Waikiki Beach at Cape Disappointment (no relation to Hawaii’s famous beach) is a small, protected cove nestled beneath towering cliffs. It offers dramatic views of Cape Disappointment Lighthouse and the massive waves that crash against the jetty during storms. The beach got its unusual name from Hawaiian Pacific Fur Company employees who were stationed nearby […]
Beaches for Camping
Dash Point State Park
Dash Point State Park offers 3,301 feet of saltwater shoreline on Puget Sound. The beach is famous for skimboarding, with its flat sandy terrain and gentle slope perfect for this sport. The park encompasses 461 acres with forested hiking and biking trails in addition to beach activities. At low tide, the beach extends far out, […]
Salt Creek Recreation Area
Salt Creek Recreation Area features Tongue Point Marine Sanctuary, one of the richest tide pool areas in Washington State. The beach and surrounding 196-acre county park occupy a former World War II military installation, Camp Hayden, with bunkers and gun emplacements still visible. The area offers stunning views across the Strait of Juan de Fuca […]
Hobuck Beach
Hobuck Beach is a crescent-shaped beach on the Makah Reservation near Neah Bay, the northwestern-most point of the contiguous United States. The beach’s protected bay location makes it one of the safest places to surf on the Washington coast, with gentler waves than more exposed beaches. Hobuck Beach Resort offers camping and cabin rentals right […]
Rialto Beach
Rialto Beach features dramatic offshore islands, massive driftwood, polished stones, and crashing waves. It’s famous for the spectacular Hole-in-the-Wall formation, a natural arch accessible by a 1.5-mile hike during low tide. The beach is part of Olympic National Park’s coastal strip and offers primitive camping opportunities. Wildlife viewing includes bald eagles, seals, and during migration […]
Second Beach (La Push)
Second Beach is accessible via a 0.7-mile forested trail and is considered by many to be the most scenic of the three La Push beaches. The trail descends through old-growth forest before opening to a spectacular coastline with dramatic sea stacks, tide pools, and natural arches. It’s a popular spot for overnight camping (permit required), […]
Shi Shi Beach
Shi Shi Beach is a remote, pristine coastline in Olympic National Park, accessible only by a 2-mile hike through rainforest. The beach is renowned for its Point of Arches, a series of dramatic sea stacks and natural arches that make it a photographer’s paradise. The relative difficulty of access keeps crowds minimal, offering a true […]
Cape Disappointment
Cape Disappointment State Park offers dramatic headland views where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. The park features two historic lighthouses: Cape Disappointment Lighthouse (1856) and North Head Lighthouse (1898). During winter storms, waves can reach spectacular heights, making it a premier storm-watching destination. The 2,023-acre park includes old-growth forest, ocean beaches, lakes, and […]
Third Beach (La Push)
Third Beach is the most remote of the three La Push beaches, requiring a 1.2-mile hike through coastal forest. This isolation rewards visitors with a tranquil beach experience and fewer crowds. The beach features striking sea stacks, a waterfall that cascades onto the shore, and rich tide pools. The scenic hike passes through Sitka spruce […]
Emma Wood State Beach
Emma Wood State Beach stretches along a narrow strip of coastline between Highway 101 and the Pacific Ocean near Ventura. The beach is known for its excellent surfing conditions and fishing opportunities, attracting outdoor enthusiasts year-round. A unique feature of this beach is its self-contained RV camping area with 90 primitive sites situated directly on […]