Hood Canal Travel Guide: Hike + Campfire

There is a host of romantic notions about staying inside all winter, putting on fuzzy socks against the cold, and hibernating beneath a blanket. For some, rain grants permission for hours-long Netflix binges. But that’s not what we’re known for in the Pacific Northwest. Instead of letting a little rain stop us from getting after it, we choose adventures that are even better with a little atmosphere!

Now that the fear of forest fire has lessened, taking a break midway for a festive campfire makes any hike extra memorable. Enjoy having a popular trail all to yourself, and treat yourself for a job well done with dinner in town and a cozy cabin stay.

Lena Lake | 12pm

Lena Lake is a large gem nestled in the hills of the Olympic National Forest. This area was closed for much of the August because of an area forest fire. A wide and relatively accessible trail makes the journey to the lakeshore a family-friendly, but satisfyingly challenging day trip. From Highway 101, turn onto North Hamma Hamma Road/Forest Service Road 25 at milepost #318. Follow it for 7.5 miles to the trailhead, which offers plenty of parking alongside the road.

The 3.5 mile trail to the lake parallels and then crosses Lena Creek. Especially during the rainy season, the trail can be wet and slippery, so be sure you’re packing waterproof boots and other winter hiking essentials. 

At the fork in the trail approximately three miles in, the trail to the right will take you directly to the lakeshore. If you’d prefer a brief scenic detour, a quarter-mile jaunt along the left path will provide you with an overlook that’s perfect for photo-ops or simply soaking in the view.

Campfire | 3pm

Nothing makes a hiking outing extra special like a crackling campfire to warm the hands and maybe even roast up a snack. With a set of homemade fire-starters, even damp wood won’t ruin your fun. Making them couldn’t be easier, either. Before you leave home, throw a dozen 100% cotton balls into a sealable plastic bag with a blob of Vaseline pure petroleum jelly. With the bag sealed, knead the Vaseline into the balls. When you’re ready to start your fire, pull one of the balls apart a bit to expose the dry fibers, apply a flame or spark, and you’re on your way.

The code of the wilderness is to Leave No Trace, so keep your fire small and practice good fire safety in addition to packing out all of your trash. Fire danger is generally very low in the Olympic Peninsula during winter and spring, but double-check that no burn bans are in effect.

Once you’re sufficiently warmed and pleasantly smoke-scented, pack up and retrace your steps to the trailhead.

Wash it down | 5pm

Even if you enjoyed a snack with your campfire, the hike back to your car and drive into civilization will have you craving a hearty meal. Hoodsport is the closest town, and offers a range of tempting options. Whether you choose fried chicken at Model T Pub & Eatery, fish and chips at Eagle Creek Saloon, or fajitas at El Puerto de Angeles, you won’t be disappointed.

If you’re heading farther south, Union offers a few more options. We’ve said it before, but it’s hard to beat Robin Hood Village Resort for a satisfying dinner in a cozy, intimate setting. It’s the perfect transition from wooded wonderland to creature comforts. And speaking of creature comforts…

Soak the day away | 8pm

A campfire is a great way to warm the hands, but to really warm up after a wintery hiking adventure, nothing tops a hot tub. Ten of the cottages at Robin Hood Village Resort have their own private hot tubs. Whether you hiked all six miles of the Lena Lake loop, did an even more extensive adventure, or simply strolled around downtown, you deserve to treat yourself. Reserve your cottage now—or explore other great local lodging options.

What’s your most memorable hiking or campfire experience? We’d love to hear about it—and see pictures! Reach us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. 

Hood Canal Travel Guide: Outdoor Yoga

Outdoor Yoga Near Lake Cushman

Picture this: the full moon slowly rises over the placid Hood Canal, illuminating the rugged Olympic Mountains as you slowly exhale and relax into your dancer's pose.

Outdoor yoga is something we can get excited about. Leaving all the electronics in the dust and taking our poses into new terrain is a welcome challenge and highly recommended for anyone who owns a mat (or doesn’t yet!).

Although there are a number of yoga classes offered in Hood Canal, we find that it’s just as exciting to find a serene spot in the woods or on the shore. The rich, misty woods smell amazing when you slow down enough to appreciate them, as does the salty, bracing shoreline. Read on for tips and tricks for taking your practice to the next level. 

Have a Game Plan

At the risk of sounding counterintuitive to the free-flowing nature of outdoor yoga, it’s important to hone a few of your favorite poses under the guidance of a certified instructor. This can help reduce the risk of injury when you’re on your own.

