How to Explore the Pacific Coast Byway in Washington

Breeze through the long stretch of coastline and ocean beach fronts. Maneuver through mountain peaks and rainforests. Since the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway is nearly the whole length of Washington State along US 101, plan to spend a day or a a week on one of the most beautiful drives in the continental United States. Explore the byway to search for places like Hurricane Ridge. People come here when they’re on the lookout for a spectacular wildlife or mountain peak adventure. Watch for the whales. View the many vistas to the south and near Port Angeles, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Mt. Baker, and the Vancouver Islands to the north. Older forest areas provide homes for bear, deer, elk families and for other animals as well. Visitors will see thousands of shorebirds making migratory winter stops. Hiking trails are offered on the rocky cliffs along the byway, and you can horseback along some trails, and on the beaches.Wander along the beach areas around this part of Washington, where salt water activities like fishing, kayaking and digging for clams and oysters are the “in” thing.The byway is 360 miles long and takes about a day or two to drive through.

Things You'll Need

• Traveling vehicle
• Full tank of gas
• Extra water and oil for vehicle
• Emergency equipment
• First aid kit
• Food and snacks
• Drinks
• Camera

Instructions

1. Learn how to “clam and crab” at Willapa, Washington. Camp, picnic and look for wildlife along this byway. Spend a day swimming in the beaches or discovering the richness of Washington's coastal communities as you cruise the 360 miles of highway lead you through a unique region. Take a day or two to enjoy this varied byway experience.

2. Explore the salmon and steelhead hatchery at Humptulips, Washington where maybe tomorrow's world-class catch finds today. It is surrounded by ecological recreation.

3. Go to Moclips, Washington, a small coastal town which is full of history and adventures. Stay in the cabin where convicted spy Christopher Boyce, famous for the movie "The Falcon and the Snowman," hid during his escape from California. Or, see "shake rats," locals from generational timber families compete in cedar shake cutting, chain-untangling, "block" chopping, and more. Dreamers, explorers, historians, and all, can have a great time at Moclips, home of the zany Kelper's Parade and Celebration.

4. Camp at Pacific Beach State Park and hike, sea kayak, clam and surf fish, (in season).

5. Visit the Museum of the North Beach and the Quinault Indian Reservation. Catch the brilliant sunset. Watch a myriad of birds, beach comb, and dine in a beachside restaurant. Dreamers, explorers, historians, and all, can have a great time at Moclips, home of the zany Kelper's Parade and Celebration.

6. Amanda Park is along the shores of Lake Quinault. Begun in 1925 as a tourist camp, you will view the majestic Olympics and spin through the awesome moss covered rain forest, with its rich dirt smells and wildlife. Meet all the promises of the rain forest expectations in the Quinault Rain Forest.

7. Seabrook Beach Village sits on a scenic bluff of the Washington coastline and is the newest beach village. Seabrook offers many vistas, paths, trails, and sidewalks. It has a design all its own. The community offers all the best in coastal living.

Tips & Warnings

• Please do not get out of your car if you see a wild animal. View them from the safety of the car.

• Watch your children carefully while they are on the beach. Waves are strong.