Where is Shelton, Washington

Shelton is a city on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula and the county seat of Mason County. Located about 25 miles northwest of Olympia, the city sits near Puget Sound and the southern end of the Olympic Peninsula. Shelton is known for its timber heritage, scenic waterways, historic downtown, and access to forests, lakes, and the Hood Canal region.

Location Map of Shelton, Mason County, Washington

About Map: The map shows the location of Shelton in Mason County, in the U.S. state of Washington.

Shelton Map, Washington

Where is Shelton Located?

Shelton is a city located in Mason County, Washington, the United States. It lies on the southern end of the Olympic Peninsula near Oakland Bay and Puget Sound. Shelton is about 25 miles northwest of Olympia, 30 miles southwest of Bremerton, and roughly 65 miles southwest of Seattle. The city is located at 47.2151° North latitude and 123.1040° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 10,371 residents. Shelton covers about 6.59 square miles (17.06 square kilometers), with most of its area consisting of land. The city grew around logging, timber processing, and shellfish industries, which remain important parts of the local economy and history. Oakland Bay and nearby waterways provide a strong connection to the region’s maritime landscape. The Shelton Historic District is a notable local attraction. A unique feature of Shelton is that it is Washington’s only incorporated city in Mason County and serves as the county seat.

Most Viewed US Maps

Shelton City Facts

Distance from Shelton, WA to Nearby Cities

• Olympia, WA – 25 miles (40 km)
• Lacey, WA – 28 miles (45 km)
• Tumwater, WA – 25 miles (40 km)
• Bremerton, WA – 30 miles (48 km)
• Gig Harbor, WA – 40 miles (64 km)
• Tacoma, WA – 50 miles (80 km)
• Port Orchard, WA – 35 miles (56 km)
• Centralia, WA – 40 miles (64 km)
• Aberdeen, WA – 55 miles (89 km)
• Hoquiam, WA – 60 miles (97 km)
• Port Townsend, WA – 65 miles (105 km)
• Seattle, WA – 65 miles (105 km)
• Everett, WA – 90 miles (145 km)
• Longview, WA – 100 miles (161 km)
• Mount Vernon, WA – 115 miles (185 km)
• Port Angeles, WA – 100 miles (161 km)
• Centralia, WA – 40 miles (64 km)
• Wenatchee, WA – 170 miles (274 km)

Top Attractions in Shelton, Washington

• Olympic National Forest – A large forested landscape surrounding Shelton with hiking trails, lakes, rivers, campgrounds, and mountain scenery.
• Oakland Bay – A scenic inlet of Puget Sound beside Shelton, known for shellfish habitat, wetlands, boating, and waterfront views.
• Shelton Historic District – A collection of historic commercial and civic buildings reflecting Shelton’s development as a timber and maritime community.
• Harstine Island State Park – A nearby island park with forests, shoreline, hiking trails, camping, and views of Puget Sound.
• Mason Lake – A popular freshwater recreation area near Shelton offering swimming, fishing, boating, and lakeside activities.
• Hoodsport – A nearby community on Hood Canal known for waterfront scenery, outdoor recreation, and access to Olympic Peninsula destinations.
• Potlatch State Park – A Hood Canal park north of Shelton with camping, beach access, boating, fishing, and views of the Olympic Mountains.
• Jarrell Cove State Park – A marine state park on Harstine Island with forests, campsites, shoreline access, boating, and wildlife viewing.
• Olympic National Park – A major national park west of Shelton featuring temperate rainforests, alpine mountains, glaciers, lakes, and wilderness areas.

Airports Near Shelton, Washington

• Olympia Regional Airport (OLM) – 30 miles
• Bremerton National Airport (PWT) – 40 miles
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) – 75 miles
• William R. Fairchild International Airport (CLM) – 105 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Shelton city website and local government records.

Washington Maps and Info