11 Amazing Places to See Along the Washington Coast

Rugged, remote, and wild, the Washington Coast exceeds expectations with every mile you head north along U.S. Route 101—from the mouth of the Columbia River to the tip of the Olympic Peninsula. Known for its lack of amenities, there are only a few small towns scattered along the way, leaving you alone with the elements and able to experience the solitude, serenity, and the intensely gorgeous scenery along the shores of the Evergreen State. 

While a lifetime could easily be spent uncovering every isolated nook and cranny along the Washington Coast, the following 11 destinations will whet your appetite and offer a great taste of what this gorgeous strip of coastal paradise has to offer. This guide not only explores the region's unparalleled natural beauty but also provides recommendations for cozy places to stay at each location, giving you comfortable options to relax after your adventures.

1. Cape Disappointment State Park

Nestled at the northern entrance of the Columbia River, Cape Disappointment ironically derives its name from Captain John Meares' frustration at not finding the river. Despite its name, the cape is far from disappointing, presenting a stunning display of nature's power where the Pacific's enormous waves meet craggy rocks, all under the watchful gaze of a quaint lighthouse. Known as one of the foggiest places in the United States, this Washington State Park transforms into a mesmerizing coastal wonderland in winter, with fierce storm surges and moody skies that draw visitors from all over.

While exploring the park, you might find yourself at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, perched on an overlook that not only offers breathtaking views but also brings to life the adventures of these historic explorers. For a touch of mystery, you can wander through the abandoned tunnels and bunkers of Fort Canby or take leisurely strolls along Benson Beach, Waikiki Beach, and Beards Hollow. Notably, Beards Hollow served as a backdrop in the film "Into the Wild."  If you're planning to spend the night in the area, there are ample camping options available, including tent sites, as well as private yurts and cabins for rent.

2. Long Beach

Stretching for 28 miles and appropriately named, Long Beach claims to be the longest beach in the United States and is said to be the second longest drivable beach in the world. If you’re looking for the sand dunes and driftwood or kite flying and gorgeous sunsets, Long Beach is the perfect place to wander along the Pacific Coast. Surrounded by Wildlife Refuges and State Parks, this remote corner of Washington State will give you privacy and solitude along the cresting waves. Whether you decide to stop at Marsh’s Free Museum and see Jake the Alligator man, or wander the beach in search of agates and petrified wood, Long Beach is worth the drive off of Highway 101.

Here are a few options that may catch your eye if you decided to stay overnight:

• Adrift Hotel: This hotel is favored for its proximity to the beach and includes amenities like free bicycle rentals and a pool area. It's a good choice for those looking for comfort close to the beach. You can find more information and book a room on their official website.
• Boardwalk Cottages: Known for their cozy and charming atmosphere, these cottages offer a great blend of comfort and location, being just a short walk from the beach. They also provide spa access and bikes, enhancing your stay. More details can be found here.
• Inn at Discovery Coast: Positioned directly on the beachfront, this hotel offers a tranquil and scenic setting with amenities that include a shared lounge and bar. It’s a perfect spot for those looking to relax by the ocean. Visit their website for more information.
• Lighthouse Oceanfront Resort: This resort offers a range of suites with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and includes amenities like an indoor saline pool, jacuzzi, and a world-class pickleball facility. It’s ideal for families and sports enthusiasts. You can check availability and book here.

3. Westport

On the southern side of Grays Harbor, the small town of Westport sits along the coast, protected from the mighty Pacific by a man-made rock jetty. Known for incredible fishing, breathtaking sunsets, and a rich seafaring culture, Westport offers an historical glimpse at life along the Washington Coast. Small shops line the boardwalk, while local parks give you access to miles of walking along the windswept dunes. Most of the year, the fishing out of Westport is incredible, helping anglers land salmon, albacore tuna, and halibut. In the spring, whale watching trips provide incredible views of the 20,000+ gray whales swimming north, less than a mile offshore.

If you’re looking for places to stay near Westport, these are some solid options:

• Westport Inn: Offers a range of rooms including some with amazing ocean views. All are equipped with amenities like flat screen TVs, mini fridges, and Keurig coffee makers. They also have pet-friendly options, making it a good choice for travelers with furry family members. More details can be found on their official site.
• The Glenacres Inn: Known for its unique boat cottages, this inn provides a nautical experience with the option of staying in converted boat hulls. It’s perfect for those looking for one-of-a-kind accommodations. The inn also offers traditional rooms set amid tranquil garden views, suitable for both long and short stays. Check out their offerings here.
• Breakers Boutique Inn: Ideal for those seeking a more homey experience with the comfort of modern amenities like a jacuzzi in the king rooms, plush carpeting, and private patios. It’s particularly great for a cozy, relaxing getaway. Visit their website for more information.

