Top 15 Things To Do in Union, Washington
Tucked where tidal flats meet fir-lined roads, Union is a small coastal gateway with outsized access to water-based adventures and quiet shoreline trails. Think salt-air mornings, low-tide shelling, and afternoons spent on kayaks or a rented skiff chasing estuary light. This guide stitches practical planning—boat rental basics, best months for safe paddling, and how to layer for marine winds—into an on-the-ground sense of place. Use it to plan a flexible trip that blends scenic boat tours, DIY kayaking and SUP sessions, walking and photography tours along the coast, and a few eco-focused outings that highlight migratory birds and intertidal life.
Top 15 Things To Do in Union
Ranked by number of available trips • Each activity type links to all experiences
Why Union Belongs on Your Adventure Shortlist
Union is the kind of coastal town that rewards a slow arriving: ferries of clouds drifting across the bay, tide charts that double as a schedule for the day, and a subtle rhythm set by gulls and boat wakes. The dominant draw is water—wide, shallow estuaries and open nearshore that suit a broad mix of water activities. Kayak and SUP outings can be as serene or as exploratory as you like: paddle out of a sheltered cove at dawn and you’ll have glassy water and seabirds on the hunt; launch later and ride a breeze on a short downwind run. Outfitters in the region tend to be small operations, which translates to intimate boat tours and personalized boat rental service that’s ideal for photographers or families.
Beyond paddling, Union’s coastal edges encourage walking tours and photography walks. Low tides reveal a living map of shellfish beds, tidal pools and exposed sandbars—an eco tour guide can point out seasonal migrations and explain local restoration efforts. For travelers who want distance without technical demands, gentle hiking and shore rambling pair well with a city tour or bus tour that puts local culture and coastal history in context. If you’re chasing deeper adventure, sailing and small-boat excursions open up nearshore islands, while scuba opportunities and guided photography tours can add a technical, immersive layer to your trip. Practical edge: tides matter here. Plan put-ins and pick-ups around tide tables, check wind forecasts before heading out on a SUP or kayak, and consider a guided boat tour if currents are strong or weather is uncertain.
Access and logistics are simple by design: small harbors, a handful of boat rental shops, and local guides who know the best put-ins and the safest sheltered routes. That means you can stitch together a morning kayak, an afternoon walking tour, and an evening photography session without a lot of dead time between activities.
Union’s scale is its advantage. You’ll find no big-box outfitters here—just hands-on service and local knowledge. That translates to better shuttle advice, nuanced eco-tour itineraries, and a greater chance of spotting wildlife from a quiet boat or a shoreline viewpoint.
Best Time to Visit
Best Months
Weather Notes
Coastal Pacific Northwest conditions: cool mornings, mild afternoons, and an afternoon sea breeze most summer days. Expect more rain outside the late-spring–early-fall window and cooler water temperatures year-round; marine layers and wind protection matter more than raw air temperature.
Peak Season
July and August bring the warmest, driest conditions and the most activity rentals—book boat tours and rentals in advance.
Off-Season Opportunities
Shoulder months (May, September) deliver quieter harbors, strong migration windows for birding, and lower prices. Winter months offer storm watching and dramatic light but require weather-aware planning and often pre-booked guided outings.
Choose Your Adventure Level
Beginner
Short sheltered paddles, easy beach walks, and low-effort photography tours. Great for families and those new to coastal conditions.
- Half-day kayak near a sheltered cove (guided or rental)
- Gentle walking tour of the harborfront and tidal flats
- Intro SUP session in calm estuary water
Intermediate
Longer downwind paddles, mixed tide awareness, and guided eco tours with moderate observation and navigation skills.
- Guided kayak tour across an estuary to a birding spit
- Photography tour timed to low tide for intertidal detail
- Boat rental for a half-day exploring nearby nearshore islands
Advanced
Open-water crossings, surf sessions, technical scuba, and sailing that require planning, weather savvy, and advanced skills or a certified guide.
- Sailing trip to offshore points with experienced crew
- Scuba diving with a local operator on regional reefs
- Long-distance kayak or downwind SUP with tidal planning and shuttle
What to Bring
Essential
- Layers—windproof outer layer and insulating mid-layer for coastal breezes
- Waterproof phone case or small dry bag
- Tide table or app and a quick local tide briefing before launch
- Comfortable water shoes for rocky put-ins and exposed tidal flats
- Personal flotation device (PFD) — required for most rentals
Recommended
- Light daypack with snacks and a refillable water bottle
- Sunglasses with retainer and hat for glare control on the water
- Compact first-aid kit and whistle for solo paddles
- Camera with a weather-sealed body or a protective housing
Optional
- Binoculars for birding on eco tours
- Wetsuit or neoprene layers if you plan on surfing or scuba
- Dry shoes or sandals for post-paddle comfort
- Portable battery for long photography sessions
Insider Tips & Local Knowledge
Check tides and winds before you go; many launch sites are tide-dependent. Local outfitters will often give an on-the-spot safety briefing—listen closely.
Start early for glassy-water paddles and soft morning light that flatters shoreline photography. If tide tables look tricky, book a guided boat tour or rent a boat with an experienced operator who can advise on pick-up windows. For wildlife and eco tours, target shoulder seasons when migrations concentrate birds and marine life; these tours are often smaller and more focused off-peak. Finally, slow down—Union’s small scale rewards those who trade a long checklist for deeper time on the water or at a single sandbar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a kayak or SUP on the same day?
Often yes in shoulder and low season, but during summer weekends rentals can sell out—reserve ahead if you need specific equipment sizes or guided instruction.
Is the water safe for casual swimming?
Nearshore and estuary waters are cold year-round and can have strong currents; swimmers should use caution and choose designated swim areas when available. For short dips, a wetsuit is recommended.
Do I need a guide for wildlife viewing or photography tours?
Guides add local knowledge and access to less-visited coves, which improves wildlife encounters and composition opportunities—recommended for photographers and first-time visitors.