Alderbrook Resort: Oysters, Views & Relaxation
If you're in Seattle and thinking about a relaxing escape from the city, we recently took an overnight trip to Alderbrook Resort & Spa on Hood Canal. It's a little less than 2 hour drive from the city, offering a relaxed setting, scenic views, and some good food, especially if you're into oysters and clams. It’s the perfect spot for a one night getaway or a weekend escape.
Table of Contents
Our 2-Day, 1-Night Itinerary Snapshot
Day 1: Lunch at Hook & Fork, Check-in/Snack/Dinner at Alderbrook Resort & Spa
Day 2: Check-out of Alderbrook, Early Lunch at Hama Hama Oyster Saloon, Explore Trails or Head Home
Alderbrook Resort: The Room, Amenities, & Food
Upon arrival, Alderbrook Resort appeared even more luxurious and expansive than we anticipated. The resort, which has been open since 1913, has a classic charm. The lobby was welcoming, hinting at a comfortable stay, and featured a surprise host: Brooke, the resort’s cat.
Rooms: We were fortunate to secure a waterfront king bed room. The highlight was undoubtedly the view of Hood Canal from the large windows and balcony. The balcony was a little small but it was still very nice to have that option. We also noticed individual “cottages” you can rent out for big groups.
Amenities: Even for just one night, we made use of what Alderbrook had to offer. A walk along the waterfront was relaxing, and we just spent some time looking out at the water.
A pool area and hot tub
A spa offering massages and facials
Kayaks, water bikes, and paddle boats available for rent by the dock
The gift shop for souvenirs, and right next door, The Drinkery for grab-and-go options, coffee, and pastries
Alderbrook’s Restaurants:
Lunch at the Patio: This outdoor spot offered generous portions and delicious food. We ordered the fish tacos and fries. The food and atmosphere here are more casual, but we found the taste surpassed that of the more formal restaurant.
Dinner at Alderbrook's restaurant: This was a bit underwhelming. While the setting with water views was pleasant, our seats were a little low, partially obstructing the view. Honestly, the view from our room was far superior. We ordered the Alderbrook Razor Clam Chowder, which tasted predominantly of bacon bits rather than clams. The Manila Clam & Pancetta Tagliatelle was oily and merely okay. The star here is their customer service. The servers are very welcoming and provide top-tier service.
Waterfront Dining at Hook & Fork
For another casual meal with stunning canal views, we visited Hook & Fork at the Union City Market. This laid-back eatery is right on the water and just a five minutes drive from Alderbrook Resort. Their menu is diverse, featuring both seafood and “land” options. We tried their Chorizo Manila Clams and Seafood Chowder with an extra side of baguette. The food, especially the Chorizo Clams, was amazing, and it was incredibly relaxing to sit by the water. We highly recommend arriving before peak lunch hours, as they can run out of menu items, and wait times can be long (we waited 30-45 minutes for our food).
Oysters at Hama Hama
A stop at Hama Hama Oyster Saloon is an absolute must if you're in the Hood Canal area. Located about a 35-minute drive from Alderbrook Resort (and 2.5 hours from Seattle), it offers a unique and casual experience right on the oyster beds. This deep-rooted history truly enhances the visit: Hama Hama Oysters has been continuously operated by the same family for over a century, evolving from a 1920s timber enterprise into the renowned oyster farm it is today.
Reservations are highly recommended! They open on Monday at 9 AM PST for the upcoming weekend via Tock. There's a $75 deposit that goes toward two dozen oysters (raw and/or roasted). Their super cozy A-frame can seat up to six people and is equipped with heaters!
The Food: My husband enjoyed the raw oysters, which were very fresh and flavorful. We shared the roasted oysters, which were incredibly delicious and still have me craving more. Their homemade chipotle bourbon butter sauce is bursting with flavor and has a pleasant kick. We also ordered the seafood chowder, packed with clams, shrimp, and potatoes. The grilled cheese was surprisingly super cheesy and flavorful. The crab cake was good but nothing extraordinary, and only one was served.
The Stump Shack food truck on the same grounds has other options such as fried oyster basket, fried oyster sandwich, chowder fries, regular fries, tomato soup, seafood chowder, and grilled cheese.
The staff is kind and very helpful. We highly recommend visiting Hama Hama and plan to return repeatedly.
Don't forget to stop by their farm store for fresh seafood, cute souvenirs to take home, or even that delicious chipotle bourbon butter sauce!
Exploring the Area
While our trip focused on relaxation and dining, the Hood Canal area offers more to explore. You could take scenic drives, discover nearby trails, or enjoy kayaking. The town of Union itself is small but has a few places worth checking out.
Overall, our brief trip to Alderbrook Resort and Hood Canal was a pleasant break from Seattle. It’s a straightforward option for a quick getaway, offering a chance to unwind. We can definitely see ourselves returning.
