Big Loop Creek Hike - for all seasons and abilities
Guidebook writer, Craig Romano, takes us on an illustrated journey around Ellinor. Churning Big Creek and its tributaries will charm you with their frothy displays and soothe you with their flowing melodies.
Craig Romano is an author of more than twenty hiking guidebooks including the bestselling Day Hiking Olympic Peninsula 2nd Edition (Mountaineers Books), which includes detailed descriptions for 136 hikes throughout the Olympic Peninsula. He is a featured columnist for the Fjord and Explore Hood Canal.
Jeff and his mom hiked the Big Creek Trail loop in mid August — check out their review of this hike marked moderate.
“Poets need not go to Niagara to write about the force of falling water,” wrote Robert Frost. Indeed. Amble along this circuitous route within the shadows of Mount Ellinor and see the forces of water all around you. Be continuously captivated by cascading creeks. Churning Big Creek and its tributaries will charm you with their frothy displays and soothe you with their flowing melodies.
Big Creek Loop
Distance: 4.2 miles roundtrip Elevation Gain: 850 feet High Point: 1850 feet Difficulty Loop: moderate Snow free: year round Trailhead Pass Needed: Northwest Forest Pass or Interagency Pass GPS waypoints: Trailhead: N47 29.599, W123 12.66 Features: cascading creeks, attractive bridges, rhododendrons, snow-free winter hike; kid and dog friendly,
photo: Craig Romano
Hit the Trail
The 4.2 mile Big Creek Loop doesn’t go to a lake, high point, significant landmark or through groves of primeval forest. It just goes around the Big Creek basin crossing that banally named waterway and a handful of its tributaries. This hike is all about the journey—not the destination. The trail winds along forested slopes above Lake Cushman crossing tumbling creeks on a series of beautifully-constructed bridges.
" This hike is all about the journey—not the destination."
A couple of side trails branch off of the main loop to hidden cascades crashing among jumbled boulders. Hike this trail without an agenda—just set your mind free—and pause frequently to admire the show. Generally snow-free in the winter and with easy accessibility, Big Creek can be hiked year round.
photo: Craig Romano
While it makes for a nice walk on a hot summer day with its shaded glens offering respite from midday rays—autumn through spring are best. Forested all the way, and always within earshot of tumbling water, the Big Creek Trail makes an excellent rainy day hike. Try to plan it after a period of prolonged rainfall for intense water shows that roar through the forest.
photo: Craig Romano
Utilizing old logging roads and newer tread, the all-volunteer Mount Rose Trail Crew built this delightful loop twenty year ago. “We have existed since 1985,” states Mount Rose Trail crewmember John Jurgens. The crew began as a group of Shelton area climbers who grew concerned over the increasing popularity of the old Mount Ellinor Trail. The old trail contained a section known as the “Chute” which was a hazardous rock and snow-filled gully. With the Forest Service’s blessing the crew constructed a new trail bypassing the chute allowing hikers a much safer passage on this popular trail.
photo: Craig Romano
The crew took their name however from nearby Mount Rose. They worked on re-establishing the upper Mt Rose Trail when snow cover on Mount Ellinor didn’t permit them to work there.
From an original group of about 5, the crew now boast a half dozen members who hail from around the Hood Canal Region. They currently maintain 16 trails in the Olympic National Forest. The Big Creek Loop showcases their topnotch bridge building skills. Robust and built to last as Jurgens puts it, I find the bridges works of art that fit in well with their surrounding natural environment.
"The bridges for many hikers are the highlights of this hike. And children will find them especially appealing."
The trail starts from the recently rebuilt and expanded Big Creek Campground. Here follow what is officially called the Upper Big Creek Loop Trail. Most folks however just refer to it as the Big Creek Loop. The recommended direction is clockwise to take advantage of a gentler descent that will be easier on the knees. The trail immediately crosses Big Creek on a sturdy bridge—one of two provided by contractors and not the trail crew whom built bridges on site with area materials. You’ll immediately recognize the craftsmanship upon reaching them.
photo: Craig Romano
The trail briefly heads down stream along the creek before making a U-turn to begin ascending above it. Signed features and resting benches grace the way. After about a mile the grade gets steeper. Catch glimpses through gaps in the forest canopy of Mount Washington hovering above. At 1.8 miles you’ll come to a junction. You can take an interesting short side trip here on the Creek Confluence Trail which drops to the confluence of Big and Branch Creeks before looping back to the main trail. Here you’ll find good lunch rocks among the two tumbling waterways.
