Fort Worden Beach is part of a 434-acre historical state park that was once a U.S. Army base built to protect Puget Sound. The beach offers stunning views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Olympic Mountains, and shipping traffic. The Point Wilson Lighthouse, built in 1879 and rebuilt in 1913, stands at the northern […]
Washington Beaches
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 […]
Alki Beach
Alki Beach is a long, sandy beach that offers spectacular views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Located in West Seattle, it’s popular among locals for its 2.5-mile pedestrian path, beach volleyball courts, and numerous waterfront restaurants. The beach is historically significant as the landing point of Seattle’s first white settlers in 1851. On […]
La Push Beach (First Beach)
Located in the Quileute Indian Reservation, First Beach at La Push is a crescent-shaped shore featuring dramatic sea stacks and driftwood. It’s the most accessible of the three La Push beaches and offers beautiful sunset views. The beach gained fame as a filming location for the Twilight movie series. Situated at the mouth of the […]
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 […]
Rosario Beach
Rosario Beach is part of Deception Pass State Park, Washington’s most-visited state park. This small, sheltered cove features exceptional tide pools that are part of a marine protected area. The Maiden of Deception Pass story pole, a Samish Indian carving, tells the legend of the area. Several hiking trails connect Rosario to other parts of […]
Dungeness Spit
Dungeness Spit is the longest natural sand spit in the United States, extending 5.5 miles into the Strait of Juan de Fuca. This unique landform is protected as part of the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, home to over 250 bird species and diverse marine wildlife. Hikers can walk the length of the spit to reach […]
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 […]