There are several yoga classes offered in Hood Canal, and our favorites are at Joonbug Yoga in Shelton and Alderbrook Resort & Spa in Union. Joonbug Yoga offers a number of weekly classes, which Alderbrook supplements with weekly and monthly classes. We recommend planning a trip to coincide with both!

Every Tuesday in November and December, a certified yoga instructor from Joonbug Yoga guides a stretching and exercise-focused practice in the heated indoor saltwater pool at Alderbrook. It’s free for resort guests, but there is a fee for non-resort guests. As if you needed another reason to swing by Alderbrook!

Image courtesy of Alderbrook Resort & Spa

Take Om Into Your Own Hands in Union, Washington

There’s an amazingly satisfying and curiously primal aspect to practicing yoga on your own, outside a studio. Break loose from the structure of a guided practice, step onto uneven ground, grab a beach towel and enjoy!

Just as a traditional mat doesn’t translate too well outside of the studio, neither does music. Unplug: leave the noisemakers in the car and embrace the nature-sounds. Though it might be a bit harder to concentrate with the unpredictable bustle of the woods or the shore, welcome the challenge and adapt accordingly.

Focus on balancing poses rather than down dog holds or vinyasa flows. The uneven ground can be hard on wrists, but an engaging challenge for the fast-twitch muscles in your legs.

Above all, be open-minded and allow yourself to explore your yoga practice in a new environment. Be sure to prepare well for a session outside with plenty of warm clothing if you choose to practice in colder temperatures, and sunscreen during the sunnier months.

We can’t wait to see what awesome poses you get into in our glorious backyard! Please share with us using #wildsideWA for a chance to be featured on our social media pages, and sign up for our newsletter to receive email exclusives and special lodging discounts.

Until then, catch you on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Namaste!

Wild Side Explorer Series: VanLife

Raising wild ones: it’s an art form, really. Keeping kids’ curiosity satiated, making sure each day brings something new and exciting, and, of course, maintaining your own sanity all the while is a massive undertaking. And there’s no perfect formula. But after the plans are set, coolers are full, and the phones lose cell phone service, that’s where the good, quality livin’ happens. 

When most Seattle families pack up the van and zip out of town for a long weekend in the woods, hightailing it westward to Olympic National Park’s misty beaches is a no-brainer. Just outside the eastern entrance to the national park, you’ll discover a world of hidden gems, quiet nooks, and kid-friendly, no-holds-barred adventure in the fjord of the Puget Sound that is Hood Canal. 

Watch two families discover VanLife magic at Lake Cushman:

Day 1: Bremerton Ferry > Bent Bine Brew Co. > Skokomish Park

1:30 PM | Ferry Departure at Pier 52

Sure, I-5 to WA-16 W saves a bit of time (though you’ll have to weather the always-ungodly traffic in Tacoma), but there are not many things that enchant little ones like a ferry ride. Sweeping views of downtown Seattle and the iconic Space Needle slowly fall away as the Olympic Mountains rise in the foreground. Hello, sensory overload. 
 

3 PM | Beers & Games at Bent Bine

“Hop for the better, hope for the bitter!” this freshly minted brewery proclaims as you stride through the door. But if you’re like us, you’ll hope for light and drinkable which is just what their pale ales and their Bavarian-style Weissbier serves up. Taste your way through them all as the kids stay effectively entertained with corn hole. 
 

6 PM | Set up Camp at Skokomish Park

Bring your mountain bikes, swimsuits, and lounge chairs—Skokomish Park offers a bit of just about everything. Each tent site (or in our case, VanLife site) has a fire pit, picnic table, tent space, and parking for two vehicles. Plus, each loop has restrooms and showers. If you forget anything or feel like renting a kayak, extra SUP, or the like, the welcome center at the day use area has you covered.

Day 2: Lake Cushman

We operate on the conviction that the best days are lake days (second only, perhaps, to days spent on Hood Canal). With the sandy shoreline of Lake Cushman, a fly rod, kayaks ir SUPs, and super fresh crab over the fire for dinner, and cheers to a day well spent. 

Day 3: Lake Cushman > Twanoh State Park > Home

11 AM | Hightail it to Twanoh State Park

Situated on the eastern shores of Hood Canal, Twanoh State Park is the perfect place for beachcombing and breathing in the ocean air before you board the ferry for home. As an added bonus: it’s one of the warmest saltwater beaches in the state! If you fancy yourself a seafood connoisseur, harvest a handful of oysters and shuck then eat them right on the beach! (State law mandates that you harvest no more than 18 oysters measuring over 2 ½ inches and shuck and eat them on the beach, leaving behind the shells). For complete up-to-date oyster information, click here.
 

2 PM | Head Home

Float away on the memories of a weekend for the ages. If you have VanLife images of your own, please share them with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram with #wildsideWA! See you out there!  

