The luxurious Alderbrook Resort and Spa has welcomed guests since 1913 to its lovely 88-acre property nestled among old growth trees overlooking the Hood Canal. It appears to be a large resort with its sprawling grounds, but in actuality, it is more of a boutique hotel with 77 rooms and 16 cottages. Visitors are drawn to its sense of isolation and with 5 miles of trails onsite it is easy to get back to nature. The Hood Canal is actually a fjord carved by glaciers not a manmade body of water and it is stunning. Nearby is Olympic National Park making this a perfect destination.
Original resort guests arrived by canoe as there were no roads in 1913 and the accommodations were rustic wood-framed canvas tents. In 2001, North Forty Lodging bought the Alderbrook Resort and created the luxury enclave it is today. It kept the historic feel of the resort, including the big trees, and beautifully refurbished everything. The lovely gardens have a natural forest feel and include a revitalized stream with resting pools running throughout the property, creating a habitat for salmon.
Located in the quiet hamlet of Union, Washington, the resort draws guests from nearby Portland, and Seattle, both with international airports. The drive once you exit Interstate 5 is beautifully scenic with views of the Olympic Mountains and the Hood Canal.
Thank you to Osborne Northwest Public Relations and the Alderbrook Resort for hosting me on a Press Trip to learn more about this iconic property.
Year Round Golf
The golf at Alderbrook is magnificent. The PGA-class, par 72 course is consistently ranked as one of the top 25 courses in the Northwest due to its playability and stunning scenery. It is still considered a hidden gem due to its off-the-beaten-path location. The course is surrounded by massive evergreen and Douglas fir trees and offers spectacular views of the craggy Olympic Mountains and the Hood Canal. Deer can often be seen on the fairway, or you may see a bald eagle circling overhead.
The restaurant at Alderbrook Golf is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a great selection. On weekends, the prime rib is very popular with locals.
Cottages
All the accommodations at Alderbrook are luxurious, but if you really want to step it up, book a cottage. These historic buildings are like your own private beach house. Each is nestled among the tranquil resort gardens with gorgeous views of the Hood Canal. Cozy up to the gas fireplace with a glass of wine from the Cameo Boutique located next door to the resort. It carries a variety of local wine including some from the Olympic Peninsula.
The beautifully decorated cottages have fully equipped kitchens, luxury linens with down comforters, and comfy living room furniture. The amenities don’t end in the cottage, outside on your deck you have access to outdoor barbecue grills and fire pits, lawn games, Adirondack chairs, and a beach swimming area.
5 Miles Of Hiking Trails
The hiking trails at Alderbrook are truly unique. First, they are private for use only by resort guests. The trails were designed and built specifically for the site to take advantage of the natural scenery and beautiful trees. Developed with a good, well-drained base, the trails are usable year-round and don’t turn into muddy messes in the rainy season. Trails are available for every age and skill level. Two short hikes are perfect to stretch your legs after a meal. The Viewpoint Loop is .5 miles and wanders in and out of the forest and has a bench at the top to enjoy the view. The Big Tree Loop as its name suggests offers hikes around a base of giant fir trees which escaped the logger’s saw.
Shinrin Yoku Or Forest Bathing
Take the Big Tree Loop trail on a self-guided walk to experience Shinrin Yoku, also known as Forest Bathing. Grab a brochure from the concierge, spa, or in kiosks in the lobby. There are six stations and the brochure offers guided meditations. There are two dynamics to Shinrin Yoku: the first is the benefits of the forest, specifically the phytoncides or essential oils on our body. Secondly is the awareness of these benefits. Become a playful, curious child and soak in all the benefits of the forest.
Geocache
Stop by the front desk or concierge to pick up a GPS to go on a high-tech treasure hunt. There are hidden containers located throughout the resort and trails which lead to prizes. Geared for kids but adults will enjoy the thrill of the hunt as well.
Dining
There are a variety of dining options available at Alderbrook. At the restaurant, the food is thoughtfully sourced from local purveyors when possible, to create Northwest cuisine. Think farm stand salads and wild caught salmon, local oysters right from Alderbrook’s own oyster beds. Make sure to make reservations.
The Hook & Fork is located 2 miles down the Hood Canal and is Alderbrook’s off-site dining venue. Just open Thursday–Sunday, enjoy fresh local food and drink created by Chef Sara Harvey.
If you have a group of at least 10, you can arrange an immersive culinary experience at the Gathering Grove. It begins by walking through Alderbrook’s private old-growth forest where a knowledgeable guide will teach you about local foraging and mushroom picking. Enjoy a meal prepared for you in the Gathering Grove, an outdoor dining venue immersed in nature. Work with the sales team to schedule this special experience.
The Spa At Alderbrook
What is a weekend away without a little pampering? Walking into the spa, you are immediately surrounded by the sounds and smells of nature. The gentle sounds of trickling water and the aroma of cedar and evergreen echo’s the natural surroundings of the Alderbrook Resort. There are 34 different spa treatments available including massages, facials, body wraps, and treatments for your hands and feet. The Signature Massage uses deep tissue techniques including the use of basalt stones while soothing aromatherapy whisks away all your stress. Make sure to book well in advance. The spa is currently booking 6 weeks out.
Additional Activities
While Alderbrook is the perfect place to relax, there are also lots of activities right on the property. The indoor saltwater pool is heated to a warm 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This is not your typical indoor hotel pool. It is large and surrounded by large windows overlooking the Hood Canal. From inside the pool, it appears to flow right into it. A fully-equipped fitness center is available. Out on the pier are kayaks and stand-up paddle boards available for rent.
Inside the lobby is a board posting activities available during the month. Yoga is offered twice a week, an evening playing board games with cookies to snack on, and a guided Fungi trail walk are just a few of the many things to do. The resort has an onsite yacht, the Lady Alderbrook which is used for a variety of activities throughout the year including a sightseeing cruise or special events. New this year in what will soon become a Pacific northwest tradition is a roundtrip cruise from the resort to the Hood Canal’s North Pole set up at the Union City Market where the little ones will receive a gift from Santa. Shopping is available at the market. Cocoa and cookies are served for refreshments. What a fun adventure.
No matter if the weather is the grey cloudiness of the rainy season, the vibrant colors of fall foliage, spring’s promise of a new beginning, or the warm rays of the summer sun, it is always a good time to visit the lovely Alderbrook Resort and Spa.
