Kitsap to Union, WA: A Hood Canal Day Trip (Alderbrook, Twanoh, and Hunter Farms)

If you're in Kitsap County and looking for a day trip that doesn't require a ferry, a long highway haul, or a full weekend's worth of planning, my pick is Union, Washington down Hood Canal. The drive is just under an hour each way, the route along the canal is one of the prettiest in Western Washington, and the stops along the way turn it into a relaxed 4 to 6 hour adventure. Here is the full itinerary.

The route at a glance

From Bremerton or Port Orchard, you head south through Belfair, then down to Twanoh State Park, then onto Highway 106 which follows the south shore of Hood Canal all the way to Union. The road stays right along the water for most of the route, which makes the driving itself part of the trip.

Total round trip: about 4-6 hours depending on how long you linger at each stop. You can compress this into a half-day or stretch into a full afternoon. The pace is the point.

Stop 1: Belfair (about 20 minutes from Kitsap)

Belfair sits at the head of Hood Canal where Highway 3 meets Highway 106. It's a small town that punches above its weight for a Kitsap day-tripper's quick stop.

White Barn Home and Garden

A local home goods, garden, and gift shop with character. Worth a quick browse, particularly if you like Pacific Northwest-style home accents, garden tools, or seasonal decor. The store itself is a draw and has a loyal local following.

Renee Ray's BBQ

Solid barbecue spot in Belfair if you want to grab food early or pick up something to take to Twanoh State Park for a picnic. Pulled pork, brisket, sides. Casual setting, real BBQ, locals' favorite.

Belfair is roughly the halfway point between Kitsap and Union, so even if you don't stop here on the way down, it's a natural choice for the return-trip stop.

Stop 2: Twanoh State Park (about 35 minutes from Kitsap)

Twanoh State Park sits on the south shore of Hood Canal between Belfair and Union. This is one of the underrated state parks in Western Washington and worth at least a 30-minute stop even if you're not staying for hours.

What's there:

• Beach access. A wide, walkable beach along Hood Canal. The water gets warm in summer (Hood Canal is one of the warmer salt-water swimming spots in Washington because of the protected shallow shoreline).
• Picnic areas. Great spot to eat your Renee Ray's BBQ takeout if you grabbed some.
• Walking trails. Short, easy trails through the forest above the beach.
• Restrooms and amenities. Real facilities, not just a porta-potty trailhead.

Note: Day-use parking at Washington State Parks requires a Discover Pass ($10 day pass or $30 annual). Pick it up at the park entrance or online before you go.

Stop 3: Alderbrook Resort and Spa (about 45 minutes from Kitsap)

Alderbrook is the centerpiece of any Union day trip and easily one of the most beautiful Pacific Northwest resort properties on Hood Canal. Even if you're not staying overnight, the grounds, restaurant, bar, coffee shop, and dock are all open to non-guests.

What to do during a stop here:

• Walk the grounds and dock. The waterfront grounds are immaculately maintained, with a huge dock extending into Hood Canal. The lobby and outdoor patio areas are stunning. Free to walk through.
• Have a meal or drink at the restaurant. Solid Pacific Northwest menu, lovely waterfront dining room. Lunch or early dinner works well as a day-trip anchor stop.
• Coffee shop. Quick stop option if you don't want to commit to a full meal.
• The dock. If you boat, this is one of the most scenic places to moor on Hood Canal.

Alderbrook also works as a romantic getaway destination on its own. If your day trip clarifies that you want to spend an anniversary, birthday, or special occasion here, the rooms and spa packages are worth exploring. The standard rooms are well-appointed; the waterfront suites are special.

Stop 4: Downtown Union (just past Alderbrook)

"Downtown" Union is a single intersection plus a few shops, but it's charming and worth a brief walk-through.

• Union Country Store — old-school general store with groceries, local goods, deli sandwiches, and Pacific Northwest souvenirs. The kind of place that has been there a long time and knows its niche.
• Two Margaritas Mexican Restaurant — solid Mexican food, good for lunch or dinner.
• Hook and Fork — seafood-focused restaurant. Hood Canal oysters and other local catches when in season.
• A handful of small shops and galleries with rotating selections.

