4-NIGHT HOOD CANAL, WHIDBEY ISLAND & SKAGIT VALLEY ROAD TRIP

August 3, 2022 Taryn Fitzmaurice

Discover the Undiscovered

Experience Hood Canal, Whidbey Island and gorgeous Skagit Valley on this 4-night road trip itinerary curated by the experts at Peace Vans.

Ready to take your next trip? We lowered our peak season rental night minimum from 6 to 4 through the end of September 2022. If you book your travel for September 2022, you’ll also receive access to all of our Peace Vans Camps free of charge!

Day 1: Seattle to Hood Canal

Stop at Macrina in SODO for a coffee and a breakfast sandwich before heading to the Seattle ferry terminal. Catch the ferry to Bainbridge Island and head up to the passenger deck for gorgeous views of the city, mountains, and marine life.

After you arrive at Bainbridge Island, head to the Olympic Outdoor Center in Poulsbo. Here, you can rent your choice of kayaks or paddle boards — both great summer activities. After this, grab lunch in Poulsbo and then head to Camp Forever Young, where you’ll have access to a fire pit and picnic table. This campsite also has an abundance of farm animals and trails.

Stay: Camp Forever Young Peace Vans Campsite

Day 2: Hood Canal to Whidbey Island

Head to Port Townsend and grab breakfast at one of its many cafés before getting on the ferry to Whidbey Island. When you exit the ferry, check out Fort Casey State Park. Here, you can find a lighthouse and sweeping views of the Admiralty Inlet and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Then, head to Fort Ebey State Park Campground. After you’ve set up camp, select one of the many trails to explore. We recommend Ebey’s Landing Trail and Fort Ebey Bluff Trail, both of which offer stunning views of Puget Sound, beaches, and forests.

If you want to leave your campsite for the evening, Coupeville is just 8 minutes away. We recommend checking out Penn Cove Brewing Company, which offers an assortment of lagers, IPAs, and more. If you do go into town, be sure to make it back to the campground somewhat early, as Fort Ebey is known for its beautiful sunset views.

Stay: Fort Ebey State Park Campground

Day 3: Whidbey Island to Skagit Valley

To start off your morning, head to Deception Pass State Park. We recommend checking out Bowman Bay, which has trails of all difficulties. You will walk through forests, encounter unique tide pools, and see views of the iconic Deception Pass Bridge.

After spending your morning hiking, you’ll want to refuel. Head 5 minutes up the road to the Shrimp Shack, a family-owned restaurant offering oysters, shrimp, crab, fish, burgers, and more. All its seating is outdoors, so it is best enjoyed on a sunny day (however, there is a covered area if needed).

Next, head to Mount Erie. The summit can be accessed by car or foot. If you choose to hike, the trail is 4.7 miles and has an elevation gain of 1,200 feet. At the summit, you’ll see sweeping views of Deception Pass, Anacortes, and the San Juan Islands. There are few things that compare to Mount Erie on a clear day!

After your hike (or drive), head to our camp in Skagit Valley. The farm is surrounded by flat scenic farm roads, ideal for cyclists and photographers. If it’s a warm evening, take a 10-minute walk to the Skagit River which is perfect for a swim.

Stay: Happy Little Farm Peace Vans Campsite

Day 4: Skagit Valley

In the morning, head north to the Samish area. There are plenty of trails in this area; some of our favorites include Oyster Dome and Chuckanut Mountain. Both are relatively difficult, but Larrabee State Park offers some easier, kid-friendly hikes if that’s what you’d prefer. While you’re in the area, stop by Taylor Shellfish Farms and pick up some oysters to cook back at camp.

This area is known for its agriculture, so stopping at a farm is a must. After spending the morning hiking, head back to Mount Vernon and visit Schuh Farms. They offer u-pick berry fields, local produce, fresh milkshakes, flowers, farm animals, and more.

Head back to camp and make dinner with the produce and oysters you picked up during the day and enjoy the sunset over the farm.