PUGET SOUND LOOP: HOOD CANAL & WHIDBEY ISLAND

Photo Courtesy: Taisia Karaseva

Discover the Undiscovered

The Lesser Seen Side of the Olympic Peninsula, Whidbey Island, and More. 

Day 1: Seattle → Hood Canal

Grab a coffee at Macrina before you head to the ferry terminal just minutes from Peace Vans. Hop on the ferry to Bremerton and go up to the passenger deck for gorgeous city views. Once you arrive in Bremerton, stop at Saboteur for delicious pastries for the road. Keep on your route towards Hood Canal and stop off at Alderbrook Resort. There are many things to do at Alderbrook, but we recommend renting a kayak, grabbing a drink from their restaurant, and taking in the gorgeous views on their lawn near the water. 

• Stay:

  • Zions Camp

  • Potlatch State Park Campground

  • Brown Creek Campground

  • Skokomish Park at Lake Cushman

Photo Courtesy: Robert Bottman

Day 2: Hood Canal → Camp Discovery

After you’ve packed up camp, stop in the quaint town of Hoodsport before continuing. Don’t miss a stop at Hama Hama Oysters! Check their website for reservations. We love it here, and if the weather is nice … stay awhile! There are lots to eat and drink at the Hama Hama Farm Store. We’d suggest also grabbing some things to go. If you want to experience more adventures, stop at Hood Canal Adventures. We recommend taking their Wild Edible/Medicinal Plants & Mushrooms Tour. They also have Kayak Excursions if that’s more of your vibe. (If you take the tour, it happens in the mornings, so consider that when planning your day.)

• Stay:

  • Leland Lake Campground

  • Hip Camp: Camp Forever Young

Day 3: Camp Discovery → Port Townsend

Make breakfast at camp, then start heading north. Start making your way toward Fort Flagler State Park. Make an essential stop at Finnriver. Finnriver Cidery is one of our favorite spots to hang out. It doesn’t open ‘till noon, but we recommend going here! You can order drinks, food and meander through the vineyard/farm area. If it’s a nice day, snag some Adirondack chair seating and cozy up in the sun! After getting your fill, head north towards Fort Flagler on Marrowstone Island. Once you’ve finished exploring this beautiful state park, we recommend grabbing provisions for a fantastic night at camp. Tomorrow you’ll be exploring all that Port Townsend has to offer!

• Stay:

  • Fort Flagler

  • Oak Bay

  • Lower Oak Campground

Day 4: Port Townsend

There is so much to do in Port Townsend! If you’d like to skip coffee at camp and start your day off early, head down to Water Street and go to Better Living Through Coffee. Snag a spot near the water and take in the epic views. After getting your caffeine fix, explore Water Street and Downtown Port Townsend. Up for a big adventure today? Check out the Puget Sound Express for whale-watching tours. If you’d rather stay land-side, explore the bunkers and history at Fort Worden State Park. In the afternoon, head to Sirens Pub, Port Townsend Pourhous,e or Port Townsend Brewing—all great options after exploring! You may not feel like cooking at camp today, don’t worry; there’s tons of delicious food in town. If you want a splurge meal, we highly recommend Finistere. Their food is all local and absolutely delicious. 

Optional different day 4: explore Sequim, just west of Port Townsend. Take a hike out at Dungeness Spit.    

• Stay:

  • Fort Worden

  • Fort Flagler

Day 5: Port Townsend → Whidbey Island

This morning you’ll take the ferry to Fort Casey on Whidbey Island. Once off the ferry, head to Greenbank Farm. Peruse the shops and grab some snacks for your day of adventure. Now, drive to Ebey’s Landing for a pleasant 5.6-mile hike on the bluff, or take the road to the beach. After checking out all the scenery and wildlife at this beautiful park, go to Coupeville. Browse the different shops in Coupeville, and don’t forget to stop by King Fisher Bookstore for your next read! Now, travel NW on Madrona Way to Captain Whidbey for a delicious meal and drinks on their patio. At the end of your evening, Drive north to catch the sunset at Deception Pass State Park. 

• Stay: 

  • Deception Pass

  • Fort Casey

Day 6: Whidbey Island → Skagit Valley

Make your way to Deception Pass State Park and explore all it offers. With epic 360-degree views, there’s a reason this park is so popular! Once you’ve gotten your fill of breathtaking scenery, head northeast to Edison. Grab some provisions at Slough Food, and if you have time, sit on their lovely back patio. Explore downtown Edison -- we especially love Breadfarm and Terramar. If you have time, head north on Chuckanut Drive -- a beautiful scenic drive along the water. Stop at Taylor Shellfish Farms just north of Edison and grab some oysters to cook back at camp. The Skagit Valley is a great place to provision -- there are endless produce stands, but we love Snow Goose Produce. 

• Stay:

  • Hip Camps: Organic Farm

Day 7: Skagit Valley → Seattle

Before you head back to Seattle, make a quick stop in the waterside town of La Conner. Grab a coffee at Stompin’ Grounds and explore a bit. Now hop on i5 and make your way back to Peace Vans!