Accommodations

Mike’s Beach Resort (38470 Hwy. 101, Lilliwaup, 360/877-5324 or 800/231-5324, www.mikesbeachresort.com [1], $20 per person hostel, $70–130 d) is a fun and friendly place with a variety of accommodations, including dorm beds in a hostel with a full kitchen, cabins, and even Airstream RVs for rent. Tent spaces ($25) and RV hookups ($30) are also available, and pets are welcome throughout the resort. The main attraction here is the boat launch and dive facility; divers can fill tanks at the air station here, and for a fee even non-guests can launch boats or access the water from Mike’s beach. There’s great scuba diving at an artificial reef just offshore; ask about the eight-foot octopus.

Bayshore Motel (31503 Hwy. 101, 360/796-4220 or 800/488-4230, $55 s or d) has large and comfortable rooms.

Houseboats for Two (360/796-3440 or 800/966-5942, www.houseboats4two.com [2], $195–240 d) rents private one-bed houseboats afloat on Pleasant Harbor near Brinnon. The accommodations are luxurious and include a hot tub, fireplace, and pool. This is a favorite honeymoon spot.

Elk Meadows B&B (3485 Dosewallips Rd., 360/796-4886, www.elkmeadowswa.com [3], $95 d, no kids under 14) is a big ranch-style home three miles up Dosewallips Road in the heart of elk country. Two guest suites have private baths, and a full breakfast is served each morning.