Brinnon is a census-designated place (CDP) in Jefferson County, Washington, United States. The population was 803 at the 2000 census. It is the home of Camp Parsons, the oldest Boy Scout camp west of the Mississippi. It was visited by Lord Baden-Powell in 1926.
Approximately 61 miles (98 km) north of Olympia, Brinnon is located on the Olypic Peninsula's east side. Here Brinnon is nothing but a small town nestled along scenic Hood Canal on the eastern edge of the Olympic National Forest.
120 Roosevelt elk migrate along the Dosewallips and Duckabush Rivers in two herds. In the spring, the elk are often visible from U.S. Route 101, wandering amongst the tide flats and foraging in salt marshes.
For gardening enthusiasts, Brinnon's 7-acre (28,000 m2) Whitney Gardens is a must see. There visitors will experience the most beautiful array of Rhododendron hybrids and species in the Northwest. Rhododendrons begin blooming in February; the peak bloom of fragrant "Rhodies" is in early May Strolling along wheelchair accessible sand and gravel pathways, visitors will also enjoy rare trees and an abundance of azaleas, magnolias, maples, conifers, camellias and more.
Geography
Brinnon is located at 47°39′56″N 122°55′30″W / 47.66556°N 122.925°W / 47.66556; -122.925 (47.665652, -122.924952)[3].
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 10.1 square miles (26.1 km2), of which, 9.9 square miles (25.6 km2) of it is land and 0.2 square miles (0.5 km2) of it (1.89%) is water.
Climate
Brinnon experiences an oceanic climate (Köppen climate classification Cfb) and is almost categorised as part of the Csb climate category, receiving slightly more than 30 millimetres (1.2 in), the threshold for Cfb inclusion.
 Weather averages for Brinnon  |
| Month |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Year |
| Average high °F (°C) |
45
(7) |
50
(10) |
56
(13) |
61
(16) |
67
(19) |
72
(22) |
77
(25) |
79
(26) |
73
(23) |
62
(17) |
51
(11) |
44
(7) |
61
(16) |
| Average low °F (°C) |
31
(-1) |
33
(1) |
35
(2) |
38
(3) |
43
(6) |
48
(9) |
51
(11) |
50
(10) |
46
(8) |
40
(4) |
35
(2) |
31
(-1) |
40
(4) |
| Precipitation inches (mm) |
7.39
(187.7) |
7.38
(187.5) |
5.93
(150.6) |
3.81
(96.8) |
2.82
(71.6) |
2.13
(54.1) |
1.29
(32.8) |
1.24
(31.5) |
1.60
(40.6) |
4.13
(104.9) |
7.99
(202.9) |
8.65
(219.7) |
54.36
(1,380.7) |
| Source: [4] 2009-05-13 |
Demographics
As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 803 people, 413 households, and 258 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 81.3 people per square mile (31.4/km²). There were 912 housing units at an average density of 92.4/sq mi (35.7/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 92.65% White, 0.25% African American, 1.49% Native American, 0.62% Asian, 0.25% Pacific Islander, 1.00% from other races, and 3.74% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.99% of the population.
There were 413 households out of which 10.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.2% were married couples living together, 5.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.5% were non-families. 32.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.94 and the average family size was 2.36.
In the CDP the population was spread out with 10.7% under the age of 18, 3.1% from 18 to 24, 15.6% from 25 to 44, 34.9% from 45 to 64, and 35.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 58 years. For every 100 females there were 110.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 110.9 males.
The median income for a household in the CDP was $27,885, and the median income for a family was $34,375. Males had a median income of $31,250 versus $16,500 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $19,820. About 9.9% of families and 13.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.3% of those under age 18 and 6.7% of those age 65 or over.
Lifestyles
The lifestyle in Brinnon is relaxed and healthy. The air is cleansed with 50 to 80 inches (2,000 mm) of rainfall per year. The water is cold and sweet, flowing from the glaciers high atop the majestic Olympic Mountains, through forested, rocky ravines to the emerald waters of the Duckabush and Dosewallips Rivers. The clean water from these two rivers mixes with the salt water of Hood Canal. An abundance of sealife depends upon this mixture. Hood Canal is famous for fresh seafood; oysters, clams, Dungeness crab, cod, salmon, shrimp, squid, octopus, scallops and more.The National Forest occupies the majority of land above the Hood Canal, with the Olympic National Park beyond. The park hosts several Roosevelt elk herds that make annual visits to the lowlands. Residents have grown to tolerate their migration paths and grazing habits, in exchange for the awesome sight of these remarkable animals, who are not shy as they wander through yards.
