Union, Washington is a gateway to outdoor adventure near Olympic National Forest. Enjoy hiking, paddling, camping, and bird watching in a quiet setting away from crowds, best visited from late spring to early fall.
Union, Washington is a gateway to outdoor adventure near Olympic National Forest. Enjoy hiking, paddling, camping, and bird watching in a quiet setting away from crowds, best visited from late spring to early fall.
Outdoor Adventure in Union, Washington
Union is a small town in the Pacific Northwest that offers direct access to some of the most pristine natural areas near Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park. It serves as a perfect basecamp for travelers who want to enjoy hiking, paddling, and camping without the busy crowds found in other parts of the region.
Discover the unique natural wonders, summits, and scenic landmarks that make Union, Washington special.
★ 7⌖ 8.52 milesVisit High Steel Bridge near Shelton, WA, and experience stunning views of the Skokomish River canyon from 427 feet up. This landmark offers incredible photography and wildlife spotting opportunities in the Olympic National Forest.
★ 7.5⌖ 16.90 milesExplore Hamma Hamma Falls near Hoodsport, WA. Enjoy hiking and scenic views in this lush area, perfect for photographers and nature lovers. Experience fishing opportunities in spring or summer when the scenery is vibrant.
★ 8.5⌖ 19.28 milesExplore Olympic National Forest, a hub for hikers and wildlife watchers. Featuring diverse ecosystems, the area offers breathtaking views from Mount Ellinor. Best visited in spring and fall, it's perfect for those seeking adventure and natural beauty.
★ 6.5⌖ 23.74 milesEasyKitsap Lake near Bremerton, Washington, offers an easy, quiet spot for fishing and casual nature walks. With calm waters and forest surrounds, it’s perfect for family-friendly outings and birdwatching. Early spring to early summer is ideal for fishing, and dogs are welcome in designated areas.
★ 7.8⌖ 26.20 milesEasyExplore the beautiful Rocky Brook Falls near Brinnon, WA. This easy hike offers a stunning waterfall, making it a family-friendly spot. Enjoy swimming and picnicking. Best visited in spring for a peaceful experience.
★ 8.2⌖ 27.54 milesModerateExplore Capitol State Forest near Olympia, WA, offering trails for hiking and biking with stunning views. Experience its moderate difficulty, abundant wildlife, and serene landscapes, perfect for family adventures all year round.
★ 7.2⌖ 29.48 milesAmerican Lake, about 20 minutes south of Tacoma, offers calm waters ideal for paddleboarding, fishing, and swimming. With easy drive-in access and family-friendly beaches, visitors enjoy eagle sightings and outdoor fun mostly from late spring through early fall.
★ 7.2⌖ 32.63 milesExplore the scenic Dash Point State Park, just 30 minutes from Seattle, ideal for family-friendly camping with beach access and 11 miles of hiking trails. Popular in summer, this park offers a peaceful escape with opportunities for wildlife watching and outdoor activities.
★ 8.2⌖ 33.62 milesVisit Merriman Falls near Quinault, WA. Easily reachable by road, this stunning waterfall offers prime photography opportunities and nature walks. It is accessible year-round and especially impressive during the rainy season. Remember to bring your waterproof gear.
★ 7.8⌖ 36.00 milesEasyExplore the 2.5-mile Alki Beach Trail in Seattle, WA. This easy coastal route features stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and Seattle skyline. Great for running and family-friendly activities along the waterfront. Accessible year-round with drive-in access.
★ 7.5⌖ 37.85 milesExplore the 2.8-mile Discovery Park Loop Trail in Seattle, offering moderate terrain through diverse landscapes like meadows, forests, and coastal views. Ideal for trail running, hiking, and birding, this trail is perfect for families and history enthusiasts.
★ 7.8⌖ 37.88 milesModerateExplore the 2.8-mile Loop Trail in Seattle's Discovery Park. With moderate difficulty, the route offers stunning views of Puget Sound and opportunities to spot wildlife like bald eagles. Open year-round, this coastal park can be busy in summer.
Discover the top adventure activities and curated experiences in Union, Washington, verified by our editors to help you make the most of your trip.
Book unforgettable outdoor adventures, guided tours, and gear rentals with verified Local Experts in Union, Washington.
