Quilcene is named for the first people who lived in this protected arm of Hood Canal. Translating as “saltwater people,” this area is a rich shellfish area and was an important harvesting area. Today it is home to one of the largest oyster hatcheries in the world.

Forestry was one of the earliest boom industries for the area, followed by farming and now including aquaculture. The Forest Service has had their district headquarters in Quilcene since 1910.

Quilcene has restaurants, shops and historical sites. The Hamilton-Worthington House (1892) has been recently lovingly restored and opened in 2022 for overnight guests. It is open for tours and the gardens are quite beautiful as well.