Is a trip to Olympic National Park on your bucket list? Are you wondering what to expect, what to do, and where to stay when you’re not logging scenic miles in your car or in your hiking boots? Here’s your comprehensive guide to experiencing this coastal million-acre wilderness while staying in nearby Seabrook, Washington. Seabrook is truly an ideal spot to base your Olympic National Park trip.
What is Seabrook, Washington?
Seabrook is a purpose-built coastal community founded in 2004 that seamlessly weaves into nature. Inspired by Seaside, Fla., and designed in the new urbanism style. The town features more than 450 homes, many of which are available as vacation rentals for travelers to this incredible corner of the Washington Coast. In addition, there are numerous merchants, including restaurants and unique shops, as well as 17 parks, a Montessori School, Town Hall, and countless community amenities. The town center is a short walk to the beach, making it a great spot to visit year-round for surfing, clamming, beach walking, and much more. It also happens to be conveniently located very near Olympic National Park and the Olympic Peninsula Loop.
Seabrook is also easily accessible from nearby major cities, including Seattle (2.5 hours) and Portland (3 hours).
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How Close is Seabrook to Olympic National Park and Olympic Peninsula loop?
Seabrook is about a 2-hour drive to the heart of the Olympic National Park, and more specifically, the popular Hoh Rain Forest hiking trails. If you’re aiming to complete the 300 miles of the Olympic Peninsula Loop, which is a scenic drive along Highway 101 that defines the perimeter of the park, you can hop on the route in Hoquiam.
From the South, Seabrook is one of the best and only options for lodging when exploring Olympic National Park. There are a few smaller hotels and hostels along the way, but if you’re looking for extensive and modern amenities and ample dining options, Seabrook is your best bet.
Top Olympic Park Points of Interest
Ruby Beach/Kalaloch
Renowned as one of the most scenic beaches in Washington State, Ruby Beach is a must-stop. Epic rock formations, called sea stacks, jut out of the surf making for a stunning vista and incredible photo opportunities. While you’re there explore tide pools brimming with tiny ocean life like starfish, urchins, anemones, and crabs, or keep your eyes peeled for preening sea otters near the sea stack islands they call home. Beachcombing is also a popular activity in the Ruby Beach area with many combers finding beach treasures such as empty conches and cockles and sea glass.
If you’re in the area around breakfast, lunch, or dinner, pop in at the Kalaloch Lodge’s Creekside Restaurant for inspired views, breakfast favorites, and sustainable seasonal seafood.
About Ruby BeachÂ
Quinault Rainforest & Lake Quinault
Located in the valley along the Quinault River, this temperate rain forest is picturesque wilderness accessible to visitors via a system of hiking trails. Several shorter routes (a half-mile to 1.5 miles) are located along Lake Quinault. The half-mile Rain Forest Nature Trail Loop meanders along Willaby Creek and provides scenic overlooks. Discover ancient old-growth trees along and learn about the local ecology with interpretive signs along the trail.
About Quinault RainforestÂ
La Push Beaches & Forks
Located 2 hours north of Seabrook, La Push, the famous surfing spot (and village) in the Twilight film, is home to Mora Beach and Rialto Beach, as well as First, Second, and Third Beach. Rugged, rock strands with spiraling sea stacks define Mora and Rialto Beach, which can be accessed from La Push road. Top attractions in the area include Hole-in-the-Wall, a sea-carved arch, situated 1.5 miles north of Rialto Beach. First Beach is part of the Quileute Indian Reservation, and Second and Third are within the Olympic National Park.
Learn more about La Push
While you’re in the area, take some time to visit the town of Forks, which is 14 miles from La Push. Here you can visit spots made famous by the Twilight movie series. The charming town is surrounded by the Olympic National Park, which provides a stunning backdrop.
