VERDICT: We gave 4 out of 5 tickets and here’s why!
This guide forms part of our complete USA Travel Guide, featuring scenic road trips, iconic destinations, practical travel advice and honest first-hand travel experiences from across the United States.
Day 1: Historic Bridges, Sea Lions & Astoria’s Waterfront ✅
Day 2: Haystack Rock, Puffins & Oregon’s Most Beautiful Beach ✅
Day 3: Shipwrecks, Cheese & Portland’s Weird Side ✅
Day 4: Volcanoes, Forests & The Mountain That Changed America ✅
Day 5: Small-Town Charm, Ferries & The Journey Home ✅
Historic waterfront cottages, hot tubs and a tranquil Olympic Peninsula getaway
Robinhood Village Resort cabins are on Washington’s Hood Canal, near Union in Mason County. The resort sits in a forested creek setting with 15 unique cottages along Hood Canal and Big Bend Creek, and it has direct waterfront access.
The resort was built in 1934 by Don Beckman, a Hollywood set designer who worked on the original Robin Hood movie starring Errol Flynn. That’s where the “Robinhood” name comes from. It’s kept that historic, woodsy cabin feel, with many of the cottages right on the water or tucked into the trees.
The cabins are rustic but updated, several have private hot tubs, like ours. We had a small kitchenette with a fridge, microwave, kettle & cooktop. The bathroom had a shower & the towels plus bedding were clean & plentiful. We had a couch & TV plus a small table with some chairs to sit at.
Guests get free kayaks to paddle Hood Canal, where you’ll often see bald eagles, seals, and sometimes orcas. We were there in June and the kayaks were shut down for the season, so check on that before booking if that’s something you want to do. The area is known for hiking, diving, golfing, waterfalls, oyster picking, crabbing, clamming & fishing.
Location is a big draw: it’s walking distance to the award-winning Alderbrook Resort & Spa and Union Square Deli, and a 2-mile drive to Dos Margaritas, the Hook and Fork & not far from a great little bar called Model T Pub & Eatery (Hoodsport). The Olympic Mountains are right there, so you get mountain views over the fjord as you drive there.
It’s basically a quiet, historic Olympic Peninsula escape; a forested creek, canal views, eagles, & a hot tub after a day spent exploring.
About Union, Washington
Union is a small waterfront community on the southern shore of Hood Canal, one of only a handful of fjords in the continental United States. Originally established as a logging and fishing settlement in the late 1800s, today it has become a popular destination for travellers seeking a quieter alternative to the busier towns of the Olympic Peninsula.
The town is well known for its fresh oysters, marina, boating culture and spectacular sunsets over the Olympic Mountains. Despite its small size, Union offers several restaurants, cafés, accommodation options and easy access to Olympic National Forest, making it an excellent overnight stop for road trips through western Washington.
One of the area’s biggest attractions is its relaxed pace. Visitors come to disconnect, enjoy the scenery and experience the natural beauty that makes Hood Canal one of Washington State’s hidden gems.
Recreation Opportunities Nearby
Robin Hood Village Resort is ideally located for outdoor enthusiasts. Popular activities include:
- Kayaking and paddleboarding on Hood Canal
- Oyster harvesting (seasonal and licence required)
- Crabbing and clamming (seasonal)
- Salmon fishing
- Scuba diving in Hood Canal’s clear waters
- Hiking in Olympic National Forest
- Waterfall photography
- Wildlife watching including bald eagles, seals and occasional orcas
- Golf at Alderbrook Golf Course
- Scenic drives through the Olympic Peninsula
Getting Here
Driving Distances to Robin Hood Village Resort
- From Portland, Oregon: 145 miles (233 km) – approximately 2 hours 20 minutes via I-5 North and WA-106.
- From Seattle, Washington: 78 miles (126 km) – approximately 1 hour 35 minutes (or enjoy the scenic Seattle–Bremerton ferry followed by a 27-mile drive).
- From Castle Rock, Washington: 114 miles (183 km) – approximately 2 hours via I-5 North, US-101 and WA-106.
- From Astoria, Oregon: 175 miles (282 km) – approximately 3 hours 15 minutes, following US-101 north through the scenic Olympic Peninsula.
Need to stop for refreshments and coffee on the way? Make sure to stop at: Urraco Coffee
Did You Know?
- Hood Canal isn’t actually a canal. It’s a naturally formed fjord carved by glaciers during the last Ice Age, making it one of the few fjords in the contiguous United States.
- Robin Hood Village Resort dates back to 1934 and was inspired by the original The Adventures of Robin Hood film through its founder, Hollywood set designer Don Beckman.
- Hood Canal is famous for shellfish. The cool, nutrient-rich waters produce some of Washington State’s best oysters, clams and Dungeness crab, making the area a favourite destination for seafood lovers.
Continue Exploring Washington and Attractions
- Alderbrook Resort & Spa: A luxury waterfront resort featuring fine dining, spa treatments, marina access and beautiful Hood Canal views.
- Olympic National Forest: Thousands of kilometres of hiking trails, waterfalls, old-growth forests and scenic mountain drives begin just minutes away.
- Potlatch State Park: A peaceful waterfront park popular for kayaking, beach walks, shellfish harvesting and wildlife viewing.
- Lake Cushman: One of western Washington’s most beautiful lakes, offering boating, swimming, hiking and access to Staircase in Olympic National Park.
- Theler Wetlands Belfair Nature Preserve: Boardwalks, birdwatching, estuary habitats and easy walking trails make this an excellent stop for nature lovers.
Nearby Attractions
Planning Your Trip?
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