Driving the Washington Coast

                                       
                                         A view of Ocean Shores

                                           Westport Washington

                                           La Push Washington

                                           Forks Washington

It has been a while since I last visited the Washington Coast. I am showing a few pictures as well. The primary highway is 101 which actually go along the California, Oregon and Washington coast. If you have a couple weeks or so to travel highway 101 would be a wonderful way to go.

Growing up our family took several trips along the Washington and Oregon coasts. The last time I visited the area was going to Ocean Shores. A very lovely place to see; my cousin Jennifer and her husband Holt this year moved to Astoria, Oregon. Holt has retired and Jennifer is still working in the health insurance industry. Holt grew up in Michigan while Jennifer lived all her life in Seattle before moving to Astoria. Let you know that Astoria is the furthest city north on the Oregon Coast. The first city south in Washington is Westport. It is known for fishing and you can actually rent a fishing boat to go out into the Pacific Coast. Ocean Shores is very close to West Port. If you fly into Seattle to get to the Washington coast would be taking Interstate 5 south through Tacoma until you reach the state capitol Olympia than take exit 104 and drive highway 2. It is about a ninety five minute drive to Ocean Shores. You go through twin cities of Aberdeen and Hoquiam get to the ocean.

Whenever we went to the ocean we would dig for clams and geoducks. I am not sure about anyplace else however geoduck is quite known in Washington State and taste very good. You can cook on the stove or an open fire.

Going north on Highway 101 you can turn inland to the Olympic Rain Forest and go to the Hoh River or Lake Quinalt. Just follow the signs when you see them. Having a map with you or gps is a good idea. The city furthest north is La Push. It is actually unincorporated and is on the Quileute Reservation. A place you should make sure to visit. Before La Push you would come to Forks, Washington actual town in the Twilight novels. You can take Highway 101 east from Forks that goes to Port Angeles. This is where you can catch a ferry that goes to Victoria, British Columbia. Before arriving in Port Angeles you will see Lake Crescent to your left. It is quite a winding road so always have thought it would be a great place to have a car race. I am sure some cars would land in the lake since you have to be careful when driving along the winding road. Continue east on Highway 101 you go until there is an exit for highway 3 that goes to the Hood Canal Bridge before arriving in Bremerton. If you stay on Highway 101 you would windup back in Olympia. Arriving in Bremerton you can take the ferry to Seattle or continue on to my home town of Gig Harbor.    

                                          Port Angeles Washington
                      
                                          Below is the Hood Canal Bridge