About Forks
Hoh Rainforest
The largest temperate rainforest in the U.S. is a must-see. Hoh Rainforest is located an hour from Forks within Olympic National park and features 24 miles of forest along the Hoh River. There are multiple hiking trails and scenic falls to visit, best enjoyed in the warmer months, spring through fall. The Hall of Mosses Trail is a beloved and well-known .8-mile loop that runs through an old-growth forest and features abundance club moss. For a shorter hike, the 1.2-mile Spruce Nature Trail meanders through old and new growth forests. For a more stout experience, which can be experienced via backpack camping or as an out and back, the Hoh River Trail is a top option. The full route ends 18.5 miles from the trailhead at Blue Glacier moraine. For an out and back hike, some top points of interest include:
- First River access (0.9 miles)
- Mineral Creek Falls (2.7 miles)
- Cedar Grove (4.0 miles)
- 5 mile Island (5.0 miles)
About Hoh Rainforest
Stay in Seabrook: Top Experiences & Attractions
In addition to resort-like amenities and a variety of vacation rental options, including pet-friendly homes, Seabrook offers many other perks. This seaside hamlet is also home to numerous other year-round indoor and outdoor activities, so be sure to save a day or two to experience all it has to offer.
Outdoor & Family-Friendly Activities in Seabrook
With five hiking trails surrounding the town, and a zip line too, the outdoor experiences are endless, for all ages. Dip in and out of the forest on the Townside Hiking Trail or explore the spruce and hemlock forests along Elk Creek Trail. Run, fly a kite, walk or dog walk along the Mocrocks beach, located 70 feet below Seabrook year-round. In the warmer months, skimboarding is a popular beach activity. In the fall, razor clamming season begins and can sometimes last until April.
Thrill-seekers also have their fair share of diversions, with five mountain biking trails surrounding the town. If you’re looking to try your hand at surfing the famous Washington Coast waves and you’re a beginner, be sure to book a surf lesson with some of the local legends and Buck’s Northwest (permanently closed). More advanced surfers find that the winter months tend to offer the best waves.
Forest bathers will want to sign up for Seabrook’s guided mushroom foraging program, hosted in the Fall, ending in November. The guided tour explores the surrounding forests, while you look for edible morsels and learn about all the local varietals.
For the kiddos, sand art & games and gnome house-building are popular programs. The whole family will enjoy Seabrook’s s’mores kits, which can be experienced at the town’s many firepits which are aglow at nightfall.
Dining Options in Seabrook
With gourmet pizza, seasonal seafood, sweet treats, and fine-dining options, Seabrook has been a regional hub for elevated cuisine since its inception. The Seabrook restaurant scene only continues to grow with new additions including Vista Bakeshop and Rising Tide Tavern.
- Frontager’s Pizza Co. – Italian cuisine and brick-oven pies.
- Sweet Life – ice cream & candy shop.
- Koko’s – Latin cuisine, tacos, and tequila.
- The Stowaway Wine Bar – wine flights, wines by the glass, and charcuterie boards.
- Rising Tide Tavern – gourmet pub fare & hand-crafted cocktails.
- Vista Bakeshop – local coffee, assorted baked goods, and cuffins (croissants & muffins).
- Eang’s By the Sea – pan-fried noodles, egg rolls, bahn mi sandwiches, and more.
Shopping in Seabrook
The charming town center is an idyllic spot to stroll and window shop or get your retail on. From ocean-themed home goods and boutique pet shops to toy stores and book stores, shopping in Seabrook offers something for every predilection and just about any age.
- Magnolias – boutique women’s clothing.
- Red Cedar Surf Co. – surf shop with outdoor lifestyle store.
- Tides – Seabrook’s logowear retailer.
- Brooklet Toys – toys, games, puzzles, and gifts for the littles.
- Joie Des Livres – independent, family-run bookstore.
- Seaworthy Home – home goods
- The Salty Dog – boutique pet shop
- Front Street Market – family-owned and operated grocery store.
Seabrook Community Amenities
While you’re staying in Seabrook, you enjoy entree to some community amenities that complete your experience. Whether you’re looking for additional exercise for yourself or the kids or just want to enjoy extra outdoor time, these amenities provide opportunities for just that.
- Pool
- Tennis & Pickleball Courts
- Fire Pits
- Playground
Book Your Olympic National Park & Seabrook Stay Today
Choose from 250+ Seabrook vacation rentals, including dog-friendly rentals, rentals with a hot tub, cottages, apartments, oceanfront, oceanview, or centrally located in the Town Center. Start by perusing our online collection for your perfect Seabrook vacation rental now, before these popular spots book up. To speak directly to a reservationist, please call (877) 779-9990.