A Little Fun Up North 101
This drive is at its absolute best on a sunny weekend, but the really ideal way to do this drive is to spend the night at the Alderbrook, have breakfast, and then do the drive. You'll skip traffic and really have an easy relaxing day.
A Little Fun Up North 101
Departure Time:
07:00 AM or PM - Read below for more information
Car Checklist:
Good tires
A full tank of fuel before you depart
Optional: Washington Parks Discover Pass or $10 cash
Dan's Notes:
This drive is at its absolute best on a sunny weekend, but the really ideal way to do this drive is to spend the night at the Alderbrook, have breakfast, and then do the drive. You'll skip traffic and really have an easy relaxing day. Depending on what you feel like and how traffic is in Tacoma, you might choose to take the Seattle to Bremerton Ferry. If there's no traffic it doesn't actually save you any time, but it is a nice way to start the trip.
Once you're on the road, your first real stop will be The Alderbrook Resort and Spa. DO NOT SPEED ON THE WAY TO ALDERBROOK ON 106! In my opinion, this is the best place to get breakfast in the state and probably the best view while having it. They have a great spa as well and Prime members will find a discount here too. The road to and from the Alderbrook is in excellent condition and there are plenty of photo opportunities on the way. Watch your speed however and especially watch for multiple driveways. This is a great road to enjoy the view on; it won't disappoint you.
The next stop is Fort Flagler. You'll need a Washington Discover Pass here if you want to stay a while or you can pay $10 at the gate. You can also buy one ahead of time and print it from home via the link above or here. There is free short term parking down by the Beachcomber Cafe, but you won't be able to explore the park too much since you need to drive around. You'll want to go left for the beach and for the cafe, but the gun batteries are to your right. It's a fun spot to explore a little so I've included the link to the park here.
Your next stop is lunch and another great view with photo ops at The Inn at Port Ludlow restaurant, The Fireside. It's important to call ahead and make sure you can get reservations as the restaurant is very popular at all times of the day.
Next is a short drop south to Port Gamble and Gamble Bay Coffee. DON'T SPEED INTO PORT GAMBLE. Why the coffee stop? Nothing more than the sign actually. It's a great spot for a cup of coffee and a photo in front of the old service station sign. You should take some time to walk around if you haven't. It's a cute little town and a fun stop.
After that quick break it's time for dessert! The road south isn't too interesting, but Mora Iced Creamery is worth every mile. The ice cream is great and all, but the hot cakes will blow your mind! After you're stuffed full of delicious regret you can hop on the Bainbridge to Seattle ferry which departs every 40 minutes or so back to Seattle.
No Sleep Till, BROOKLYN! TAVERN!
True story, I found out about this place while talking to a guy who was drunk out of his mind who just got out of prison while at Nitro Circus. He kept rambling about this awesome dive bar he found in the middle of nowhere with a spittoon in the floor until his friend passed out and puked all over the floor and they had to leave.
No Sleep Till Brooklyn
Scenic, short, and partially unpaved: Via 12 and NF-68900
Paved: Via 101
Scenic Long: Seattle Ferry - Alderbrook Resort and Spa
Departure Time:
Route 1 or 2: 10:00
Route 3: 07:00
Car Checklist:
Good tires if taking option 1, but services are plentiful along this trip.
Dan's Notes:
True story, I found out about this place while talking to a guy who was drunk out of his mind who just got out of prison while at Nitro Circus. He kept rambling about this awesome dive bar he found in the middle of nowhere with a spittoon in the floor until his friend passed out and puked all over the floor and they had to leave. Turns out, he was right about the bar! This place is great! It's Washington's most remote bar, but not actually that far away from the Seattle area. The food is limited to Totino's Pizzas from a toaster oven, skillet fried burgers, and hot dogs.. or chili dogs if you want them to crack open a can of Nalley Chili. It's beer and wine only, with only Coors Light on tap, but the most expensive beer in the place is $4, most are $3. There's porn used for wallpaper in both bathrooms, a spittoon indeed does run through the floor (but you're told not to piss in it), and it's an SJW's worst nightmare. It's the best dive bar I've found to date. I've posted 3 different ways to get there as I think it's worth knowing your options.
The Drive:
Route 1: The scenic, short, and unpaved route.
This is the route my friends and I took on our way down, which is the most direct route, but about 20 miles or so is unpaved. The road is in fair condition for being gravel and a friend in a low Focus RS had no trouble with it, but I don't recommend it for anyone with an extremely low car. It's doable in any other standard car and a beautiful drive with rewarding curves.
Departing the Seattle area, head south on 5 until you hit exit 99 and head left to the Pilot Fuel Stop and McDonald's. This is an optional stop, but I recommend getting out to stretch your legs here, fuel up, and get some snacks if you need it. My nephew Andrew works at McDonald's there - tell him hello for me if you swing by. Instead of getting back on I-5 south, head back over the overpass and get onto Littlerock Rd SW. It's an easy little drive and better than more miles on the interstate. You'll wind through some small towns and eventually find yourself on Garrard Creek Rd / NF-6880/6890. This road would be an absolute blast in a sports car until you hit the gravel section. The gravel section offers some beautiful views of Capitol Forrest, but could be very treacherous after a few beers at the Tavern. We saw an Accord that missed a curve and ended up down a 30 foot embankment about half way through. You'll stay on this road until you arrive at the Brooklyn Tavern on your right.
Route 2: Paved the Whole Way, Supercar Friendly
Instead of making your way down to exit 99, you basically just follow the signs to get to 101. The Brooklyn Tavern is just 18 miles east of 101, off N River / Brooklyn Road. This road is a blast to drive with sparse housing, great corners, and scenic views. I took this way back from the Tavern and was surprised it was only about 15 minutes longer than the more direct, scenic route that included the gravel section. Doing the route again I'd probably take this route just to take the Corvette on the more fun section of the road. At only 124 miles, I didn't include any stops on this route since it's a simple drive with plenty of fuel and convenience stops along the way.
Route 3: The Long (Best) Way
This best way to get anywhere is the long way. This route will make a whole day of the event, get you on a ferry, and get a great breakfast in (reservations via OpenTable recommended). Start the day by heading to the Seattle Ferry Terminal. Ferry times can vary, so check here before you go. You'll arrive in Bremerton and make your way down to the popular Alderbrook Resort and Spa in Union, WA. Highway 106 to Alderbrook is a gorgeous drive, but don't be in too much of a hurry. You'll be going through tight roads with beachfront houses and police who like to sit in the parks and wait for you. Arrive at the Alderbrook and have one of the best breakfasts around, with Chicken Fried Steak to die for or the amazing French Toast. Take a walk out to the dock and admire the beauty of Hood Canal before departing. If you've got a partner who wants a spa day, this is a great destination. They offer a discount for most tech employees in the area too! If you want, you could go back home this way and stay the night, but since the food at Brooklyn is extremely basic, you might want to get a good meal in here first.
After you've had your fill of amazing food, it's time to get some cheap beer and food at The Brooklyn. Head on down to 101 south and enjoy the empty roads between, but remember, the Washington State Patrol training ground is in Shelton and they love patrolling 101. Take it easy until the turn off to N River Rd to Brooklyn Tavern (on the left).
