From Brinnon to Alderbrook
Where Retirees Find Their Next Adventure
The hour-long journey from Brinnon to Alderbrook Properties isn't just a drive—it's a preview of the life waiting at the other end. As you point south on U.S. Highway 101, leaving the outpost of Brinnon behind, the road unfolds like a promise: Hood Canal shimmering to your left, the rugged Olympic Mountains rising to your right, and mile after mile of evergreen forests reminding you that you are in the heart of the Pacific Northwest.
It is the route many retirees take when they first visit Alderbrook, and it's the same one they retrace in memory long after they've called it home. The scenery doesn't just pass by—it invites you in.
The Journey South
Starting from Brinnon, where Dosewallips State Park meets the edge of Olympic National Forest, Highway 101 winds southward through some of the most pristine landscapes in Washington. Each curve reveals something new: glimpses of water through the trees or of snowy peaks silhouetted against the sky; the kind of views that make you slow down and appreciate the moment.
About halfway through your drive, the Hama Hama Oyster Saloon appears on the waterside—a beloved stop where locals and travelers alike pull over for fresh oysters and the kind of unhurried conversation that defines life on the Canal. It's the sort of place retirees discover on their first visit and return to weekly once they've moved in, bringing visiting grandchildren or out-of-town friends who need convincing that yes, this place is real.
Continuing south, fans of four-legged friends might want to note the Roam Wolfdog Sanctuary for another visit, where you can participate in a "Hike and Howl". You'll next turn left onto Highway 106, going over the scenic Skokomish River and winding through the valley past historic Hunter Farms. You'll arrive shortly in the small community of Union with its cozy shops and restaurants, where Alderbrook residents gather for morning coffee overlooking the water and for dinners that feel both sophisticated and refreshingly unpretentious.
Arriving at Your Next Chapter
When you see the historical Dalby Water Wheel on your right, you will soon arrive at the Alderbrook Resort & Spa. Turning right, the road climbs and winds through towering evergreens until suddenly the forest opens and you arrive at the heart of the community: the Alderbrook Golf & Yacht Club.
The 18-hole championship course spreads before you, fairways carved through forest with glimpses of Hood Canal beyond. It isn't just scenery—it's an unparalleled lifestyle with unlimited golf for homeowners, encouraging you to play as much or as little as you want. Some residents are out here every morning. Others prefer the occasional round with neighbors. Either way, it's your choice.
Away From the Rush, Life At Your Pace
By the time you pull into Alderbrook Properties, the hour from Brinnon has done its work. You've entered a place designed for active retirees seeking not an ending, but a beginning. It is where the adventure continues—where mornings begin with mist filtering through the trees, where afternoons are spent on the fairway or kayaking quiet inlets, where evenings gather neighbors around fire pits under impossibly clear skies.
Alderbrook isn't a retreat from life. It's life as it was meant to be lived: unhurried, surrounded by nature, connected to community, and open to whatever comes next. For retirees who've spent decades earning their freedom, this is their pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
The directions from Brinnon are simple. The decision to stay is even simpler.
Discover why life is better at Alderbrook. Explore our available homesites and start building your golf course retreat today. See examples of our homes by clicking here.
