer of authority. Participants, hosts and guests, served as notaries to these ceremonial functions.
Approach: The picnic shelter at the north end of the park is directly in front of the campsite. Landing may be in gravel, shell or mud depending on tide.
Location: On the outside elbow of the Great Bend, north of Annas Bay
Hazards: At extreme high tides the restroom may be closed. At low tides it may be a haul to solid ground. Sitting at the end of the main body of Hood Canal and at the base of the Olympic Mountains, watch for wind and its effect on waves.
Water: Water at parking lot and restroom
Sanitation: Flush toilets available year-round, south of the site
Overflow: In main camp area across Highway 101
Extras: Showers available in main campground across Highway 101. Horseshoe pit nearby.
Fees: $12/night for up to 8 in site
Special Considerations: Artifacts of cultural and historic importance may appear on the beach. Do not disturb them; report them to the Park Ranger. Private residence directly north of site, please be considerate.
Natural History: The Skokomish called this area “Enetai” (meaning “beyond”), locating their winter villages on level lands near the head of the Hood Canal fjord. The Minerva Resort was situated here and a sawmill that was destroyed by fire. The Cascadia Marine Trail campsite lies on a old roadbed in second growth timber. The long 9,570 foot shoreline is now protected as parkland.