I have the opportunity to use a timeshare in Union, Wash., in mid-September. I'm trying to determine how convenient it is to Olympic National Park -- is there an entrance on the southeast side of the park? How's Union itself? Any advice would be most appreciated.

Union is a very small town on Hood Canal, about 100 miles from Port Angeles (gateway to Hurricane Ridge), much of it on a two-lane road part of which is scenic. A new up-scale hotel-convention center complex opened in Union recently (it has an expensive restaurant). Nearby Hoodsport has a range of services. I think entrances to ONP on the east side are mainly for hiking.

As jimshelp said, Union is a very small town if you can even call it a town. That being said, it could be a perfect spot to relax. Mid-September should be beautiful there. If you are staying in the time shares I know of you will be just across the Hwy(106) from the canal. There is a very small beach. There is a "resort" called Alderbrook in walking distance to your time share. It was recently purchased by the Gates family and has been greatly improved. There is a pool and a golf course. We have friends who retired to Union and they are happy as clams. You will be about 20 minutes (maybe less) from the town of Shelton. There are restaurants, grocery stores and the like there. It is a good 1 1/2 hours to Port Angeles and the entrance to the park. You are a shorter distance (maybe 1 hour) to Port Townsend which is a sweet little town with many interesting shops,restaurants to poke around in. I personally like the Fountain Steps Cafe in Port Townsend.

I grew up spending weeks at Alderbrook every summer. It's a very relaxed place unless it's shrimping season then boats line up at the dock to cook their catch. The main entrance to the Park is from Port A, but the route to Staircase is via Lake Cushman just a few minutes from Union. Staircase is a great day hiking route or you can just keep going for days.

Thanks, everyone. I think I will pursue this chance.