Belfair is a quiet coastal town in Mason County
Belfair is on the shores of Lynch Cove at the mouth of the Union River, a gateway to the Hood Canal and Puget Sound. The town is known for its diverse recreation and for being the commercial hub of Mason County, but it remains relatively rural due to its location. "Kitsap County is more centrally located. You have ferries that take you right to downtown Seattle. You do not have that in Mason County," says Ida Bear, who's worked in real estate since 1985 and is currently with Windermere Real Estate/West Sound, Inc. Life here runs slower, and pastimes surround boating, crabbing, hiking and fishing. Kitsap County is around 20 miles away when commuters want to take the ferry to Seattle.
Outdoor recreation, from boating to hiking
Belfair State Park spans 95 acres, encompassing tidal flats, wetlands and beaches. The park offers year-round camping, whether in RVs, cabins or tents. Visitors head here to pick clams and oysters along the tidal flats, swim and surf. The park also has an on-site coffee shop and a playground. Kingel-Bryan-Beard Wildlife Rescue preserves land for coastal species at the toe of Hood Canal and is frequented by bird-watchers. The Theler Wetland Trail leads hikers over boardwalks and natural paths through 135 acres of wetlands with views of Hood Canal, Union River and a tidal estuary. Mason County Boat Launch and Port of Allyn boat ramp are gateways to extended time on the water. Gold Mountain Golf Club, a public championship golf course, is around 8 miles away.
Diverse housing options and communities
Belfair has premium waterfront homes and country houses, some on 5 acres or more. It also has HOA communities, such as Olympic Ridge, the newest one, with houses built high on a bluff, many with sweeping views of Lynch Cove. Beards Cove Subdivision’s mix of homes dates back to the 1950s, and some are being torn down for new construction. "At this point, you could have a 1978 single-wide next to your brand-new house," Bear says. She adds that much of Belfair is "nonconforming," with a medley of architectural styles, from small cabins to custom builds to newer traditional styles. The median sales price is around $490,000, but teardown properties could cost as little as $150,000, while homes on the waterfront could sell for $2.8 million.
Shopping and dining in Belfair and beyond
Shopping and dining cluster around Washington State Route 3 and other main roads in Belfair. Locals can stop in at Washington Mosquito Fleet Winery for a tasting paired with a charcuterie board. Seabeck Pizza Belfair is one of several spots to grab a slice. The restaurant has been open since 1989 and sources its ingredients locally. Between places like The Hideaway and Burger Claim & More, residents can satisfy their comfort food cravings and meet for a game of pool. Latte on Your Way, The Coffee Shop and Starbucks serve as morning gathering spaces, and Safeway and QFC are in town for groceries. Local retailers include White Barn Decor, Scott McLendon's Hardware and a marine supply store. Kitsap Mall is less than 20 miles away for chains such as Dick's Sporting Goods and H&M.
North Mason School District offers school choice
Students attend schools in the North Mason School District, which participates in school choice. Belfair Elementary School, Hawkins Middle School and North Mason Senior High School all earn C ratings on Niche. Belfair Elementary's annual Reading Olympics fosters a love of learning through healthy competition. Students track their reading hours for a month, hoping to win a medal.
Highways connect Belfair to greater Washington
Washington state Routes 3, 106 and 300 are the main highways through Belfair, connecting commuters to greater Washington. The Mason Transit Authority provides fixed and flexible public transportation, with designated routes to the Mason County seat in Shelton and Bremerton, located in Kitsap County. The Route 3 bus takes travelers to the Bremerton Ferry Terminal, where they can take a ferry to Seattle.
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Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
