The beaches along the Washington and Oregon coastlines are known more for their impressive waves and striking views than sandy strands. While most beaches along the Pacific Northwest can best be described as rocky, their dramatic cliffs, surfing spots and opportunities to spot seals and whales make up for the fact that the waters aren’t the balmiest along either coasts.
Striking Views
- For sheer beauty, visit the Whidbey Island beaches in Washington’s Deception Pass State Park. Frommer’s has called the beaches along both sides of Deception Pass as some of “the prettiest in the Puget Sound area.” Second and Third beaches just outside Forks near Seattle in the Olympic State Park also received high praise from Frommer’s. Observe birds such as seagulls and eagles while taking in the sweeping vista of the Pacific Ocean. Haystack Rock makes Oregon’s Cannon Beach in Ecola State Park a popular visitor destination, but the beach is rarely overrun by people at any one time. Enjoy the tranquility of the beach while taking in the sight of the towering monolithic rock rising from the ocean just off the coast. Along the southern Oregon coast, the beaches of Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor are equally secluded, and equally beautiful. Even if you do encounter a crowd, the rocky headlands form smaller pockets of beach so you’ll be able to find a little corner to yourself.
Surfing
- Local surfers head just south of Cannon Beach in Oregon to Short Sands Beach in Oswald West State Park. A 1/4-mile hike through dense forests to the small coved beach helps keep the spot a secret. The lack of undertow makes it an ideal spot for beginner surfers, while experienced surfers can be found a little farther out with the bigger swells. Westport Beach is a favorite of Seattle surfers. Surfers of all levels like the gradual slope and sandy bottom here. If you forget your wetsuit -- a necessity in the chilly waters -- local surf shops rent them out. When the waves aren’t hitting, take a sometimes-windy stroll along the wide stretches of beach, digging for razor clams or exploring the lighthouse.
Kayaking and Recreation
- Perhaps a spot that offers the most recreation is Umpqua Dunes, just south of Reedsport in central Oregon’s Winchester Bay. The sandy beach stretches 40 miles, making it North America’s largest formation of dunes. While you need to pay to enter the area, once inside, you can hike the Umpqua Dunes Trail, check out the Sea Lion Cave, or rent a dune buggy to explore the mountains of sand that rise toward the sky before dramatically emptying into the sea below. If you want solitude, take the 1/2-mile wooded path to the tiny cove beach in Obstruction Pass State Park on Orcas Island, one of Washington’s San Juan Islands. You won’t have to share the waters with tons of other kayakers; there’s only enough room for about a dozen kayaks to occupy the space at any time. Hikers will enjoy exploring the sea stacks and rocks along the 29-mile stretch of sand at Rialto Beach in Washington. Among the many rock formations, the “hole in the wall” rock is worth checking out. Years of crashing waves and brutal winds have transformed the solid rock into a tunnel.
Wildlife Viewing
- While the water stays cold year-round, Cape Flattery in Neah Bay in the northwest corner of Washington is a cornucopia of wildlife, with otters, whales, sea lions and seals common sights. You might find it difficult to reach the area since it is on a reservation and special tribal permission is needed. An easier place to spot a whale -- or several -- is to take the ferry from Seattle to the beaches in Forks. Humpbacks and gray whales are known to frequent these waters. Or head right for the mother lode at Lime Kiln Point on Washington’s San Juan Island, which is known to have some of the best whale-watching in the world, according to GORP. A ferry takes you to the park on the west side of the island, where you can spot seals, otters and sea lions in addition to orca and minke whales. The best time to visit is May through September when the whales make their summer home in the strait surrounding the park. Take a guided whale-watching boat or kayak trip to fully experience the abundant wildlife.