The Big Creek Loop continues straight coming to a junction with the Mount Ellinor Connector Trail just before reaching Branch Creek. The Connector Trail leads left 1.4 miles to the Mount Ellinor Trail and allows for a long and challenging ascent of that popular peak. If you’ve got some energy head one mile up it to a good viewpoint overlooking Lake Cushman,
photo: Craig Romano
The loop continues straight crossing Branch Creek on a good bridge. Just beyond it reaches Big Creek above a gorgeous cascade. Here a new well-constructed bridge spans the tumbling waterway.
The loop now begins descending, skirting some big mossy boulders and passing good views of roaring Big Creek. A short side trail—once part of the Creek Confluence Trail drops back down to where Big and Branch Creeks meet. The main trail now follows an old road, coming to bridged crossings of scenic Skinwood and No Name Creeks. Continue descending passing a few giant firs that loggers forgot. Notice the forest change here. The west half of the loop was dominated by hemlocks—while the eastern half is made up more of Douglas-firs and lodgepole pines. The understory is different too—cloaked here in salal.
Be sure to look up through the trees for a glimpse of Mount Ellinor rising above the watershed. At 4.0 miles come to a junction with the Campground Loop Trail which loops around the campground for 0.8 mile if you want to extend your hike. Otherwise continue right a short distance to return to the trailhead.
Notes:
Land Agency Contact: Olympic National Forest, Hood Canal Ranger District, Quilcene, (360) 765-2200; fs.usda.gov/olympic
Recommended Map: Green Trails Olympic Mountains East 168S
Guidebooks: Day Hiking Olympic Peninsula 2nd edition (Romano, Mountaineers Books)
Trailhead directions: From Shelton, travel north on US 101 for 15 miles to Hoodsport. Turn left onto SR 119, and proceed 9.3 miles west to a T intersection with FR 24. Turn left and then immediately turn right into the Big Creek Campground continuing a short distance to the Day Use Area and trailhead. When campground is closed, park at gate, but do not block it.
Trailhead facilities: privy, picnic area, campground, water.
Dogs welcome but must be leashed.
Celebrate Oysters on Hood Canal
It's ok to be "shellfish" when your on Hood Canal. How about waking up to spectacular canal views for days filled with walks and beach treasure hunts? With spring weather on its way and the water warming up -t’s a great time to hit the Hood – and we’ve prepared a jam-packed customizable seafood itinerary for you.
It’s a great time to head to Hood Canal and South Puget Sound and start enjoying fresh oysters on the beach.
We’ve got a few ideas to get you “shell-e-brating” as well as a recipe from Xinh Dwelley to make your mouth water for some oyster love!
Xinh’s Grilled Oysters on the Half Shell
Recipe courtesy of Xinh Dwelley, celebrated seafood chef, Shelton, WA
(even the non-oyster eaters love these)
Prepare sauce in advance:
1/2 chopped red pepper, chopped
1/4 cup softened butter
1/2 cup chopped onion
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tsp garlic, chopped
2 tsp soy sauce
1 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tsp sugar
1/2 cup chopped chives
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Combine ingredients in a blender and blend. Store in fridge until ready to prepare grilled oysters.
Place oysters on hot grill( 24-36 in shell). When shells begin to “pop” remove top with a heat-safe glove and top each with one teaspoon of mixture. Garnish with sprinkling of grated parmesan cheese ( about ½ cup total). Cook oysters are light brown and cheese has melted, 5-10 minutes. Serve hot.
Oyster Pairing: Serve with Sunlit Canyon Cellars’s Pinot Gris ($22) available at Cameo Boutique in Union. Sunlit Canyon small batch wines are grown and bottled in Belfair WA overlooking Hood Canal.
Save some Clams & Visit Mid-week
Perhaps a few oysters will suffer, but who doesn't like to save a little money?
