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 […]
Washington Beaches
Washington State’s beaches span three distinct coastal zones: the wild Pacific Ocean beaches of the Olympic Peninsula and southwest coast (Ruby Beach, Rialto Beach, Kalaloch, Ocean Shores, Westport, and Cape Disappointment), the sheltered pebble and sand pocket beaches of Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands (Alki Beach, Golden Gardens, Lincoln Park, Mukilteo Lighthouse Park, and Deception Pass), and warm freshwater lake beaches on Lake Washington, Lake Sammamish, and Lake Chelan. Pacific Ocean and Puget Sound waters remain cold year-round (46 F to 56 F), making tide pooling at low tide, beachcombing, sea kayaking, clamming, and storm watching more common than prolonged ocean swimming without a wetsuit. Washington State Parks require vehicles to display a daily ($10) or annual ($30) Discover Pass, while Olympic National Park beaches require an NPS entrance pass. Always carry a tide table on Olympic Peninsula beaches to avoid being trapped at high tide around headlands. Use the filters below to explore Washington beaches across the outer Pacific Coast, Olympic National Park, Strait of Juan de Fuca, Puget Sound, San Juan Islands, and inland lakes by tide pooling, sea kayaking, clamming, camping, and summer swimming. Before visiting, ensure you display a Washington State Parks Discover Pass or National Park pass where required, carry a printed NOAA tide chart for headland hikes, and check the Washington Department of Ecology BEACH program for water quality updates.
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 […]