Plan on 30-45 minutes to walk through, grab a snack or drink, and browse.

Stop 5: Hunter Farms (5 minutes past Union)

Hunter Farms is the final stop, and the experience depends entirely on the season:

• Fall: Pumpkin patch, corn maze, fall activities. A local favorite for Western Washington families.
• December: Christmas tree farm. Cut your own Douglas fir or Noble fir on a beautiful South Hood Canal property.
• Year-round: A specialty shop with ice cream, local jams and preserves, baked goods, and gift items. Even outside seasonal events, it's a nice final stop on the trip.

The ice cream alone is worth the 5-minute drive past Union for many visitors.

Best time of year for this trip

This is one of those Pacific Northwest trips that works year-round, but each season has a different flavor:

• Summer (June-September): Best weather, longest days, swimmable Hood Canal water at Twanoh, full Alderbrook ambiance. Peak time.
• Fall (October-November): Hunter Farms is at its pumpkin-patch peak. Hood Canal turns dramatic with the changing light. Olympic Mountains often have first snow.
• Winter (December-February): Hunter Farms Christmas trees. Alderbrook in cozy-resort mode. The drive along 106 in winter mist can be stunning. Bring layers.
• Spring (March-May): Wildflowers, Hood Canal greens up, fewer crowds. Underrated.

Practical tips

• Discover Pass for Twanoh State Park. $10 day pass or $30 annual. Worth the annual if you'll visit any WA state park this year.
• Gas up in Belfair if needed. The stretch from Belfair to Union has limited gas options.
• Cell service is patchy in stretches along 106. Download offline maps if you need them.
• Dogs are welcome at most stops. Alderbrook is dog-friendly on the grounds (leash). Twanoh allows dogs on the trails.
• Plan your meal stop. Lunch at Alderbrook or Hook and Fork is a typical anchor. Belfair BBQ for an early/late meal works too.

How this fits with the rest of Kitsap living

One of the things people don't realize about Kitsap until they live here is how many under-the-radar Pacific Northwest day trips are within an hour. Union/Hood Canal is the closest one. Other underrated options:

• Seabrook, WA for a coastal weekend trip — about 2 hours 45 minutes. See my Seabrook weekend getaway guide.
• Poulsbo for a Norwegian-charm afternoon — 20 minutes north from Bremerton. See the moving to Kitsap County page for the city overview.
• Bainbridge Island for a higher-end day — 30 minutes plus the ferry experience.
• Olympic National Forest and Hood Canal further north — Brinnon, Quilcene, the Olympic Peninsula loop.

For broader context on what life in Kitsap actually offers, see my why people move to Kitsap County post.

Want to make Kitsap home?

If a Union day trip turns into "we should live in Kitsap permanently," that is exactly the conversation I most enjoy. Kitsap residents get this kind of access to Hood Canal, the Olympic Peninsula, Seabrook, and the Seattle ferry on a daily basis, not just as a special trip.

Browse my current Kitsap County listings, get a free home valuation if you're selling somewhere else to fund the move, or reach out directly.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Union, WA from Kitsap County?
About 1 hour from Bremerton or Port Orchard. Route: south through Belfair (~20 min), continue to Twanoh State Park, then Highway 106 along Hood Canal to Union.

What is there to do in Union, WA?
Alderbrook Resort and Spa, downtown Union (Union Country Store, Two Margaritas, Hook and Fork), Hunter Farms (pumpkin patch / Christmas trees seasonally, ice cream year-round), and Twanoh State Park nearby.

Is Alderbrook Resort worth visiting?
Yes. Even without staying overnight, the grounds, dock, restaurant, bar, and coffee shop are open to non-guests. Special-occasion-worthy for an overnight stay.

What is Twanoh State Park?
WA state park on south Hood Canal with beach access, picnic areas, walking trails, and warm summer swimming. Discover Pass required for parking.

What is the drive along Highway 106 like?
Hugs Hood Canal the whole way. One of the prettier drives in Western Washington, especially on sunny days when the Olympic Mountains are visible across the canal.

Can I make this trip with kids or dogs?
Yes. Twanoh is family-friendly with both. Alderbrook grounds are dog-friendly with leash. Hunter Farms is especially good for families during seasonal events.