 

5 Reasons Why Olympic National Park Should Top Your To-Do List

This mystical winter wonderland, full of a wildly varied flora and fauna, occupies a behemoth slice of our favorite state. The Olympic National Park, with its 3,000 miles of twisting, cascading rivers and streams (some even frozen in the heart of winter), its 611 miles of switchbacking, lesser-trodden trails, and only 168 miles of road, may be more enchanting and alluring than any other place we know. Even someone as determined as John Muir couldn’t have poked around every nook in the 876,447 acres of this boundless wilderness haven. Here are our 5 reasons why you can’t afford to miss it—especially if you’re a Seattleite.

1. Meet the locals (The furry ones!)

Massive bugling elk roam the dense and snowy woods while mountain goats own the craggy peaks. Over 300 species of birds soar through the skies (Washington Audubon has sketched out the perfect birder’s road trip map), and the ancient salmon runs are completing their runs as the first snow falls. That’s not to mention the infamous and somewhat legendary giant Pacific octopi that inhabit the Hood Canal–yes you heard us right.

2. Climb Mt. Ellinor in the snow

Going for the summit of Mt. Ellinor in the snow is a staggeringly beautiful experience. Meandering through quiet old growth forests and alongside craggy peaks, this hike serves up some serious views. A strenuous 6.2 miles round trip earns access to some seriously picturesque views of Hood Canal and beyond (assuming you're lucky enough to catch it on a clear day). Doable for all those with proper gear and plenty of time, it’s a must-not-miss. And that’s only one tiny slice of the 3,000 miles of beautiful trail contained within the park.

3. Climb The Big Rock at Lake Cushman

Lake Cushman, just outside the Staircase entrance to the park is host to kokanee salmon and cutthroat trout fishing in the summertime, and stunning views in the wintertime. A slew of other cold-weather activities like kayaking (with ALL of the proper gear) with Blue Horizons Paddlesports or climbing up the famed Big Rock and swearing to yourself that you'll be back during the summertime to jump off.

4. Stop for a warm up at Alderbrook Resort in Union, Washington

With all of the boundless opportunities for adventure in the Olympic National Park, face it: you’re going to be pooped (and probably cold). Lucky for you, there are a myriad places to rest your weary explorer’s head. If you’re hankering for a sojourn in a relaxing spa and a hot beverage afterwards, then Alderbrook Resort & Spa is for you! Though, if you’re feeling a quaint VRBO-style rent-a-home on a back road in the woods is up your alley then we have just the place. Click here for an extensive list of options.

5. Geting to Hoodsport is so easy

Staircase, one of the grandest entrances to the southeastern corner of the park is situated just outside of Shelton, a 45 minute drive from Olympia and two hours from Seattle. Hood Canal’s Hoodsport is an ideal launching point for an adventure in the park by way of Staircase, and the intrepid adventurers can hit the Staircase Rapids or snowshoe along the river after the snow starts to fall. With Hoodsport Coffee to properly fuel a morning’s adventure and Hardware Distillery’s handcrafted libations to cheers after a successful day tromping around the forested nooks, it’s worth checking out.

We’re convinced: life is about creating yourself. We choose to do it in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Adventure is spilling out of every nook. Plan your trip to come visit Hood Canal and the Olympic National Park.

For more adventuresome inspiration and ideas, keep up with us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram. 

The Mountains are calling... ANSWER!

A weekend warrior is a 21st century beast whose population seems to be exponentially growing. As the “rolley chair blues” epidemic proliferates across the Pacific Northwest, so does the drive to combat it with an epic 48-hour adventure.

Here’s to those who burn the midnight oil finishing up reports and rise with the birds to knock presentations out of the park. This one’s for those who are at the gym until it closes so that their lungs are ready to be filled with alpine air come Saturday morning.

For those that simply cannot wait to escape Seattle’s concrete jungle when the clock hits 5 on a Friday, we have good news: Hood Canal is waiting for you in your backyard.

How to Get to Union, Washington

The Bremerton Ferry sets sail from Pioneer Square in the heart of Seattle over 15 times a day. As it scoots around Bainbridge Island, the impressive Olympic Mountains rise ever higher off of the water as your weekend playground draws ever nearer.

A short 45 minutes from the Bremerton Ferry Terminal lands you at Alderbrook Resort & Spa. But you’re a weekend warrior—you’ll take the extra half-hour trip to Lake Cushman. Or possibly even forge on a bit further in order to get in the thick of it with a visit to Staircase in Olympic National Park.

