These Washington Coast Stops Live Up to the Hype
Stretching along the Washington Coast, U.S. 101 connects a collection of scenic beaches, viewpoints, and hidden stops. From dramatic cliffs and rugged beaches to quiet seaside communities, the drive is as much about the unexpected stops along the way as the destination itself.
Ruby Beach
A Washington Coast trip wouldn't be complete without a stop at Ruby Beach, tucked along the rugged coastline roughly 27 miles south of Forks, WA. Named for the ruby-like crystals scattered through its dark sand, the beach is just a short 0.2-mile walk from the parking lot. Once on the beach, you're surrounded by towering sea stacks, driftwood covered shores, and the crashing Pacific, making this stretch of coastline feel worlds away.
Be sure to catch Ruby Beach on a misty morning, when it takes on an almost otherworldly atmosphere, with waves rolling between the sea stacks and towering evergreens framing the shoreline.
La Push
Featured in The Twilight Saga film series, La Push is a coastal community located approximately 16 miles west of Forks, WA, on the Quileute Reservation. From here, you can explore some of the most striking stretches of the Washington Coast, including the famed Rialto Beach and the dramatic shores of First, Second, and Third Beach. With towering sea stacks, dense coastal forests, and waves rolling in from the Pacific, La Push is a destination that feels unmistakably Northwest.
If you plan on staying the night, Quileute Oceanside Resort offers an ideal home base for exploring the area. Located just off First Beach, the resort puts you within easy reach of La Push beaches and surrounding attractions. More focused on the coastal experience than modern distractions, the resort does not offer TVs or Wi-Fi, giving guests a chance to slow down, disconnect, and fully immerse themselves in the rugged beauty of the Pacific Coast.
Cape Flattery
Just a short drive from Neah Bay, WA, Cape Flattery offers a forested hike to the northwesternmost point of the contiguous United States and arguably some of the most striking views on this list. The 1.2-mile round-trip boardwalk trail winds through lush, old-growth forest before opening onto dramatic clifftop viewing platforms overlooking the Pacific. From here, you can watch waves crash against towering sea stacks, spot sea caves and marine wildlife while taking in views of the historic Tatoosh Island.
Nearby, Shi Shi Beach offers another unforgettable coastal adventure. Accessible via a rugged 8-mile round-trip hike, the trail winds through dense coastal forest before opening onto a remote stretch of shoreline and the famous Point of Arches, where a collection of towering sea stacks rises dramatically from the ocean.
For a place to stay, check out Hobuck Beach Resort, a popular destination for surfing, sea kayaking, and beachside camping. With the ocean just steps away, it makes an ideal base camp for a weekend exploring the wild and rugged coastline of Washington's northwest corner.
Kalaloch
Set along the rugged coastal region of Olympic National Park, Kalaloch is a quintessential Pacific Northwest coastal destination home to several dramatic beaches, each offering its own experience. Kalaloch Beach, home to the iconic Tree of Life, is the area's main stretch of shoreline, with driftwood-covered sands and sweeping views of the Pacific. Further north, Beach 1, Beach 2, Beach 3, and Beach 4 offer even more opportunities to explore the rugged coastline.
For those looking to spend more than a few hours here, Kalaloch Campground is an ideal way to experience the area. Open year-round, the campground offers campsites tucked beneath towering evergreens with direct access to Kalaloch Beach. Spend the day wandering the shoreline and return to your campsite beneath the forest for an unforgettable sunset experience.
For those looking for a more comfortable stay, Kalaloch Lodge offers a cozy alternative surrounded by the same rugged beauty. This accommodation is perched above the Pacific and provides a peaceful place to unwind after a day exploring the beaches.
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