Although you might think you know every beach in Washington, there are plenty of hidden gems to be discovered along the state’s 3,026 miles of coastline. Many of the state’s most beautiful beaches don’t get many visitors, because they are difficult to access. In fact, a handful of the beaches on this list require at least a few miles of hiking. Some even require some scrambling down cliffs and rocks! Once you reach the striking shoreline, you will quickly forget any struggles on the trail along the way. Now that you’re mentally prepared for the journey ahead, let’s dive into Washington’s most remote, hidden shores.
Meadowdale Beach Park
Meadowdale Beach Park is a beautiful sandy beach in Edmonds, flanked by lush, green forest. To access the beach, take the wider trail from the trailhead at the parking lot. The trail quickly descends, and you will climb down a staircase built into the hillside. One mile in, take the left fork of the trail, cross the bridge, and go through the tunnel under the train tracks to reach the beach. From the sandy shores of Puget Sound, you’ll enjoy views of Whidbey Island, Kitsap Peninsula, and the Olympic Mountains. When you’re done at the beach, head back through the tunnel and turn left to loop back to the trailhead to finish out your 2.5-mile round-trip hike.
Old Pipeline Bed Trail
This 2.4-mile out-and-back trail in Leavenworth navigates the path of an old pipeline from the early 1900s. Notably, the electricity generated by the pipeline was used instead of coal to power a Great Northern Railway train through a tunnel in the Cascade Mountains. Now, the scenic, wooded trail follows along the Wenatchee River, which eventually empties into the Columbia River. The thrills start early in the hike as you cross the old steel pipeline bridge over the river. After ¾ miles of fairly flat trails, you will reach an idyllic sandy beach. The trail gets a little busy in the summer, so plan to head out early to beat the crowds.
Port Williams Beach
While it isn’t technically a secret, you will often find only a handful of people at Port Williams Beach at any given time. No hikes required here, as this quiet beach in Sequim is located right at the end of Port Williams Road. The beach exists within the 1-acre Marlyn Nelson County Park. Bring a kayak or perhaps sit on a piece of driftwood and watch the waves of Sequim Bay lap the shores. Because the beach is on the smaller side, we recommend checking out the tide tables when planning your visit.
Glass Beach at McCurdy Point
Before you think, “Secluded sea glass beaches don’t exist…” let us explain. The beach at McCurdy Point In Port Townsend is teeming with sea glass, agate, and sometimes even fossils. To access the sea glass, however, you must hike 3 miles from North Beach Park across rocky terrain. The key to a serene visit to the park is twofold. First, you have to look at the tide tables. If the tide comes in while you are hiking, you won’t get very far. Second, get there early to snag a spot in the parking lot. Glass Beach typically doesn’t get too crowded, but the trailhead parking lot usually does. With these tips, you’re sure to find lots of beautiful sea glass on a calm, tranquil shore.
Camano Island State Park
While Camano Island visitors typically head to Cama Beach, you know better. Camano Island State Park is actually the best place to go for a serene shore experience. The park features 6,700 feet of rugged shoreline and beaches. Enjoy walking along the rocky shores or hike the 3.1-mile Camano Island State Park Trail for incredible views of local wildlife and the water.
Normandy Beach Trail
One of the best kept secrets in the area is the beach at Marine View Park, located about 15 miles south of Seattle. The upper part of the park is a typical wooded recreational area with trails and views of the sea. However, if you head to the edge of the park, you will find two sets of steep wooden stairs that lead you to a quiet, secluded beach. Don’t be afraid to stray from the stairs either. The farther away you go, the more you’ll feel like you’re on your own private beach.
La Push Third Beach
As you might have gathered from the name, there are three beaches in La Push. First and Second Beach both get many visitors, because they are fairly accessible. Third Beach, however, stays fairly secluded because of its difficult trek. To access the beach, start at the Third Beach Trailhead, walk along the coastal forest trail, and, finally, traverse the 200-foot descent down to the sand. One of the most unique and rewarding views from Third Beach is of Strawberry Bay Falls, a 100-foot waterfall that flows into the ocean. The falls are typically strongest from November to May, but the beach remains a beautiful destination all year long.
Moran Beach
Moran Beach is a scenic, hidden sandy area of shoreline in Oak Harbor. From this secluded beach, you can see impressive views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Olympic Mountains, and San Juan Islands. This beach is close to the Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, and kids love to sit and watch jets fly nearby. In addition, Moran Beach is the perfect spot to watch the sunset at the end of a long day.
Shoreline Street Ends
Perhaps the most secret beaches of all exist smack dab in the middle of Seattle. When a public street ends at a waterfront, the space between the street and the water is considered public property, thanks to the Seattle City Council. Some of these secret beaches live in the neighborhoods of multimillionaires, while others exist at the end of dirt roads. Fortunately, the Shoreline Street Ends program works to improve those spaces to make them beautiful, functional community assets. Scan this map before you head out on your quest to determine which shores are right for you. The map details shore material, public access uses, and current status.
