While Brinnon may be a tiny dot on your Google Map, it’s packed full of fun activities – as well as upscale accommodations – that make it the perfect place for a bleisure trip in Jefferson County. Whether you need to take some time alone to get some work done followed by serene hikes to clear your mind, or you want to bring the family for a workcation everyone will love, Brinnon has what you need! Check out some of the things to do in Brinnon on your bleisure trip in Jefferson County.
Dosewallips State Park
Doeswallips State Park is open year-round for day use and limited camping. Water is available year-round as well. Located on both sides of Highway 101, you can reach the beach on the west side. Here, you can even fish or collect clams, oysters and crabs, depending on the season. You also have access to the Dosewallips River. Swimming is allowed, but the current is strong, and the water is cold. Hiking and biking trails are located on both sides of Highway 101.
Bird and wildlife watchers will enjoy the park, where often elk are spotted. Bathrooms are located at each parking area: Some are portable toilets while others are full restroom facilities.
If you bring your own watercraft, head to Triton Cove State Park. There is an ADA-accessible boat launch at this State Park that is located 7 miles south of Dosewalips State Park.
Both parks required a Discover Pass.
Rocky Brook Falls
If you are a waterfall chaser or just want a short, serene walk to a beautiful, Instagram-worthy photo-op, check out Rocky Brook Falls. It’s one of the tallest waterfalls in the Olympic Peninsula. The classic horsetail waterfall has a 200-foot drop that spills majestically over huge rocks.
Don’t try and follow Google Maps to this location! Instead, turn onto Dosewallips Road off of Highway 101. Go about three miles over a very small bridge. Directly after the bridge, there will be parking on the left with wooden posts and some signs. The pathway to the Rocky Brook Falls is on the right. It’s an easy, mostly dirt path with a slight incline going about 200 yards. To really see the falls though, you will need to climb on some large rocks.
No pass required.
Hood Canal Adventures
Want to kayak or hike but would like a local to help you find the best spots? Check out Hood Canal Adventures for your bleisure trip. Operating year-round, kayak and hiking tours are available as long as the weather permits. “My favorite tour for fall is our Dosewallips Estuary Tour,” shares Christina Maloney, owner of Hood Canal Adventures. “The sun is low casting beautiful shadows, the trees are starting to turn hues of orange and gold, the salmon are running up the river, and the harbor seals are all around with their newborn pups. It’s really the most magical time of the year.”
They also do winter Forest Tours, including the Wild Mushrooms of the Olympic Peninsula and Waterfalls of the Olympic Peninsula. And if you are planning a workcation retreat with your coworkers, they can plan something just for you. “For organized groups, almost anything is possible,” Christina says. “We can coordinate custom tours to fit the needs of the group. We do it all the time for corporate retreats, team building, bachelor and bachelorette parties, schools, camps and more. On the water, in the forest, or both.”
Pallin’ Around Charters Dinner Cruise
There is nothing better after spending a day working with a view of the Harbor than to get out on the water. Pallin’ Around Charters allows you to do just that in a relaxed, easy atmosphere – and they will even feed you! Their dinner cruises are year-round and last three hours. If it gets chilly, just head inside to the heated cabin space. In the fall and winter, they also offer all-inclusive adventure weekends and scuba charters – perfect for those long bleisure travel weekends! Learn more about them in this article.
Whitney Gardens & Nursery
Located right off Highway 101 just after The Halfway House Restaurant, the Whitney Gardens & Nursery is a great place to mix business and travel. Bring your work, because they have free wi-fi and a comfortable visitors rest area. Check your emails while your spouse shops the nursery! Open since 1955, they have a huge selection of plants, including incredible hybrid rhododendrons. When your eyes need a screen break, wander the seven-acre garden for just a $1 fee. Like a mini-Butchart Gardens (without the need for a passport!) the garden has a wide variety of plants, all labeled, as well as water features and plenty of places to sit and just enjoy the beauty. It’s open year-round, so visits during the fall and winter are welcome!
Jefferson County Travel Tips
Avoid traffic by setting off your Olympic adventure on a Thursday for a long weekend, heading back on Monday or Tuesday. Or even head out on a Monday for a mid-week bleisure trip that misses all that weekend traffic. I drove up there on a Monday morning, and it was a breeze.
Take your bleisure trip during the off seasons! Not only will you miss construction, but lodging rates are usually lower, there’s better availability and you get to experience mother nature’s changes. These reasons make fall and winter perfect times to visit Brinnon to work, relax and recharge with a bleisure trip.
Ready to book your bleisure travel? Check out Pleasant Harbor Resort in Brinnon – with large rooms complete with a work table and high-speed internet provided by Starlink – it’s the perfect basecamp to work, relax and recharge. Learn more about all Jefferson County has to offer at the Enjoy the Olympic Peninsula website.
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