Rainy Day Rambles: Breakfast, Trout, and the Beauty of Hood Canal
- Wizard of Wandering
- 12 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Some people wait for sunshine to go exploring—but we say the Pacific Northwest is best enjoyed in all its moody, misty glory. On a recent gray and drizzly morning, we packed up our coffee mugs, hopped in the car, and set out from our home base in Gig Harbor in search of warm food, scenic drives, and maybe a little future adventure planning.
First Stop: Dry Fly Café in Port Orchard
If you haven’t been to the Dry Fly Café, let us be the ones to give you a very enthusiastic nudge in that direction. Nestled near the greens of Trophy Lake Golf & Casting, it’s cozy, welcoming, and exactly the kind of place that makes you feel like you're on a proper outing—even in rain boots.
Breakfast was fantastic—think hearty plates, local flavors, and strong coffee that warmed us right up. We lingered a little longer than planned, soaking in the rustic charm and chatting with the friendly staff.
Wait—Golf and Fishing?
Here’s a fun discovery: the golf course next door, Trophy Lake Golf & Casting, isn’t just for golfers. Turns out they have also stocked their ponds for fly fishing! Want to learn to fly fish? They have lessons! Check the site for the schedule of lessons.
We’re already plotting a sunnier return trip to try our hand at casting for trout after a round of golf (or, let’s be honest, breakfast and a walk).
Hood Canal Cruising
After breakfast, we pointed the car toward Hood Canal and let the winding roads guide us past tall trees, quiet waterfronts, and the shimmering reflections of low-hanging clouds. We made our way down past the always-lovely Alderbrook Resort (a destination in itself) to the little town of Union, where the views are big and the vibe is peaceful.
With the windshield wipers still going, we looped our way back home, feeling like we’d uncovered another secret corner of the Sound—one that’s just as lovely in the rain as it is in the sun.
Trip Tips
Dry Fly Café opens early, so it’s perfect for breakfast lovers.
Check the Trophy Lake Golf & Casting website for hours and events.
The drive along Hood Canal is stunning in any weather, but especially magical when the clouds hang low over the water.
Don’t forget a rain jacket, a thermos of something hot, and your sense of adventure.
And we brought our pup, McKenna, who had a fun romp on a "shortcut" road we took from Hood Canal on our way back home!
Whether you're chasing sunshine or embracing the rain, this little loop from Gig Harbor to Port Orchard, Union, and back is a great way to spend the day—and gather ideas for your next day trip.
Got a favorite rainy day route? Let us know! We love exploring your recommendations, too.
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