Beaches

As you walk on the beaches of Grays Harbor, you know this is just how coastal life was a thousand years ago. You are visually stunned with the power of the surf combined with an endless panorama of sand dunes and driftwood. The cry of a seagull and the precision of thousands of shorebirds in flight fill your senses as you breath in the ocean air.

A leisurely stroll on the beach, a camp fire, storm watching, or a book and a cozy fire in your beachside cottage will entice you with the romance that keeps visitors returning to Washington’s 'Best Kept Secret.'

Or, if you prefer, you can exert some energy by surf fishing, surf kayaking, hiking, digging for Washington’s famous razor clams, or by taking a day trip to the Quinault Rain Forest and the Olympic National Park.

Areas of Interest

East County
Country back roads, farming and timber communities and many festivals and small museums dot the scenic East County. From river valleys to tall timber, you'll not find a better picture of rural America. Whether a day trip or overnight, the sites and experiences of East County are enriching, exciting...and relaxing. And be sure to bring your camera along, you'll never remember it all.

Aberdeen/Hoquiam
The economic hub of Grays Harbor is the cities of Aberdeen, Hoquiam and Cosmopolis, and approximately half of the county's population live in the three contiguous cities. Many of the visitor opportunities available relate to the heritage of timber and the sea. Boat building is a growing industry on Grays Harbor and you can trace its roots with a tour or cruise on the Lady Washington, a historical reproduction of the ship that Captain Robert Gray used to first explore the West Coast. Museums, festivals, community events, performing arts and a farmer's market fill the calendar year round, while the spring and fall migration stopover of hundreds of thousands of shorebirds at the Gray Harbor National Wildlife Refuge is an amazing site. A variety of dining and overnight accommodations will make your stay in Aberdeen, Hoquiam and Cosmopolis one you will remember.

Grayland
The area around the quaint, beach community of Grayland is known as the Cranberry Coast. Over a thousand acres of bogs are in production with a spectacular show of color during blossom time in late June and harvest in the fall. Of course, beach-side activities are plentiful, too. Clam digging, beach-combing, kite flying and surf fishing along the ocean with gift shops and antiquing in town. A variety of accommodations and restaurants will make your stay relaxing and enjoyable. But remember, life is supposed to be slow on the Cranberry Coast.

Westport
There's nothing like the excitement of being on the docks at Westport as another charter boat arrives back in with a load of delicious, fresh salmon. Visitors have always come to Westport for it's deep-sea fishing. Long famous for salmon and tuna, the charter boats from Washington's largest coastal marina now also crest the ocean swells whale watching. A charming front-street promenade of shops, restaurants and charter boat offices provide not just great viewing of this historical recreation and commercial way of life, but a piece of salt-water taffy, a bite of smoked salmon or a cup of chowder, too. Away from the boats you can visit the aquarium, museum, fly a kite or do a little surfing. And be sure to visit the Westport Lighthouse, the tallest in the state and second tallest on the entire West Coast. It's light has been guiding sailors and fisherman into Grays Harbor for over a hundred years.

Ocean Shores
Whatever your vacation plans, from a week to just a weekend, Ocean Shores has the answer. Six miles of Pacific Ocean public beach from the western edge of this 6,000-acre peninsula, which is home to more than 23 miles of interconnecting fresh water lakes and canals. Nearly three million visitors come to Ocean Shores annually for its year-round activities including golf, clam digging, fresh and salt water fishing, boating, kite flying, bird watching, horseback riding and shopping. Whether a fine hotel, a weathered cottage, bed and breakfast or home/condo rental, Ocean Shores offers a myriad of accommodations and dining.

North Beach
As you walk on the beach, you know this is just how coastal life was a thousand years ago. You are visually stunned with the power of the surf combined with an endless panorama of sand dunes and driftwood. The cry of a seagull, and the precision of thousands of shorebirds in flight fill your senses as you breath in the ocean air. The North Beach defines laid back.

The North Beach and its five communities of Ocean City, Copalis Beach, Seabrook, Pacific Beach and Moclips are the perfect escape to relax. A leisurely stroll on the beach, a camp fire, storm watching, or a book and a cozy fire in your beachside cottage will entice you with the romance that keeps visitors returning to Washingtons Best Kept Secret.

Lake Quinault
As beautiful as anywhere on earth, majestic glacier-carved and fed Lake Quinault is surrounded by the mossy old-growth trees of the Quinault Rain Forest, one of only three temperate coniferous rain forests in the Western Hemisphere. The valley that creates the lake and rain forest is known as the Valley of the Giants. Here you will find the largest Sitka Spruce in the world, along with other recognized giants of Hemlock, Douglas Fir, Western Red and Alaskan Cedar. The towering trees and lush, green forests at the southern end of the Olympic National Park and National Forest are home to abundant wildlife including bald eagles and Roosevelt elk. Miles of trails, swimming and fishing are also easily accessible from the campgrounds and resorts around the lake and in the forest. A 30-mile loop drive takes you on a scenic trip around the lake. Bring a camera, hiking shoes, and plenty of rain gear; this will be a trip you will never forget.

Events

Be sure to check the wide variety of events in the Grays Harbor area by visiting the Grays Harbor events page.