When was the last time you explored the natural wonders of the Washington Coast? When did you last breathe in the salty air and take in the world renowned sights along the north beach of Grays Harbor?
For over a century the Washington Coast has been the destination for visitors far and wide, searching for that quintessential moment along this stretch of land along Pacific Ocean. The natural attractions of the Washington Coast are second to none, making this a can’t miss vacation location. Now, with the community of Seabrook, serving as the perfect basecamp for adventure and relaxation, the highlights of the region are a stone’s throw away.
Stroll Through Copalis Beach and the Ghost Forest
On January 26th, 1700, a 9.0 earthquake rocked the Washington Coast, changing the region’s landscape. One of those changes was along the Copalis River, where a section of land became submerged underwater. This killed the trees on the submerged land and created a ghost forest. Today, kayak tours led by Buck Giles at Buck’s Northwest in Seabrook can reach the Ghost Forest easily. While you’re exploring Copalis, the other can’t-miss adventure is walking the beach to the mouth of the river. During your brief stroll, you’ll find solace among sand dollars and seagulls while enjoying the salty air of the Pacific.
Become Enchanted by the Kalaloch Tree of Life & Ruby Beach
No trip to the Washington Coast is complete without stopping at two of the best attractions on Highway 101. Kalaloch Beach is north of Seabrook and is a must-see Olympic National Park destination. The Tree of Life can be found just a short walk from the parking area near the Kalaloch Campground. The tree hangs precariously perched and beautifully framed above a cave on the bluff. After seeing the tree, hop back in the car and drive a few miles north to Ruby Beach, where iconic sea stacks and incredible views await.
Enjoy Stunning Views of Third Beach and Strawberry Falls
Just south of LaPush, the furthest west zip code in the contiguous United States, you’ll find a short trail to Olympic National Park’s Third Beach and Strawberry Falls. Popular in the summer, this trail rewards hikers with a pristine Pacific Northwest beach and a chance to see a waterfall tumbling into the ocean below.
Hike the Hole in the Wall on the Washington Coast
Hole in the Wall at Rialto Beach is considered one of the best hikes in Olympic National Park. Just a few miles in length, this hike is flat and leads to a series of sea stacks. One of the sea stacks has a hole the size of a bus you can walk through. Make sure you check a tide chart, as Hole in the Wall is only accessible during low tide. If you can, enjoy a Washington Coast sunset from the trailhead.
Discover the Mouth of the Hoh River
While often overlooked, we highly recommend taking a quick jaunt off Highway 101 to see the mouth of the Hoh River. The Hoh River is incredible all year long but is full of salmon and seals during the fall months. The Hoh River waters are from the glaciers on Mount Olympus. They flow through the rainforest before reaching the breaking waves of the Pacific. With very few visitors and zero amenities, this is a great place to sit back and relax in pure tranquility.
Hike Through Lake Ozette and the Ozette Triangle
While it would be a full-day trip from Seabrook to visit, the Lake Ozette and the Ozette Triangle hike is considered one of the best coastal hikes in America. Starting at Lake Ozette, the trail is roughly nine miles in length. It wanders along boardwalks before reaching the coast. Along the coast, you’ll find sea stacks, tide pools, and even ancient petroglyphs carved along the rocks. Remember to check the tide charts before you head out, as the hike is no fun during high tides.
Walk on the Washington Coast Beach at Damon Point
At the southern tip of Ocean Shores, Damon Point sits between the waters of Grays Harbor and the Pacific Ocean. A walk on the beach gives you views of the Olympic Mountains, the Pacific Ocean, and the town of Westport across the water. It is also one of the best places on the Washington Coast to find agates, shells, and petrified wood.
Leadbetter Point State Park and the Long Beach Peninsula
Leadbetter State Park is at the tip of the west coast’s longest, uninterrupted beach and is just a few hours from Seabrook. What makes this a can’t-miss Washington Coast natural attraction is that the area is a stopping point for hundreds of thousands of migrating shorebirds each spring. Even if you miss the great shorebird migration, Leadbetter and Long Beach have some excellent museums and places to explore.
Explore the Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge
Nestled along the eastern shores of Grays Harbor, this National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to get to know the natural ebb and flow of the region. This wildlife refuge brings in a quarter million shorebirds each spring and dozens of other migratory and local birds throughout the year. Short hikes await those who leave their cars, giving them glimpses of eagles, falcons, blue herons, and more.
Take a Gander at Westport Lighthouse and Grayland Beach
Finally, no trip to the Washington Coast is complete without a visit to the Grays Harbor Lighthouse, which is open seasonally. With a tall lighthouse to explore, miles of beach to wander, and paved trails to bike, you’ll get a feel for the sweeping dunes of Grays Harbor’s south beach.
The Perfect Home Base For Exploring The Washington Coast
After exploring the Washington Coast, return to your luxurious and cozy Seabrook vacation rental. Our list of high-end Washington Coast vacation rentals features top-notch furnishings and convenient amenities. Whether you want to take a dip in our indoor community pool and Jacuzzi, ride a bike on the beach, or work out in our fitness center, our town makes traveling to the Olympic Peninsula easy and comfortable. Seabrook is truly one of the best places to stay on the Washington Coast when you want a delightful mix of modern luxury and unspoiled natural beauty.