Microbrews, micro post. I know the term ‘microbrew’ got replaced by ‘craft beer,’ but I feel like that switch happened on a dime and I look old when I slip up and say ‘microbrew.’ Either way, there’s great beer to be had here after any hike, from coast to mountains.
It is tradition for me to go to Hood Canal Brewery in Kingston after hiking Dungeness Spit. This small brewery is practically a hidden gem–tucked away in a warehouse you will find delicious beer, and it is close enough to the Edmonds ferry that you don’t have to worry as much about the line. I’m pretty stuck in my habits, because I get an Agate Pass amber and the smoked salmon snack every time too. Why mess with success?
Hood Canal Brewery does make a wide assortment of seasonals and flagships, some in bottles, some on tap. My friend likes smoked beers and was thrilled to find a bottle of their smoked amber to bring home, and she got a small sampler (pictured above) to drink as it was her first time there. They have a big garage door that opens to a small outdoor seating area. Even on a Saturday afternoon the place wasn’t too crowded, so we had our pick of seats. Despite our mild sun damage from our hike, we opted for outside. We had a super friendly server but after one beer, it was time to brave the ferry line.
In summary (to the best of my knowledge)…
- Full kitchen: No
- All-ages: Unsure
- Dog friendly: Unsure, maybe on the patio?
- Merch: Yes (glassware, hats, apparel)
- Coasters: Yes
- Live music: No
- Outdoor seating: Uncovered patio
Perhaps better known to hop-headded hikers is Snoqualmie Falls Brewing–the proximity to I-90 means it’s not uncommon to see other thirsty hikers refueling there. However, when Marissa from Postcards to Seattle and I went, it was not full of hikers…it was full of children. For the day we hiked Talapus and Olallie Lakes was no ordinary day for the city of Snoqualmie–Thomas the Tank Engine was in town.
Let’s pretend for the sake of this review that Thomas was *not* in town–as it really is a great stop on the way back home and thankfully Thomas travels the rails all over the country. This big two-story brewery has ample seating, a big taplist, and a full kitchen. My favorite forget-the-great-workout-you-just-had dish here is the cheesy garlic bread, but they have far healthier fare as well. My favorite beer here is their spring seasonal Spring Fever Grand Cru, but their flagship pale was a fair understudy. They also sell bottles so you can pick up some of these seasonals as well. In addition to the beers on their laminated menu they had a few specials, including a Citra IPA, so make sure to ask your server!
In summary (to the best of my knowledge)…
- Full kitchen: Yes
- All-ages: Yes
- Dog friendly: No
- Merch: Yes (apparel and accessories mostly)
- Coasters: Yes
- Live music: Yes
- Outdoor seating: No
However, if you’ve been going to Snoqualmie Falls for years after hiking (or just want to avoid The Train That Shall Not Be Named), there’s a new brewery in town. No Boat Brewing Co. is also in Snoqualmie, and is fairly new to the scene–they opened last fall. They are in a massive green and black building that’s hard to miss. Don’t let their newness fool you–they have some pretty tasty beers, with witty names to boot. I know name doesn’t change the way a beer tastes, but it sure makes a beer more memorable. If you like sours, their flagship Gose & Gander is delicious, and a nice 3.8% alcohol if you’re the one driving home after the hike. I liked their flagship Illuminaughty Simcoe IIPA and seasonal Gutter Palate Citra IIPA myself–these beers are in 12 oz. tulip glasses to help you not over-do it. They had an event going towards a dog shelter or rescue group when we were there–right on for philanthropic breweries! This event included live music indoors, but we opted for the sunshine outside. They do have seats under a canopy or seats in the sun.
No Boat floats my boat on any sunny day with their outdoor seating, but check their hours, as they are closed some weekdays and open late on others.
- Full kitchen: No, but food trucks often there–check their website
- All-ages: Yes
- Dog friendly: Yes
- Merch: Yes (apparel and hats)
- Coasters: Yes
- Live music: Yes
- Outdoor seating: Yes–some shaded from sun
This looks so fun! The PNW has lots of amazing breweries.
There are so many! Keep finding new ones I have yet to try.
Fun! I have been to Snoqualmie Falls before, but haven’t heard of the other two.
No Boat is brand spankin’ new. My bf had to sell his sailboat, so we found it an appropriate place to say goodbye!