WELCOME TO
DISCOVERY COAST
THE
here are nearly as many kinds of
vacations in Pacific County and
the Long Beach Peninsula as
there are different people and
families. Just to name a few:
Beach fun, Pacific Northwest
cuisine, Western history, fishing,
wildlife watching, gallery and
antique shopping, hiking and
bicycling, kayaking, sailing and other outdoor adventures.
This publication is a user’s guide for those who have
made the choice to come to this special corner of Washington
state, and now are looking for the most fun and fulfilling
ways to spend precious days in this remarkable place.
Frequent visitors and seasonal residents already have their
routines worked out, but here are some “insider” suggestions
for South Pacific County novices:
• If you’re introducing your children to the traditional fun
of the seashore, Waikiki in Cape Disappointment State Park
probably is the safest and most scenic of the ocean beaches.
If parking a car you’ll need a Discover Pass, now
conveniently available from vending machines scattered
around the park. Bring picnic supplies from town. As always
when near the ocean, know where your kids are at all times
and keep them within easy reach. (tinyurl.com/CapeDfacts)
• For most visitors, there’s no substitute for the wide sands
of the Peninsula. Popular activities include kite flying, surf
perch fishing, beachcombing, birdwatching, long walks
along the water’s edge or on the world-class Discovery Trail
in the dunes, clam digging (when in season), horseback
riding and picnicking. Some enjoy driving on the beach, but
there also are well-marked pedestrian-only areas. When
you’re ready for a change of scene, the well-stocked towns
of Seaview, Long Beach, Ilwaco and Ocean Park all are
within a few minutes’ walk or drive. (Discover-
OurCoast.com and FunBeach.com)
T
• A great alternative to the ocean beaches are the small,
sandy coves at Fort Columbia State Park on the Columbia
River near Chinook. What they lack in terms of oceanic
drama, they more than make up for in comfort and safety.
(tinyurl.com/FortColumbia-Facts)
• Other popular outdoor options include visiting the
Willapa Bay shore, which is best accessed via the 15,000-
plus acre Willapa National Wildlife Refuge, the Port of
Peninsula and neighboring Morehead County Park in
Nahcotta, or Leadbetter Point State Park on the
Peninsula’s far northern tip. The bay is a place of
astounding natural beauty, with elk herds, uncountable
numbers of birds, playful otters and endless open space.
A careful visit to Long Island by personal watercraft may be
a highlight of your life, a chance to touch gargantuan
Western red cedars more than 900 years old. (Take bug
spray, your cell phone and be aware of tide cycles and fast-
changing water conditions.) (www.fws.gov/refuge/willapa)
• Besides sublime natural beauty, one of this area’s most
appealing aspects is its depth of history. This was the Lewis
and Clark Expedition’s destination in 1805, and you will
literally walk in their paths. The Middle Village/Station
Camp Unit of Lewis and Clark National Historical Park just
east of the Chinook tunnel is a fine place to let the kids run
around, play on models of Chinook Indian canoes and soak
up the ambiance of a site that once was the epicenter of
Pacific Rim trade.
The forest trails of the park’s Cape Disappointment
Unit are like a time warp back to the era of explorers,
fur traders and mighty Chinookan traders.
(www.nps.gov/lewi/index.htm) Other historical themes
include the route of the legendary Clamshell Railroad, Army
coastal artillery forts, lighthouses, and the Oysterville
National Historical District.
• Food is one of our favorite things. It’s hard to imagine a
set of picturesque coastal villages anywhere with more
opportunities to enjoy amazing seafood, organic produce,
creative baked goods, craft breweries and traditional
seashore treats including burgers and ice cream. Everyone
here has their own favorite places — don’t be shy; describe
what you like to anyone who lives here and we’ll be happy
to recommend a restaurant to suit your taste. Saturday
Market at the Port of Ilwaco is a perfect way to sample many
delicious treats. The Northwest Garlic Festival in Ocean Park
and Jazz and Oysters in Long Beach, are yummy festivals.
Try the cranberry/peach pies at the Cranberrian Fair in Ilwaco
in October, where Blues
and Seafood also takes
the stage in September.
BESIDES THE
Going on a charter trip
NATURAL BEAUTY,
and catching your own
salmon for dinner is an
ONE OF THIS
amazing time — a
morning out on the
AREA’S MOST
river and ocean will
alter your perspective of
APPEALING
the world forever.
ASPECTS IS ITS
There are lots of
other ways to enjoy
DEPTH OF HISTORY
your time here: Vibrant
visual and performing
arts communities, nearly magically packed “general stores,”
antique/junk shops, souvenirs and clothing. There are
impressive museums and interpretive centers devoted to
Columbia-Pacific history, kites, the cranberry and oyster
businesses, lifesaving. Festivals devoted to everything from
classic cars to small-town patriotism enliven most of the
year.
We’re delighted you’ve come to see us. Everyone here
looks forward to being your host and showing you our
own favorite things to do. Make yourself at home and
start making amazing memories!
DISCOVERY COAST 2018-19 • DiscoverOurCoast.com • 3