Hood Canal Trip Planner: Trails, Oysters & Views

At the foot of the Olympic Mountains and in the heart of oyster culture

written by Ryn Pfeuffer

Imagine a place where the majestic Olympic Mountains meet the waters of the only fjord in the continental United States. Welcome to Hood Canal. Whether hiking through lush forests, indulging in a seafood feast or holed up in a cozy retreat, every moment of this getaway invites you to slow down and surrender to the beauty and small-town charm of Hood Canal.

Day 1

MOCHI DONUTS • HARBOR HISTORY • A WATERFRONT RETREAT

Your adventure begins just south of Seattle in the picturesque town of Gig Harbor. Cross the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and make a beeline to Milkvue Handcrafted Donuts, a local gem pairing mochi donuts with Olympia Coffee. Mochi donuts, popular across Asia, are made with sweet, glutinous rice flour, creating a crisp crust and a soft, slightly chewy interior. With flavors like pandan coconut, ube or black sesame, these treats are almost too pretty to eat.

After breakfast, head to Gig Harbor’s downtown waterfront to visit the Harbor History Museum. This regional museum offers a window into the area’s maritime and cultural history, with artifacts ranging from the remains of the original Tacoma Narrows Bridge (nicknamed “Galloping Gertie”) to quirky entries from the town’s annual roundest rock contest. The museum is free to visit and offers a thoughtful, hands-on look at the people, places and stories that shaped the region.

The picturesque waterfront of Gig Harbor. Make your own painting or buy one from a local artist at the many galleries downtown.
(photo: Visit Gig Harbor)

When hunger strikes, stop by Netshed No. 9 for brunch. Located in a tucked-away spot along the harbor, this locally loved eatery serves dishes like tangy lemon curd French toast and decadent cast-iron cinnamon rolls. The outdoor deck, tented and heated during cooler months, offers one of the best dining views in the area—a serene harbor dotted with boats.

Take time to wander Gig Harbor’s boutiques and galleries before continuing westward. As you leave the urban sprawl behind, the road narrows, and the scenery transitions to the forested charm of Hood Canal. Along State Route 106, you’ll catch glimpses of quaint waterfront cottages and birdlife flitting through Twanoh State Park, particularly active during the November-to-April birding season. Twanoh State Park offers twenty-five tent sites and twenty-two RV sites with partial hookups, all tucked beneath lush trees for a peaceful, shaded escape. With amenities like restrooms, showers and fire pits, plus easy access to Hood Canal for swimming, boating and seasonal shellfish harvesting, it’s a camper’s dream—just be sure to book ahead via the Washington State Parks reservation system, and don’t forget your Discover Pass.

The boutiques and other shops in Gig Harbor, alone, could take a full day of exploring.
(photo: Visit Gig Harbor)

Settle in for the night at Alderbrook Resort & Spa in Union, a shoreside retreat that epitomizes Pacific Northwest luxury. Whether you choose a pet-friendly cottage or a waterfront room with a fireplace, the resort’s amenities ensure a relaxing stay. Families can enjoy lawn games and beachcombing, while couples might prefer an indulgent visit to the spa or a soothing soak in the indoor saltwater pool. Dine at the on-site restaurant, where locally sourced dishes like Salish Sea manila clams or Dungeness crab cakes with nori aioli shine alongside craft cocktails and Washington wines.

Alderbrook Resort on Hood Canal offers a serene retreat from reality’s bustle.
(photo: Alderbrook Resort & Spa)

Day 2

TRAILS • OYSTERS • BIRD WATCHING

Start with a fresh perspective on your second day by exploring the resort’s trails. These pathways, complete with board-walks and footbridges, weave through the property and offer striking views of the surrounding forest and water. For something unique, pick up an activity guide from the lobby and try forest bathing or geocaching—both excellent ways to connect with nature.

For a scenic drive, head north on Highway 101. Just fifteen minutes from Union, you’ll find Stottle Winery in Hoodsport, where you can sip bold, locally crafted wines—especially cabernet sauvignon, merlot and syrah—while kids play in the outdoor seating area. Another fifteen minutes up the road takes you to Hama Hama Oyster Farm, a haven for shellfish lovers. The Oyster Saloon serves roasted oysters in chipotle bourbon butter and other delicious bites in a cozy, rustic setting. Reservations are recommended for the A-frame cabins right on the water’s edge, offering an experience that’s both romantic and family-friendly.

Hama Hama Oyster Saloon and its waterfront picnic tables.
(photo: Jackie Dodd)

After lunch, consider exploring Dosewallips State Park. This park’s tidal flats and estuaries are prime bird watching spots, and its rustic cabins offer a cozy overnight option. Families can search for starfish and crabs in tide pools while couples enjoy peaceful shoreline walks with views of moss-draped evergreens.

Dosewallips State Park is an idyllic setting where you can find birds of many feathers.
(photo: explorehoodcanal.com)

As you round Dabob Bay, the landscape shifts to even more dramatic vistas. The Olympic Loop of the Audubon Great Washington State Birding Trail includes highlights like the Big Quilcene River Estuary and Hamma Hamma Beaver Pond. This roughly 80-mile-long loop offers year-round bird watching across diverse habitats, from coastal wetlands to old-growth forests. Spot bald eagles soaring over estuaries, great blue herons wading in tidal flats and black oystercatchers on rocky shores. Forests echo with the calls of varied thrushes, pileated woodpeckers and migrating warblers, while wetlands teem with ducks, sandpipers and kingfishers. Keep an eye out for rare marbled murrelets offshore and northern goshawks in the high-lands, making this loop a must-stop for birders of all levels.

Bird watching on the Olympic Loop of the Audubon Great Washington State Birding Trail.
(photo: explorehoodcanal.com)

For those who prefer to stretch their legs, the Triton Cove State Park trails offer accessible, easy walks ideal for all ages, making them ideal for a quick nature escape or a quiet picnic. At Triton Cove, a flat path winds along the waterfront with stunning Hood Canal views and access to tide pools, perfect for bird watching or spotting seals.

Day 3

PACK A PICNIC • FARM STORES • CATCH THE FERRY

By your final day, you may want to linger over breakfast at Alderbrook’s restaurant before hitting the road. Alternatively, pack a picnic from Union City Market, and take your time driving back along Highway 101. During the summer, Union City Market hosts Canal Cookouts—chef-prepared, beachside feasts highlighting locally sourced, seasonal delights.

One must-stop is the Union City Market, with its local goods.
(photo: Alderbrook Resort & Spa)

If you have extra time, consider stopping in Quilcene to explore the area’s darling farm stores or extending your trip to Port Townsend, a Victorian seaport filled with quirky shops and more fantastic waterfront views. Otherwise, head back to Seattle via the Hood Canal Floating Bridge—an impressive engineering feat connecting the peninsula to the mainland—and catch the Kingston ferry to Edmonds.