Highway 101 Forks-Aberdeen -- The North Olympic Peninsula is home to one of only two temperate rainforests in the world. The Hoh Rain Forest entrance is an easy, twisty, 13-mile drive from the logging town of Forks. Once there, several trails beginning at the ranger station offer easy riverside walks among giant firs and cedars, moist lichens and mosses. In early summer, the area is a popular birthing ground for local elk herds.
Ruby Beach and Kalaloch offer easy road side pull-outs and miles of smooth sand to stroll along.
At Neilton, make a right onto The Moclips Highway. This stretch of freshly paved and practically deserted road provides a straight shot back out to the ocean and to the northern end of Hwy 109. The small towns of Moclips and Pacific Beach offer direct beach access. Highway 109 continues 18 miles south to Ocean Shores, a seaside city with an array of lodging and dining choices. For more information, visit: www.pacificbeachwa.com or www.oceanshores.org, or call 1-800-76 BEACH.
Locals suggest...
When arriving at Hwy 109 from the Moclips highway turn north and visit the Indian village of Tahola. Stop by tribal offices and get a permit to walk the tribe’s 20-mile private beach. Rent a canoe and discover Ocean Shores’ expansive freshwater canal system that meanders through the area.
The Cranberry Coast-Aberdeen to Raymond -- Travel this stretch of coastal highway and gaze upon the “crimson pools” along the way! Over 1,000 acres of cranberry bogs in production amaze passers by with a spectacular show of color in late June and during harvest in October. The town of Westport is also home to fleets of deep sea fishing charters, whale watching and the second tallest lighthouse on the west coast. Visit www.graysharbortourism.com, or call 1-800-621-9625.
Long Beach Peninsula -- Two lighthouses, military forts, museums and interpretive centers illuminate the Long Beach Peninsula’s rich history. It is here, where the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean meet, that Lewis and Clark realized President Jefferson's quest. The peninsula is home to world-famous oysters, an international kite festival and an event every weekend during summer months. For more information, visit: www.funbeach.com, or call 1-800-451-2542.
Locals suggest...
After visiting Washington’s southern coast, swing inland a bit and visit the recently opened Vintage Antique Motorcycle Museum at the Hotel Washington in Chehalis, just off Interstate 5. This two-story exhibit features pre-1916 motorcycles including Harley Davidson; Indian; Excelsior and many more. Museum hours are weekdays, 9 a.m-1p.m. or by appointment. For more information, call 360-748-3472.
Additional Links of Interest.
Fresh From the Sea -- a link to culinary treasures. Click here for more information.