For great deals on lodging, not to mention more selection, consider heading to the Canal mid-week to enjoy activities you will not find anywhere else. Pack up boots, buckets and license and head to parks and DNR beaches that are regularly stocked with shellfish for the taking. Yes, taking! Check the tides before you head out. Another advantage to mid-week shellfish-gathering is you'll have the beach to yourself! Visit the DFO Shellfish Safety Map as seasons are beach specific. Always Check BEFORE you dig. We've prepared a handy list of area harvesting beaches here.
Alderbrook Resort & Spa is a great place to start a Oyster tradition - especially since April is their official Oyster Month! Not only can they harvest oysters right on their beach, serve some great Hood Canal oyster dishes on their daily menu in the restaurant.
Alderbrook Resort, view from the dock (left); view from 2 Margaritas' patio seating (top middle); Robin Hood Village Resort onsite restaurant (top right); Cedar Hill Cottage, Union (bottom middle); Hood Canal Marina & location of the Canal Cookout in Union (bottom right)
Want the house all to yourself? Consider snagging one of the great rentals that pepper coastal communities and woodland oases in the area. One of our favorites is the Cedar Hill Cottage in Union. This spacious shake home (two bedrooms) is perched on the hill above Union, and although it is technically not waterfront and nestled in the woods, there are glimpses of the Canal and the snow laden Olympics. Location is everything here. A short drive to Alderbrook Resort and just a quick walk to the heart of Union with coffee and bakery items at the Union Country Store, boutique shops, and waterfront dining at 2 Margaritas.
Farm visits
Heading into Shelton, stop in off Hwy 101 past Little Creek Casino & Resort at Taylor Shellfish's Retail Facility to take a look at their headquarter facility and visit their retail store. Taylor Shellfish is a huge supporter of the annual West Coast Oyster Shucking Championship (OysterFest) by supplying over 1200 oysters to the competition!
Hama Hama Oyster Company in Lilliwaup serves farm fresh oysters and clams in their streetside Saloon off Hwy 101. Check out the Oyster Saloon, an outdoor farm dining experience, Thursday through Sunday. The retail store is open daily.
One of the area’s most popular oyster growers is located just 30 minutes away in Lilliwaup, WA. Hama Hama Oyster Company's Store and Oyster Saloon (an outdoor restaurant) are located a shell’s-throw from the tideflats. Visit during the week to see the shucking crew in action, and ask for one of their self-guided tour maps to better explore the farm. Stop by the Saloon (Thursday though Sunday) for some great shellfish but don't miss the divine hand-packed Dungeness crab cakes. And we mean PACKED with crab! The crab cakes are also available the farm store where you can buy them to cook at home.
How ever you choose to Shell-e-brate oysters we know that you will have a blast exploring Hood Canal. Be sure to share your adventures with the bivalves with us at #wildsidewa!
See you on the beach!
Mountain Biking Lower South Fork Skokomish
The fall colors on Hood Canal are heralding the close of summer. Time to head to the hills to embrace the much needed rains in the Olympic National Park as the hills and valleys go back to the Technicolor spectrum of green.
Whenever the impending rains approach Olympic National Park, they turn our hills and valleys back into the spectrum of green that makes home feel like home.
Photo Credit: Bike List
For some of us, that means misty morning walks up our favorite mountains (like Mt. Ellinor), for others, that means relaxing indoors with a good book, but for those of us that feel best while we are two-wheeling, that means tacky dirt and flowy mountain biking trails!
Grab your elbow pads and helmets, and tune up your metal steeds as we embark on our newest in the Hood Canal Travel guide.
Fuel Your Fire | 9AM
Serious riders (or pure-and-simple fun-seekers like us) need a belly full of goodness to fuel a full day of thrill-seeking. If you’re an early bird and a breakfast fiend, stop into Blondie’s for down home from-scratch diner food. The biscuits and gravy take the cake at this friendly local joint.
Hit the trail | 11AM
After meandering down some forest roads underneath the towering Olympics, come to the Lower South Fork Skokomish River Trail #873. Characterized by its intermediate single track riding through some of the finest ancient forests in the Northwest, this ride serves up a bit of everything. Doable as a 20.9 mile loop, if you care to climb the road and ride trail down although most prefer to ride single track up the trail and then back down.