⌖ 1.6 miA two‑hour guided spa tour at Alderbrook Resort & Spa that moves guests through a series of petite treatments with light snacks; this guide explains what to expect and how the station flow works.
⌖ 1.6 miA 60‑minute new‑moon sound bath at Alderbrook Resort & Spa where crystal singing bowls tuned to the seven chakras fill a pool‑house setting while participants float or relax poolside.
⌖ 3.9 miTop-of-the-line paddle board rentals at Lake Kokanee for novices and seasoned paddlers, offered in 4- and 8-hour options and departing from the Lake Kokanee launch at 10 Dow Creek Drive.
⌖ 3.9 miA short, guided paddle from Hood Canal Adventures that brings kayakers to the spray of a cascading waterfall—ideal for first-timers and families seeking wildlife and photo moments.
⌖ 4.3 miA 3-hour guided kayak tour from Arcadia Boat Ramp that visits Hope Island Marine State Park — this guide explains what you’ll see, what to bring, and who the trip suits.
⌖ 4.7 miAlderbrook Resort & Spa’s guided, one‑hour pontoon cruise pairs a leisurely captain‑led run through lower Hood Canal with soft drinks and a charcuterie spread—this guide explains what to expect and how to plan.
⌖ 5.5 miA 90-minute guided educational tour at Roam Wolfdog Sanctuary to meet wolfdogs and learn about gray wolf conservation; this guide lays out what to expect and how to plan.
⌖ 5.5 miA guided 60–90 minute outdoor walk in Shelton with Roam Wolfdog Sanctuary’s ambassador wolfdogs; this guide lays out what to expect, who can join, and what to bring.
⌖ 11.3 miA relaxed, family-friendly 13-mile, two-hour outing on four‑seat quadricycles along a historic Simpson Logging Company rail line; this guide lays out logistics, route stops, and what to bring.
⌖ 11.3 miCycle 13 miles round trip along a historic Simpson Logging Company rail line on four‑seated quadricycles for a relaxed, family‑friendly 2‑hour outing; this guide distills the route, logistics, and what to expect.
⌖ 17.5 miA private 90-minute charter from Boston Harbor Marina aboard the 28’ classic motorboat Manna, offering views of Mt. Rainier and the Olympic Mountains with a professional captain and complimentary beverages.
⌖ 18.8 miHourly to multi-day single, tandem kayak and paddleboard rentals from Hood Canal Adventures, with safety briefings, maps and flexible return times — this guide explains what to bring, route options and practical details.
⌖ 19.5 miA 3-day rental of a sit-on-top kayak, sit-inside kayak, or a 10'6" hybrid stand-up paddleboard with life vests and paddles included—this guide explains craft choices, capacities, and what to expect on the water.
⌖ 19.6 miA Hood Canal Adventures–guided, two‑hour night kayak that brings you into waters alive with bioluminescent plankton; this guide explains what to expect, how the experience unfolds, and what to bring.
⌖ 22.2 miA guided walk-and-wade fly-fishing day in Puget Sound that targets Sea Run Cutthroat and seasonal salmonids, with expert instruction and quality gear to maximize learning and fishable time.
Make the most of your visit to Union, Washington with these essential planning tips, seasonal events, and protected lands.
Union, Washington is surrounded by incredible protected natural lands offering pristine trails, wildlife habitats, and wilderness conservation.
Olympic National Park in Washington offers an unparalleled mix of ecosystems, from temperate rainforests to rugged mountains and pristine coastline, appealing to nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.
Home to the iconic, towering Mount Rainier, this national park offers stunning alpine scenery and diverse outdoor activities for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Deception Pass State Park is one of Washington's most visited parks, known for its stunning landscapes that include rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, lush forests, and picturesque islands.
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest offers diverse landscapes ranging from rugged mountain peaks to tranquil river valleys, attracting outdoor enthusiasts with its multifaceted recreation opportunities.
Be prepared for rainy weather even in summer; pack rain gear.
Cell service can be limited; download offline maps before visiting.
Respect wildlife and follow Leave No Trace principles in all protected areas.
Check trail and forest conditions ahead, especially after winter storms.
Always check local regulations, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and weather forecasts before setting out on any adventure in Union, Washington. Respect nature, wildlife, and fellow adventurers by following Leave No Trace principles.