EVEN AT LOW TIDE, Hood Canal and the Olympics are scenic at Union.

When visitors show up, most locals have their favorite places to show off. Here are some favorites. If your time is limited, this is the don’t-miss list. Coordinates refer to map on page 51 of this guide.

Staircase and Lake Cushman. (C-1) First, you reach the lake, the county’s largest, bordered on the north by stunning mountain peaks. A campground with day-use areas, a resort, and a hydroelectric dam offer access and viewpoints.

Staircase, on the North Fork Skokomish River just inside Olympic National Park, is the top destination cited by locals asked where they take guests. Day hikers can take upstream loop trails along the roaring, plunging river as it continues its relentless carving through red and green stone. You can still see remains of an 800-year-old cedar tree that fell during heavy rains in 1988. Downstream is a gentler, less dramatic loop trail.

To get there, turn up State Route 119 (Lake Cushman Road) and follow it to the T intersection with Forest Service Road 24. Turn left; follow lake shore and river. A national park entrance fee is charged.

High Steel Bridge, South Fork Skokomish River (B-3). For sheer drama, this is it: a 400-plus-foot drop to the river in its natural gorge. Hold onto the rail and look down. On the far side of the bridge, a way trail leads along the rim of the canyon (downstream) to an outlook point where you can look back at the span. DO NOT try to descend the treacherous banks; nearly every season claims a casualty here.

To get there, follow Skokomish Valley Road about five miles to a V; take the right fork, a Forest Service road, uphill. After 2.3 more miles, look for a sign to High Steel Bridge and Denny Ahl Seed Orchard. Turn right and drive about 2.4 miles to the bridge. Use care; the road is somewhat rough.

Look inside: Welcome! An overview of what you’ll find in Mason County, and some special things to enjoy while you’re here. Pages 2-12. Accommodation: Restaurants, lodging, campgrounds. Pages 14-22. Outdoors: Biking, hiking, birding or beaches, it’s all here. Pages 23-53. People & Places: The various corners of the landscape, towns, hamlets and landmarks, and the people, history and services that make Mason County the place it is. Pages 54-86. Arts & Events: Learn about local arts, culture and events we celebrate and share year-round in Mason County. Pages 88-100. Index of Contents: Page 102.

Hood Canal Beaches. There’s something about a saltwater beach that draws everyone. All three state camping parks on Hood Canal, plus the state boat launch and day-use area at Triton Cove, provide ample opportunity to amble shell-strewn gravel or loaf at water’s edge. Each park offers something different. Potlatch State Park (D-4) on Highway 101 connects with a long stretch of state beach. Belfair State Park has a recently restored natural beach at the stream mouth. Twanoh, on State Route 106, boasts trails, a concession, pier, dock and swimming floats. All three are ideal picnic places.

Home of Sacred Belongings, the Squaxin Island Indian Tribe’s Museum, Library and Research Center features crafts, stories and excavated artifacts housed in a stunning museum close to an equally impressive tribal center. Turn to page 68 for details.

To get there, take Old Olympic Highway south from the Highway 101 intersection at Kamilche and watch for signs on your left.

Tahuya River and Dewatto Bay. Wild rhododendrons turn the Tahuya Peninsula into an immense garden in May. Take State Route 300 from Belfair and turn northward up Tahuya River Road just after crossing the Tahuya River, then turn left at Tee Lake to get to Dewatto Bay. Or follow North Shore Road past Tahuya and Bald Point and on, and on, and on. You’ll see why it’s called “the Burma Road.” Meander around on the peninsula and explore Camp Spillman to access the meandering little river that cuts diagonally across the peninsula.

More landmarks and a locator are on pages 52-53.