4. Damon Point

Across Grays Harbor from Westport, Damon Point rests at the end of the Ocean Shores Peninsula, giving incredible views of the entire region. As the Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier rise up to the east, the mighty Pacific extends to the horizon to the west, allowing a breathtaking vista under soaring bald eagles. Damon Point is a great stop for beachcombers, offering miles of sand to search for agates, petrified wood, and anything else washing up on the shore. With seals commonly seen offshore and the occasional snowy owl in the winter, wildlife watching makes for another great reason to visit this off-the-beaten-path destination.

For accommodations near Damon Point in Ocean Shores, Washington, there are several options ranging from beachfront resorts to cozy inns and vacation rentals, catering to various preferences and budgets:

• Shilo Inns Ocean Shores: This popular resort is known for its ocean views and comfortable amenities. It's one of the most booked hotels in the area.
• Roundhouse Retreat: This is a spacious home set in Damon point and is perfect for a family trip. It boasts “fantastic surfing, fishing, clam digging, and other fun beach activities … not far from downtown Ocean Shores.”
• The Collins Inn: The Collins Inn and Seaside Cottages in Ocean Shores, Washington, offer a boutique hotel experience with a range of luxurious rooms and private seaside cottages. Here you can enjoy amenities such as jetted tubs, panoramic views, and full kitchens in select suites. The property is pet-friendly and provides easy beach access.
• Quinault Marina and RV Park: If you’re looking for a spot to camp or hook up your RV, then this is the spot. Positioned near the beach and Damon Point, this park offers basic amenities such as potable water, flushing toilets, and a marina with boat ramp access.

5. Kalaloch Tree Root Cave

Once you enter Kalaloch, where the rainforest meets the ocean and where sea stacks slowly decompose into the never-ending onslaught of waves, the true rugged beauty of the Washington Coast begins to take hold. One of the more scenic views, aside from the breathtaking vista at the Kalaloch Lodge, is the Kalaloch Tree Root Cave, just a few hundred feet from the campground parking lot. Defying the odds, this tree is holding on by its roots, surviving against the power of erosion and the elements. Struggling and somehow living another day, we are inspired by its resilience, strength, and beauty.

For those looking to stay overnight, the Kalaloch Lodge is conveniently located near the Tree Root Cave. This lodge offers a range of accommodations from guest rooms to cabins, providing a comfortable base for exploring the surrounding area of Olympic National Park. The lodge's setting offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and provides easy access to both the Tree Root Cave and other nearby attractions such as Ruby Beach​.

6. Ruby Beach

Just a few miles north of Kalaloch Lodge on Highway 101, one of the most spectacular beaches on the entire west coast is waiting to be discovered. Full of sea stacks and driftwood, incredible views and bloody sunsets, Ruby Beach is one of the most impressive and accessible coastal areas in the National Park Service. Getting to this beach requires a short 1/2 mile walk down a well-maintained trail from the parking area to the beach itself. Here, numerous sea stacks rise up from the ground, most noticeably the large island to the north called Abbey Island. To the west, Destruction Island rests offshore, home to a lighthouse visible from the beach. The beach is gorgeous and offers the perfect introduction to the 73 miles of wilderness in Olympic National Park.

7. Second Beach

One of the classic coastal hikes of Olympic National Park, Second Beach can be found west of Forks, near the small tribal town of LaPush. At just four miles round trip, the hike to Second Beach leaves most hikers breathless with the incredible views of sea stacks, pounding surf, tide pools, and wildlife sightings. During low tide, one can walk south for nearly a mile, finding solitude even on busy summer days. Highlighted by the arch stretching to the north and the Quileute Needles offshore, this is an ideal place to relax, set up camp, and watch a spectacular sunset. This is one of the most scenic places in Washington and worth the detour.

Here are a few options for places to stay near Second Beach:

• You can actually set up your tent directly on the beach if you’re feeling adventurous, just make sure you acquire a permit.
• There are no direct lodging options on Second Beach, but nearby Forks and the Quileute Oceanside Resort in La Push offer accommodations ranging from hotels to rustic cabins.

8. Rialto Beach

North of the Quileute River and the small town of LaPush, Rialto Beach is one of the most well-known Olympic National Park beaches. Highlighted by the hike to Hole in the Wall, which is two miles north of the trailhead, this remote and rugged hike is incredibly popular. Hole in the Wall is a bus-sized hole in a sea stack, surrounded by tide pools and incredible sea stacks in all directions.