Weather
The weather is very moderate; average temperatures ranging from 50's to 70's with summer highs in the 80's and winter lows in the 20's. Brinnon is somewhat protected from prevailing southwesterly winds by the Olympic Mountain Range. Winter winds coming in from the north affect some waterfront communities, however again, Brinnon is protected by the Toandos and Bolton Peninsulas to the north. There is occasional snowfall and some history of large snowfalls, particularly up the two river valleys. With the warmth of the salt water, the snow usually melts quickly along Highway 101.
Recreational Activities
Recreational Activities abound in Brinnon with the rivers, mountains and Hood Canal. Boating is a must. Divers come from miles around to view the unusually active and diverse marine life. The Dosewallips and Duckabush trailheads into the Olympic National Park are a popular destination for hikers. The trails take you into a world of wonder and beauty like nowhere else; with rain forests, towering old growth timber, alpine meadows, lakes and peace & quiet away from all manmade things. A place to experience wildlife in its own habitat; cougar, bear, mountain goats, marmots, bobcats, fox, coyote, deer & elk. The rivers are too cold for swimming (at least for any length of time) however, the Hood Canal waters warm up in summer to allow great saltwater swimming. A truly special treat and one only for the brave and adventurous, is to go swimming in the Hood Canal on a moonless night to watch the glowing phosphorous (a micro-organism similar to fireflies). A good way to find out about the shellfish found in our are is to visit the Pt. Whitney Shellfish Laboratory interpretive center on Bee Mill Rd. just 3 miles (4.8 km) off Hwy 101 at Pt. Whitney.
Residents
Residents of Brinnon are mostly retired and those who work in the recreational facilities. There is a large percentage of property owners who live elsewhere and have a vacation getaway here. However, we are seeing more people moving to Brinnon to get out of the cities and back into the country who are having to commute to jobs 40 to 60 miles (97 km) away.
Jobs
Jobs are limited to the local services; groceries, post office, restaurants, real estate sales, boating activities and those jobs related to the National Forest industry, the seafood growers, State and National Parks and a growing number of small independent home businesses.
Schools
Schools are small & rural. Brinnon boasts a record number of students at 120+, serving preschool thru 8th grade. The highschool students go on to Quilcene High School, 10 miles (16 km) away or to the larger Chimacum High School, 25 miles (40 km) away.
Transportation
Transportation is either by personal auto or the Jefferson County Transit System which runs between Brinnon and Port Townsend 3 times a day Monday through Friday. At Port Townsend, you can transfer to other buses which take you to Sequim, Port Ludlow and Kitsap County.
Camping
Camping is abundant; DOSEWALLIPS STATE PARK located on the Dosewallips River, offers a large oyster/clam beach and fishing in the river. Wooded and riverfront campsites, showers, restrooms and R/V dumping station. SEAL ROCK NATIONAL PARK located just north of Brinnon on Hwy 101, offers waterfront seclusion on wooded campsites. Walk across the street to the oyster beach on Hood Canal.
FLOCK-IN TRAILER PARK is in Brinnon, close to the trail to the Dosewallips State Park beach and stores. COVE PARK CAMPGROUND is 3 mi (4.8 km). north of Brinnon near Point Whitney State Park and boat launch. Offers a grocery store, showers and R/V sites.
FALLS VIEW NATIONAL FOREST campground is located on Mt. Walker approximately half way between Brinnon and Quilcene. Wooded campsites are more primitive, no showers, power, etc. ELK HORN & CAMP COLLINS National Forest Campgrounds are located at the end of the Dosewallips River Rd. and the Duckabush River Rd. near the trailheads into the Olympic National Park. Primitive campsites on the rivers with outhouses.
OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK is accessed by numerous trails in the area, opening up to the ultimate hiking experiences of this great natural wonder. High alpine meadows, snow capped mountain peaks, wildlife not seen by most, old growth and rainforests.
