Course Review: Salish Cliffs Golf Club

Course Overview

Location: Shelton, WA (Kamilche Valley), about 20 minutes from Olympia and roughly 70 minutes from Seattle

Course Type: Public, resort-access (part of the Little Creek Casino Resort property)

Par & Yardage: Par 72, up to 7,269 yards from the back tees

Designer & Opened: Gene Bates, opened in 2011

Notable Features: 600 feet of elevation changes, a 15,000 sq-ft double green (holes 9 and 18), bentgrass across tees/fairways/greens, and the first “Salmon-Safe” certified golf course in the world

Quick Take: Salish Cliffs is a strong test of golf with plenty of variety. It’s tough but fair, and the conditions live up to the hype. You’ll get Pacific Northwest forest views, dramatic elevation swings, and a layout where no two holes feel the same. It’s also tied into Little Creek Casino Resort, which makes it perfect for a full weekend trip. Summer is the best time to play, since the wet months can soften things up.

Detailed Course Breakdown

Course Difficulty – 7.5/10

This isn’t a casual stroll. Elevation changes, tight driving corridors, and big greens with movement demand smart play. Stray off line and you’ll be punching out of the trees.

• Who’s it best for? Mid- to low-handicappers will find plenty of shot-making opportunities. Higher handicaps can still enjoy it, but playing forward tees makes a big difference.

• Key challenges:

  • Club selection changes constantly with uphill and downhill lies

  • Greens are large but slopey, so approach accuracy matters

  • Recovery shots can be tough if you miss wide

• Tee breakdown: Five sets of tees, from 7,269 yards down to 5,313 yards.

Pro Tip: Keeping the ball in play is rewarded out there. 

Scenery – 7/10

Set in the Kamilche Valley, the course is surrounded by thick forests and rolling hills. It’s a true Pacific Northwest setting, but it doesn’t quite have the jaw-dropping backdrops of mountain or coastal courses. Still, the finish around the 9th and 18th double green with water and wetlands is a highlight. Summer views are best, while offseason rounds can feel a bit gray.

Walkability – N/A

Walking is not allowed. Salish Cliffs is cart-only, and for good reason. The routing has long stretches between holes and 600 feet of elevation changes. The GPS carts are comfortable and add some fun with live scoring and tips.

Course Conditions & Maintenance – 8.5/10

The course is consistently in very good shape. Bentgrass greens roll true and fairways are well maintained. Bunkers are tidy and consistent. In peak summer, conditions can feel nearly tournament-ready. In fall and winter, the course holds more water and can play longer than the card suggests. You can catch the greens rolling pretty slow in the offseason as well.

Amenities & Food – 8/10

Clubhouse: Modern with a wraparound deck overlooking the 9th and 18th

• Restaurant: The Salish Cliffs Grille serves solid post-round food and drinks

• Casino/Resort: Little Creek Casino Resort is next door, making stay-and-play packages a great option. Awesome casino with slots, poker, blackjack, a sportsbook bar, and more.

Pro shop & rentals: Solid pro shop, nothing to write home about.

Practice Facilities – 7/10

Full driving range, dedicated chipping green, and good-sized putting green.

The driving range has you hitting down a ways, so not great for dialing in your yardages.

Value for Money – 7/10

You’ll pay more than a muni, but it’s worth it for the design, conditions, and overall experience. Rates run higher in peak season, but if you time it for a summer round, you’ll get great value.

Overall Rating – 8.3/10

Salish Cliffs is one of Western Washington’s must-play courses. The layout is challenging without being punishing, conditions are strong, and the experience is elevated by the resort tie-in. It’s not the most dramatic scenery in the PNW, but it’s still beautiful and fun to play.

Best For: Golfers who enjoy a fair challenge, resort-style amenities, and the idea of making a weekend of it. Bonus if you enjoy a night or two at a casino!

Would we recommend? Absolutely. Book it for a summer round, bring your game, and consider staying overnight at the resort for the full package.