Cannon Beach to the Olympic Peninsula: A Journey Along the Coast
Cannon Beach to the Olympic Peninsula: A Journey Along the Coast
Whenever we have to travel out of state, we always try to tack on a little adventure to the trip. This time, we needed to go to Seattle, so we figured, why not bring the camper and extend the journey to explore the coast? Our plan was to head south from Seattle to Cannon Beach, Oregon, spend the first night there, and then make our way up the Washington coast.
This trip was a bit different from our usual style. We typically avoid campgrounds, but with limited time and fewer options for dispersed camping along the coast, we opted to stay at campgrounds this time around.
Cannon Beach
After finishing up our business in Seattle, we drove about 3.5 hours south to Astoria, Oregon. Astoria is famously known as the town where The Goonies was filmed. While we didn’t spend much time there, we did enjoy the drive over the Astoria-Megler Bridge. Spanning 4.5 miles across the mouth of the Columbia River, it’s an impressive structure.
From Astoria, we continued to Cannon Beach, where we planned to spend our first night. After checking into our campground and setting up camp, we headed to the beach just before sunset. The view was spectacular, and watching the sun dip below the horizon was the perfect way to end the day.
Exploring the Washington Coast
The next morning, we packed up and headed north. It was a typical rainy fall day in the Pacific Northwest—the second week of November, right in the heart of the rainy season on the Olympic Peninsula. While rain was a constant companion that day, it didn’t dampen our spirits. The goal was to enjoy the coast, and a little weather wasn’t going to stop us.
Our first stop was Kalaloch Beach in Olympic National Park. Arriving at low tide, we explored tide pools and combed the shore to see what treasures the ocean had washed up.
Next, we visited Ruby Beach. Known for its dramatic sea stacks and rugged rock formations, Ruby Beach is a must-see in Olympic National Park. It’s a popular spot, so we shared the beach with quite a few other visitors, but the stunning scenery made it well worth it.
Our final stop for the day was the Dungeness Recreation Area, where we would camp for the night. The campground was beautiful, with large, private sites and incredible views. One unique feature of this area is the piebald deer, whose distinctive brown-and-white coats make them stand out.
Wrapping Up
The next morning, we packed up camp, enjoyed a delicious breakfast at a local restaurant, and started the drive home.
This trip reminded us how rewarding it can be to add a little adventure to otherwise routine travel. The memories we made—exploring beaches, marveling at sea stacks, and watching sunsets—will stay with us forever. Next time you need to travel out of state, consider carving out some time to explore. You might just find that it’s the best part of your trip.
January 6, 2025
