Hood Canal is about 90 minutes from Seattle to your first stop. Here's how to do the drive right.
The Route
Seattle to Hood Canal
The most common approach from Seattle is I-5 South to WA-16 West, across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, pick up WA-3 North through Belfair, and merge onto US-101 North. From there, Highway 101 traces the western shoreline of Hood Canal all the way north to Quilcene. Pull over whenever you feel like it — the views along the water justify it.
Alternatively, catch the ferry from downtown Seattle to Kingston (35 minutes), drive south on WA-104 to US-101, and approach Hood Canal from the north. The ferry route adds charm and subtracts highway time.
Suggested Itinerary
North to South: Five Stops
Belfair — Your Gateway
Your entry point from Seattle via WA-3. Start the morning with the flat, easy walk through the Theler Wetlands at the very tip of Hood Canal — exceptional birdwatching, free, and stroller-friendly. On your way out, stop at Mosquito Fleet Winery (Thu–Sun) for a tasting and grab lunch or dinner at 2 Margaritas in nearby Allyn, right on Case Inlet with water views.
Hoodsport — Hike & Brew
Day-hike Mt. Ellinor for summit views over Hood Canal, Puget Sound, and the Cascades. Back in town, lunch or a cold beer at Potlatch Brewing before heading south.
Hama Hama / Lilliwaup — Oysters
The midpoint and the highlight. Weekend reservation at the Hama Hama Oyster Saloon, or grab a bag of oysters from the Farm Store to cook at your cabin. Mike's Beach Resort is here if you're staying the night.
Brinnon — Forest & Water
The Murhut Falls hike (1.6 miles, 150-foot waterfall) and Dosewallips State Park for tideflats and elk. Hood Canal Adventures is based here — book the night kayak if you're staying over.
Union / Alderbrook — The Southern Anchor
Check into Alderbrook Resort for the night. Dinner at The Restaurant at Alderbrook with floor-to-ceiling views of the canal and the Olympic Mountains — the natural end to a perfect road trip day.
When to Go
Best Times to Visit
April–May
Peak oyster season, bald eagle viewing, waterfalls running strong from snowmelt. Fewer crowds.
Late May–June
Brinnon ShrimpFest — check brinnonshrimpfest.com for exact date. Mt. Ellinor upper road opens.
June–September
Prime water and kayaking season, bioluminescence nights, Mt. Ellinor fully accessible.
July–August
Crab season opens July 1 — best Dungeness crabbing of the year. Hoodstock in August.
What to Pack
Don't Forget
Layers (Pacific Northwest weather changes fast), waterproof jacket, good hiking boots, a shellfish license if you plan to harvest ($9/year at wdfw.wa.gov), a small cooler if you're buying from farm stores, and a headlamp for the bioluminescence kayak — or just for a late walk on the beach.