Visiting Washington Coast

Western Washington is rugged, and comparatively undeveloped, buffering the coast from the larger cities along the Interstate 5 corridor. The Washington Coast remains remote, with cliff lined shores and dramatic vistas to reward and inspire visitors. Old growth timber forests, advance close to the coast. Winter storms cull the weakest trees, falling them to the beach where they are stripped and polished by the ocean waves. The uncommon beauty of the Washington Coast, gifts visitors with unforgettable sights.

The Long Beach Peninsula, in the south, is one of the most popular coastal areas on the coast. The beach is easy to get to from Longview and Kelso off of Interstate 5. Winter and spring draw travelers to the solitude of 28 miles of beach, without the summer crowds. (The water is cold and dangerous, even in summer, so don't think you will be missing out.) Recreational beach fires are allowed on the beach, and this time of year you can drive on all the beaches. Watch out for harbor seal pups after mid April, when whelping season begins. Mother's can retreat to the water, if disturbed, but the pups may not. Leave, and don't bother them, so the mother will return.

Travelers Tip: The best beach combing is the morning after a winter storm coinciding with a high tide. Treasures are there for the taking, arrive early, remember, 'the early bird gets the worm'.

March is whale watching season, as the Grey whales migrate back home for the summer. This is a great time to visit the beach, the events are getting started for the season. Families with children will love the World Kite Museum's Spring Fling. This is scheduled each Saturday in March to cover the spring break season. Music Fans won't want to miss the Annual Long Beach Bluegrass Festival. Held the last weekend in March, the festival features the best regional musicians, an open mic and free gospel shows on Sunday.

Fishing enthusiasts remember Halibut fishing season opens in May. You can get the kids excited about fishing in April at Black Lake - A kids only fishing derby will be held, complete with prizes by age group and hot dogs for lunch.

Ocean Shores, a 6 mile peninsula, is about mid point along the Washington Coast. Another amazing destination to enjoy the beauty of remote beaches filled with natural beauty. The weather is temperate all year, seldom reaching freezing in winter. Winter and spring storms can be awe inspiring with waves reaching well above 20 feet.

March in Ocean Shores settles down and festivities begin. Pack up the family and come out to the Beachcombers Fun Fair, the first weekend in March. The 23rd annual event, this year features a kid's science fair on Saturday morning, in addition to the vendors, exhibits and seminars. The Razor Clam Festival and Chowder Cook-Off, also in March, is family friendly. Beginning with the coronation of the Clam Kind and Queen, the festival lineup includes a marketplace, live entertainment, dancing and lots of food. Don't miss the highly anticipated chowder cook-off, where you can taste and vote for the best professional and amateur chowder on the coast.

The Olympic National Park dominates Washington's north coast, buffering the coastal towns of the Olympic Peninsula from Seattle and Tacoma. Equally as exciting as the coast to the south, but different, offering a fresh experience to travelers.

Look for Best Western Hotels in your travels to and from Washington's unique coastal areas. Convenience and affordability are trademarks of Best Western Hotels and they make the perfect beginning and end to a day of travel.

Washington Coast Hotel Map