This is typically the first stretch of multi-day backpacking trips along the Olympic Coast and has plenty of opportunities to see eagles, sea otters, seals, and even whales. With magnificent sunsets and the steady sound of the crashing waves pushing tons of rocks with each churn, this is an ideal place to relax and forget about the problems of the world. If you'd like to find out more, take a look at our guide on the best things to do at Olympic National Park.

9. Ozette Triangle

Yet another iconic hike, the Ozette Triangle is remote, wild, and absolutely gorgeous. Far from any city, the journey to get to Ozette seems to take just about as long as it does to hike the nine mile loop trail. The trail is broken up into three sections: the initial boardwalk, the beach, and the return boardwalk. Each is about three miles in length and pretty easy to follow. While the boardwalks are neat, the draw to the region is the three miles of gorgeous coast. For most, the highlight of the coastal section is found halfway along the beach. Here, a small trail is visible, leading to a sea stack known as Wedding Rocks. The area is stunning and is a site of ancient petroglyphs, depicting timeless scenes of coastal beauty. While best done as a backpacking trip, Ozette can be hiked in a day and is one of the classic adventures in Olympic National Park.

If you’re in need of a place to stay, here are some great options:

• Ozette Campground: Situated on the northern shores of Lake Ozette, this campground features 15 sites, each equipped with a fire ring and a picnic table. It's a popular choice due to its fantastic location and proximity to hiking trails. The campground is open year-round but can get very busy during the summer months​.
• The Lost Resort at Lake Ozette: Offers tent, cabin, and RV campsites, complete with fire pits and picnic tables. Additionally, there's a deli with a dining area on-site. This resort is known for its well-equipped facilities and scenic surroundings​.
• Sand Point Campground: Provides a more rustic camping experience with pit toilets and is accessible by the Sand Point Trail. This site is known for its stunning coastal sunsets and is open all year, though a backcountry camping permit is required​.

10. Shi Shi Beach

While Ozette gets most of the fame, Shi Shi Beach is considered by many to be the best stretch of coast in Washington State. Accessed from the Makah Reservation near the very northwest corner of the Olympic Peninsula, the eight mile round trip trek to Shi Shi Beach and Point of the Arches is a geological coastal wonder – offering unique sea stacks, incredible rock formations, and fantastic tide pools overflowing with life. The first three miles of the trail can be muddy, as they work their way south on the bluff, but the slog is worth every step once you reach the spectacular scenes awaiting you at the coast. Point of the Arches has some of the best sunsets in America and has been frequently featured in nature and photography magazines for its incredible beauty. Do not miss this beach.

If you’re interested in staying for a bit and exploring the beauty of Shi Shi Beach:

• There are no direct lodging options at Shi Shi Beach, but nearby Neah Bay offers accommodations, and backcountry camping is allowed on the beach with a permit from the Makah Tribe.
• Hobuck Beach Resort: Located a little over 4 miles from Shi Shi Beach, this resort offers close proximity to the ocean and various amenities for a comfortable stay. More information is available on their website.

11. Cape Flattery

No trip along the Washington Coast is complete without standing on the northwestern-most point in the contiguous United States. Known as Cape Flattery, this trail and viewpoint located on the Makah Reservation is downright breathtaking. Following the trail, which is just 1.5 miles in length, experience the majesty of coastal forests while walking over cedar-planked raised walkways. The short path leads to one of the most-rugged and beautiful overlooks in America, giving you a glimpse of pure Pacific Northwest beauty. As sea stacks with trees rise from the swelling sea below, seals and seal lions play in the surf. Off the coast, whales are frequently spotted swimming where the Pacific Ocean meets the Strait of Juan de Fuca. 

While exploring the awe-inspiring cape and surrounding area, check out The Inn at Neah Bay. Offering up casual comfort and laid back amenities, the Inn sits across from the Strait of Juan de Fuca and is owned by the Makah Tribe. Located about 6 miles from the trail, it’s a great option for a place to rest after hiking and sightseeing. 

Few places in America are as remote and inspiring as Cape Flattery. As you stand on the edge of the country, gazing out into the blue horizon, the true spirit of the Pacific Northwest can be felt in full force.

Conclusion

The Washington Coast offers a diverse range of attractions, from the rugged cliffs of Cape Flattery to the expansive sands of Long Beach. Each location highlights a different aspect of the Pacific Northwest's natural beauty and cultural heritage (be sure to check out our Best Backpacking Spots in Washington’s Cascade Mountains). As this tour concludes, visitors are reminded of the lasting memories and unique experiences these scenic spots provide, encouraging a deeper appreciation and exploration of Washington's coastal wonders.

Featured image by Jeff Bartlett.