Adventures with Apple : Winter on the Washington Coast
Don’t let winter stop you from adventuring to the beach and beyond! We’re big fans of being tourists on the off season so we loaded Apple up with extra gloves and beanies, our winter coats, rain coats, hiking boots….basically anything we’d need for any kind of weather. And oh my what a surprise to have sunshine the entire trip! We can only hope the same for you friend, as you head out to enjoy all of the beauty of the Washington Coast - the winter can surprise you with the most beautiful weather.
This loop works well whether you are starting from the South or coming down from the North, and there are lots of options for camping or booking lodging. Because we know that not everyone is the camping kind, we’re including a few fun spots we found along the way to book a cabin.
Our trip kicked off at Pacific Beach State Park - this campground has sites for tents and full electrical hook up, bathrooms, coin showers and it even has Yurts that you can rent. You can make reservations, which is always a win and lots of the camping spots are right on the beach. You simply walk over the grassy knoll and you’re there watching the sun set! Pacific Beach is a quiet little town but there is a coffee shop, restaurant and wine bar within walking distance from the campground. Plus, if you’re wanting to step into the cutest community on the coast you can take a quick drive to Seabrook where there are more dining options, a great bakery and a little market. If camping is not for you check out the vacation rentals in both Pacific Beach and Seabrook.
Then we headed up the coast toward Ruby Beach. There’s a great spot to camp at South Beach Campground, Kalalock Campground or rent a cabin at Kalaloch Lodge. All of these spots are right on the beach! Kalaloch Campground is open year round and you can reserve campsites. South Beach is open from May-September and is first come first serve. The stretch of the coast is beautiful with so many spots to access the beach, go stand under the Tree of Life or drive on to Ruby Beach for another stunning sunset.
From the beach head into Olympic National Park, Hoh Rainforest. You may just be surprised with a sunshine streaming through the mossy trees, but go prepared with your rain gear because even on dry days the trees and moss are drippy. The campground near the visitor center is BIG with nearly 100 spots, several spots are right along the river, there are nice bathroom facilities, electrical hookups, a dump station and within walking distance to all of the walking trails through the Hall of Mosses, the Spruce Trail and lots of exploring on the Hoh River Trail. The trails are so peaceful in the morning before more people arrive at the trail head, so make your coffee and go for a morning stroll. The Spruce Trail has a spot where you can stand along the creek, it’s incredibly serene.
If you have more time to explore stop at Lake Crescent as you make your way around the Olympic Penninsula. There are lots of great day hikes around the Lake with gorgeous views. If you’re doing this loop May-Sept check out Fairholme Campground or Lake Crescent Lodge. Lake Crescent for a chance to camp or stay on the lake! Then keep the fun going by stopping for lunch at Dungeness Spit, or riding part of the Olympic Discovery Trail with a final stop at Fort Worden to end your Coastal Camping Loop! Fort Worden has both vacation rentals and campgrounds to choose from with lots of great hiking trails through the old Bunkers and on the beaches. Plus you’re just a short drive from the quaint little town of Port Townsend. If you’re ready for a little pampering book a Private Salt Water Tub at Soak On the Sound and have fun strolling down Main Street, enjoying coffee, ice cream and the restaurants that look over the water.
Enjoy the adventure friends and let us know your favorite spots when you do this trip yourself!