Olympic elk still roam the hillsides, and as you are slashing short, quick ascents and sending sometimes rocky and rooted descents, take in the uncontested beauty of the river valley sliced by the surging Skokomish River.
"I love this fun, flowy cross-country trail that parallels the South Fork of the Skokomish River. It has a bit of everything!" - Jaime, local bike shredder
Before embarking, be sure to check trail conditions here, and prepare to be without cell service by having a good map and a USFS Rec Guide. Keep in mind that, like most USFS land, a Recreation Pass is required, which you can find here, or at a number of local businesses like Verle’s Sports Center and Marine in Shelton.
Treat yourself to a view | 2pm
Before that plastered grin that characterizes a good ride fades away, get yourself to one of the most recognized historical relics of Hood Canal. From the trailhead, a short 20 minute drive takes you to the High Steel Bridge. The highest railway arch ever built in the United States spans the South Fork of the Skokomish (a river that you are already quite familiar with) a dizzying 365 feet above the forest floor. Originally constructed in 1929 by the Simpson Logging Company, the bridge was converted to road use in 1950.
As you flip through the memories of a day well spent, remember that we love keeping up with you! Tag your photos and thoughts on social media with #explorehoodcanal #wildsideWA #hoodcanal. 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 trails.
Daily: 5am-9pm
360.432.2777
Lower South Fork Skokomish River Trail #873
Hood Canal Travel Guide: Waterfall Wonders
Waterfall Road Trip
Cascading waterfalls tucked into hidden nooks are simply and quintessentially Hood Canal. Sure, we love summer, but winter is truly a marvel in our corner of the world. We daresay we prefer it when it comes to admiring the majestic cascades tumbling from the woods.
Waterfall Wonders Near Shelton, Washington
It’s undeniable that cascading waterfalls tucked into hidden nooks are simply and quintessentially Hood Canal. Winter and early spring are optimal for peeping these rushing beauties.
As the rain falls, it keeps our hillsides the vibrant green that makes the Olympic Peninsula feel like home. This also means the waters rise, and the cascades fill in. So check the forecast, grab your best adventure buddies, and get to some of the most beautiful gems that Hood Canal has to offer.
Visit the Olympic waterfall trail and see our detailed notes on each destination below. This trip is ideal for Seattle weekend road trippers taking advantage of the Kingston Ferry, looping up through Port Gamble, then down Hwy 101.
Take the plunge | 10am
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.
For the waterfall nerds out there, Rocky Brook’s primary form is in tiered horsetails, with three thundering drops until it reaches the small pool below.
Upon arriving at Rocky Creek, park just beyond the small bridge and follow the trail that leads past the hydro facility for about 500 feet. Note that the rocks around the pool can be slick, especially when wet, so it’s best to exercise caution.
Test your navigation skills | 1pm
Little is written about these falls, and visiting them requires a fair bit of exploring. Over the years, a number of the most intrepid kayakers have ventured to the Olympic Peninsula in order to run Hamma Hamma Falls. The boiling pool at the bottom of its pristine and highly technical 25’ first drop gives paddlers just enough time to set up for the 50’ drop immediately after.We would reccomend enjoying it from the top instead.
A concrete bridge spans the river over the falls at the fall line of the upper drop, but an adventure-seeker will need to navigate the lower banks to get a full-frontal view of this beauty.
Re-orientate your GPS | 2pm
Just three miles downstream, Lower Hamma Hamma Falls is the slightly-less-majestic sister to the beaut upstream. Dropping into a small gorge, the falls tumble over a large pile of boulders. As such, it’s difficult to see the whole falls from any one location and it is advised to exercise extreme caution when trying to gain a better downstream view.
The ultimate “selfie spot” framed by waterfalls at Vincent Creek falls — aka High Steel Bridge
Get a great view at High Steel Bridge | 4pm
No waterfall itinerary would be complete without a trip to the historic High Steel Bridge that spans the gorge and sits a staggering 300’ above the mighty South Fork of the Skokomish River.
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.
Wash it down in Union, Washington | 6pm
Here’s the ultimate challenge of your day: organize it so that the end of your satisfyingly adventurous day brings you straight to a good cocktail at the newly renovated Alderbrook Resort and Spa.