Cultural Activities
Cultural Activities in Brinnon include the Brinnon Community Theatre which performs several plays throughout the year at the Brinnon Booster Club. The Brinnon Booster club hosts bingo every Saturday night, a bazaar every Saturday morning, an annual Christmas Bazaar and other special occasion functions and dances. The Brinnon Senior Center is a daily gathering place for Seniors to play cards, see movies and have dinner. The Jefferson County Library sends the Bookmobile to Brinnon once a week. The Halfway House Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week. The Geoduck Tavern, with its wonderful waterfront views, hosts the annual Salmon Derby. Brinnonís annual Shrimp Festival is held each year during shrimp season. Beyond Brinnon, there are lots of annual and on-going events in the Port Townsend and Sequim areas with Art Shows, Theatre Productions, visiting Musicians and Artists, Jazz Festivals, The Wooden Boat Show, the Victorian Homes Tour and much, much more.
Accommodations
Accommodations are limited but well worth the experience. The County operates the Bayshore Motel located on Highway 101 at the Dosewallips River Rd. where one can wake up to sunrises over beautiful Hood Canal. Further up the Dosewallips Rd. one can enjoy a wonderful night's stay at the Elk Meadows Bed & Breakfast. Here, one can truly get a feel for the lifestyle that is enjoyed in the countryside of Brinnon, including visits from the elk herds and views of the snow-capped Olympics. Brinnon Flats Bed and Breakfast is a warm and comfortable home where one can enjoy special breakfasts and hospitality. A real unique, romantic experience is House Boats for Two on the water at Pleasant Harbor complete with indoor hot tub, kitchen and covered deck. Just 2 miles (3.2 km) north of town is a rental called Right Smart Cottage, located on Right Smart Cove, a small waterfront cottage with full kitchen, accommodates 5. 10 miles (16 km) north on Hwy 101 in Quilcene there are two motels, the Maple Grove next to the Loggerís Landing Restaurant and the Quilcene Inn on Rogers Street. South of Brinnon about 15 miles (24 km) is the Glen Ayre Motel and campground with R/V hookups, a jacuzzi spa overlooking Hood Canal and a dock to fish from.
Emergency Services
Emergency Services are provided by a dedicated force of volunteers. Brinnonís EMTís and volunteer firefighters provide ambulance service to local hospitals in Port Townsend, Shelton or Bremerton. Fire protection is enhanced by the 911 service. Our team here in Brinnon has received several awards for their expedient service. Serious medical situations are handled with airlifts to Metropolitan Hospitals in Seattle or Bremerton.
Utilities/Taxes
Utilities/Taxes P.U.D. of Mason county serves the Brinnon area for electricity with lower rates than average as it is a non-profit Public Utility District. Most homes are on private wells, some developments have community water systems and others are on water systems managed by P.U.D. of Jefferson County. All homes are on individual septic systems. Property taxes are approximately $10.00 per thousand of assessed valuation, with discounts for senior citizens. Propane gas is delivered by several companies in the area for heating, cooking, etc. State sales tax on all non-food items is 7.9%. There is no State income tax.
Population Fluxuation
Population varies from summer to winter, accounting for the vacation property owners and recreational users. Currently statistics say that Brinnon has a population of approximately 2200 and Quilcene is slightly less at approximately 2100.
Business Atmosphere
Businesses in Brinnon; The Quilcene/Brinnon Chamber of Commerce publishes a brochure listing those business who belong to the Chamber, available in most businesses locations. In addition to those, we have several home businesses tucked into the woods all around the area. For more informatin about Brinnon or Quilcene or real estate in our area please cotact:
References
External links
|
The Mosquito Fleet of Puget Sound |
|
| Sidewheelers |
|
”They managed to keep their particular sort of jaunty, wind-swept beauty until the end.” – Newell, Gordon R., Ships of the Inland Sea
|
|
| Sternwheelers |
|
|
| Propellers |
|
|
| Steamboat lines |
|
|
| Steamboat captains |
|
|
| Builders and shipyards |
|
|
Steamboats in other areas
of the Pacific Northwest |
|
|