How to Make the Most of it

Breathe in, breathe out. You made it. Waking up underneath behemoth, moss-covered, primordial-looking trees and a tangle of lacy moss is what makes it all worthwhile. And you’ve got two whole diems to carpe!

Access to the Olympic National Park is second-to-none from Staircase Campground and it just so happens that some of our favorite biking trails are just down the road. The Lower South Fork Skokomish Trail #873 is bar-none one of the best trails around.

If a two-wheeled ride is not your pick of weekend poisons, Mt. Ellinor is a short drive away. An intrepid 6 miles of trail give way to breathtaking 360 degree summit views. And, as one of the more notable peaks in the area, bagging this peak will earn some serious bragging rights.

There is a wealth of adventure waiting around every twist of trail in Hood Canal. For more ideas, check out our extensive To-Do list.

How to Celebrate in Shelton, Washington

During a weekend away, we think just about anything is cheers-worthy. The good news? There’s no lack of handcrafted libations in Hood Canal. If you’re a gin or whiskey drinker, The Hardware Distillery crafts some of the best spirits in the Northwest. Their tasting room is open from 11am to 6pm Friday through Sunday.

If you find yourself drawn to a glass of wine made with locally sourced grapes as an after-adventure drink, Walter Dacon Wines in Shelton makes some of the best wine in the area and is dedicated to Rhone and Mediterranean styles. Their tasting room is open Wednesday through Sunday from noon until 6pm.

As weekend warriors ourselves, we revere those who rise early on Saturday and Sunday to take advantage of the precious weekend freedom. We’d love to see what you get into in our neck of the woods; tag your photos on social media with #wildsideWA, and be sure to find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest for more. 

Travel Guide: Road Trip Hood Canal

It's finally starting to feel like Spring. Despite an over enthusiastic Father Winter bringing inclement and unusual weather to our neck of the woods, things are returning to normal. The roads are dry, gas is cheap, and it’s high time you and your crew kicked up some (proverbial) dust and planned a road trip. 

In the spirit of warmer weather, juicy waterfall flows, and longer days, we’re serving up the perfect waterfall road trip itinerary. Enter your email address in the space above to get the full downloadable PDF (complete with a dope map by Outdoor Project) to throw in your glove box, grab some Swedish Fish, and go!

228 MILES. 9.25 DRIVING HOURS. 7 INCREDIBLE DESTINATIONS.

Hood Canal is just a quick hop from Seattle by way of the Bremerton Ferry. Once there, adventure is around every nook. From the best cliff jumping, to one of the least-traveled/most beautiful waterfalls in Olympic National Park, this three-day itinerary has something for everyone.

High Steel Bridge

The vertigo-inducing High Steel Bridge has an uncontested view of the last cascade on the itinerary, Vincent Creek Falls, and is easily accessed from Hwy 101. It’s also a quick pit stop after an awesome wintery afternoon of mountain biking if you happen to visit the area on a dry-ish day.

Paddle to Kokanee Falls

The paddle to the falls is easy and enjoyable year-round. And, the chances are good that you’ll have it all to yourself. The shoreline is thick with trees draped in old man’s beard (Usnea longissima), enhancing the already-mystical landscape and casting picturesque reflections. 

Big Rock at Lake Cushman

Beset with the proud Olympics, this lakeside haven delivers the adventure goods for all explorers. This behemoth boulder settled on the side of the lake is one of the best-known cliff jumping spots in Washington, and it’s wonderfully accessible.

Hamma Hamma Falls

After navigating the rocky dirt road to the trailhead and a small side trail, a full-blown view of the falls appears through the foxglove and oxeye daisy in the spring and summer. Here the Hamma Hamma River careens over a primary 20-foot drop, then continues almost immediately over a 60-foot drop.

Rocky Brook Falls

Situated just north of Brinnon, Rocky Brook Falls remains one of the best easy-to-reach waterfalls on the Olympic Peninsula. After a 1986 micro hydro project was installed at the top of the falls, locals feared that the falls would run dry. Thanks to operators of the facility, the beautiful 229’ tall falls run year-round.

Royal Basin Falls

Thick with mist, the amphitheater through which this 60-foot waterfall tumbles feels like something out of a Tolkein novel. Truly, the 2,500 feet of elevation gain over 7.3 miles (best done as an overnight) is well worth it to experience one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Olympic National Park.

Guillemot Cove Nature Preserve

The trail is dappled with light streaming through the thick old-growth cedar, hemlock, and the occasional yew. It’s extremely easy to navigate, very kid friendly, and so far off the beaten path that you’ll sometimes feel like you’ve strayed far into the backcountry.

Be sure to check in with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest for more ideas on how to get the most out of your road trip to Hood Canal. Happy adventuring!