As you sort through the memories of a day well spent, remember that we love keeping up with you! Tag your photos and thoughts on social media with #explorehoodcanal, #wildsideWA, or #hoodcanal for a chance to be featured by us.
Be sure to check in with us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram for more ideas on how to get the most out of your road trip to Hood Canal. Happy adventuring!
For more fantastic waterfalls in the area, check out this waterfall trail throughout the Olympic Peninsula. This guide is curated by author, Craig Romano, and hosted by Explore Hood Canal.
Hood Canal Travel Guide: Birdwatching
With its wealth of shoreline, fresh and saltwater marshes, mudflats, and bountiful forests, the Olympic Peninsula is a birders’ paradise.
A canalside Birding Itinerary
With its wealth of shoreline, fresh- and saltwater marshes, mudflats, and of course the bountiful forest, the Olympic Peninsula is a birders’ paradise. And whereas winter and spring aren’t the most popular seasons for human tourists (meaning less competition for lodging and dining), they happen to be the best for catching the avian crowds.
From soaring birds of prey to elusive divers, birdwatching is one more reason to get to Hood Canal when there aren't hordes of RVs cruising down HWY 101.
If you are looking for ll the gritty details on Olympic Peninsula birding locations, check out Craig Romano’s list of the Top 25.
Whether it satisfies your ornithological cravings for the season or simply whets your appetite for much more, gear up (our suggestions are below) and follow along!
Theler Wetlands | 7am
If you only make one dedicated birding stop in the Hood Canal, Theler Wetlands, with its easily navigated trails, interpretive kiosks, and educational exhibits, should be it. More than two miles of interpretive walking trails through 39 acres of protected wetlands provide an excellent introduction to birdlife in the Hood Canal. Newbies and experienced birders alike will delight in views of bald eagles, green-winged teals, horned grebes, and more. You may even be able to spot otters in the freshwater marsh!
Photo courtesy of Clint Ferarra
Sunset Beach Deli | 10am
Whether you worked up an appetite for lunch or just need a quick coffee to fuel the next birding venture, the Sunset Beach Deli is a local favorite for gyros and Philly-style cheesesteaks. In the mornings, it’s also the go-to location for filling breakfast burritos. If you’re not quite ready to eat, have them wrap up a sandwich and take it to go.
Twanoh State Park | 1pm
Twanoh State Park is a favorite in the summer for swimming and watersports, but the quieter winter and spring months make it a great place for viewing wildlife and birds. Bring your binoculars to the shoreline for an eyeful of diving birds such as loons, mergansers, murrelets, and ruddy ducks with their distinctive upright tails. In the towering cedars and maples inland, listen for brown creepers and red crossbills.
Bonus: Between Twanoh and Potlatch, Highway 106 takes you right by the Skokomish River Delta. The overlook pull-off is a good spot to scope gulls, grebes, and goldeneyes.
Photo courtesy of Clint Ferarra
Potlatch State Park | 4pm
Like Twanoh, Potlatch bustles with humans in the summer and birds in the winter and spring. With 5,700 feet of saltwater shoreline, it’s a great place for viewing waterfowl, particularly during high tide. In the water, look for heron, scoters and scaups, and check the trees for fox sparrows and Steller’s jays.
Photo courtesy of Clint Ferarra
Dinner at 2 Margaritas | 6pm
Nothing works up an appetite quite like a day spent in the bracing sea air. Whether you’re celebrating new additions to your Life List or toasting to better luck next time, we recommend a margarita (or two) at the warm, colorful 2 Margaritas restaurant in Union. Generous portions in a cozy atmosphere make it the perfect cap to another beautiful day in the Hood Canal.
Need More inspiration?
Renowned guidebook writer and trail advocate, Craig Romano, shared 25 of his favorite bird viewing destinations with us. Start planning your trip now!
Hood Canal Travel Guide: Hike + Campfire
Itinerary #8: Spring Adventuring
There is a host of romantic notions about staying inside all winter, putting on fuzzy socks against the cold, and hibernating beneath a blanket. Instead of letting a little rain stop us from getting after it, we choose adventures that are even better with a little atmosphere!
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
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 tree pose.
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!
Travel Guide: Road Trip Hood Canal
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.
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!