Pacific Northwest Road Trip: 8 Reasons to Stop Along the Evergreen Coast

Mar 16, 2023 | Outdoors, Road Trips

When planning your Pacific Northwest Road Trip, there is no shortage of pins to poke on the map. Jagged coastlines, jade forests, and quaint, friendly towns are scattered along the route. Pop culture has made towns like Astoria and Cannon Beach obvious tourism hot spots.

But hidden pearls, rich with luster, are waiting to be discovered off the northwest Hwy 101. We’ll tell you 8 reasons why you should stop on the Evergreen Coast on your next PNW road trip.

Plan Your Road Trip to the Evergreen Coast from Seattle or Portland

The road trip to the Evergreen Coast is an easy one from either Seattle or Portland.  Through your drive, you’ll feel the congestion and noise of the city fade into the peaceful air of the coastline.

Itinerary from Seattle to the Evergreen Coast

From the Emerald City, you get on the I-5 and point it south. There are tons of cool and historic spots for those who want to make a pit stop along the way. Side-track in Tacoma along the damp banks of the Puget Sound. Or cruise independent book and record shops for vintage treasures in Olympia. There are plenty of adventures along the way, but for those who don’t want to stop and just want to soak in the view, expect about a 3-hour drive to the secluded Evergreen Coast.

Itinerary from Portland to the Evergreen Coast

From the City of Roses, US-26 will deliver you. That iconic northwest backdrop envelopes the highway. Layers of trees are separated by wisps of mist, and you’ll catch yourself squinting for Bigfoot in the forest. With about a 2.5-hour commute you’ll slide easily into the beauty of Washington’s Evergreen Coast.

8 Amazing Ways to Enjoy Your Pacific Northwest Road Trip

One of the best things about a Pacific Northwest road trip is getting away from the hustle and bustle. 

1. Unique Outdoor Places to Stop During Your PNW Road Trip

North Head Lighthouse, a fun stop during your Pacific Northwest Road Trip.

The Evergreen Coast has no shortage of unique places to visit along your Pacific Northwest Roat Trip. There’s something so special about this area of the world. The dense tree coverage that is constantly anointed with rain; forms a verdant sanctuary that is almost gospel. The salty washing of the shoreline with cleansing waves purifies your soul.

You can feel the peace settle into the marrow of your bones as you travel here. When you’re visiting the Evergreen Coast, the great outdoors will call to you.

Cape Disappointment State Park

No PNW road trip would be complete without a stop here. This more than 2,000-acre state park is the natural crescendo of the Evergreen Coast shoreline. Featuring dramatic 200-foot cliffs, accessible beaches, miles of hiking trails, and two lighthouses, it is an explorer’s paradise and a photographer’s muse. Every square inch of the park is a moment.

The Beach

Long Beach is billed as the world’s longest, continuous beach, and it is unlike any you’ve ever seen. Stretching for 28 miles, it is hauntingly beautiful. The Evergreen coastline continues Northward, with an even more secluded beach along Tokeland’s shore.

King Tides

When the moon is new or full, it calls the King Tides to the shore. The surplus of the ocean adds to the frenzy along the rocks. Currents collide and a spectacle of gigantic, slamming waves are born along the cliffs. People come from miles around just to catch a glimpse of nature’s fury.

2. Unique Places to Eat During a PNW Road Trip

PNW Road Trip - Dylans (3)

On your PNW road trip through Washington’s Evergreen Coast, you’ll be taken on a culinary adventure.

Ingredients are straightforward and fresh. And there’s no need for pretentious fanfare. Because the area is so fertile with delectable seafood and ripe produce, they arrive in your mouth with no middleman. Herbs are snipped from the garden outside.

Oysters are plucked from fattening beds in the bay. Craft beverages are poured from the taps of the brewers. You experience food at its source, curated by kitchen artisans.

MyCovio’s

This Italian kitchen is pioneered by a celebrated and towering Dutch chef. The charred romaine salad with fresh crab meat and chanterelles will make you weep. The cioppino washes your throat in a warm tomato sauce, rich with local clams and fish.

And don’t even get us started on the tiramisu.

Willapa Brewing Co.

This family-owned microbrewery started brewing artisan alcohol in its home over 25 years ago and Willapa Brewing Co. been pouring “hearty ales for the logger in all of us” to a faithful crowd ever since.

As soon as you pull open the heavy doors, you’re welcomed into the warm, inviting wooden bar, where, on any given night, the space is flowing with a steady stream of neighbors and friends.

Dylan’s Cottage Bakery

This from-scratch bakery and deli has been serving the town’s sweet treats since 1908. Now named after a very special little angel who passed away, Dylan Harrell, this beloved institution is a heart-warming sugar rush.

Their donuts are pillowy, their bread a cloud. While you wait for your order, gaze on the collection of vintage cookie jars lining the wall.

3. Must-Visit Places to Get Seafood on your PNW Road Trip

Amazing Seafood along a Pacific Northwest Road Trip.

The seafood of Washington’s Evergreen Coast deserves its own spotlight. Thalassic jewels from the sea are mined from the briny waters that frame the land. Whether served on a half-shell or in a stew, these ocean prizes are some of the best you’ve eaten.

Places to Get Oysters

It’s been said that one in every four oysters consumed in the world come from these icy waters. Flavorful and fresh, you’ll never get another oyster like the ones you find here. You can easily go on an oyster tour around the county, as multiple outlets boast the best.

From Goose Point to Willapa Bay, these shelled beauties will have you saying “Shuck yeah!”.

Places to Get Chowder 

Hearty, savory, and just a hint of sweet, clam chowder is hands-down one of the best dishes you can enjoy on a day by the sea. Some establishments serve it seasonally while others serve it year-round, a steaming bowl of clam chowder is one hot commodity. 

Check out the Chowder Stop in Long Beach or make your way to Raymond and visit C&C Classic Diner for your chowder craving.

Places to Get Clams

Clamming season is arguably the most celebrated holiday along the entirety of the Evergreen Coast. Every year Long Beach hosts the annual Razor Clam & Shellfish Festival. Even though the Festival is once a year, there is no shortage of places to get your clam fix year-round.

Try the freshly harvested Willapa Bay Manila Clams at the Pickled Fish or the Fried Clam Strip at Drop Anchor, both located in Long Beach.

4. Unique Places to See Art During Your PNW Road Trip

Pacific Northwest Road Trip: 8 Reasons to Stop Along the Evergreen Coast

The laid-back, inspiring vibe in the Pacific Northwest is drawing artists to settle here. The burgeoning artist community is thriving.  No matter where you go, you’ll see the Evergreen Coast’s creativity on full display with installations from local artists.

Galleries

Galleries found a home up and down the Evergreen Coast. Fine art mixes with local charm. Find a special new piece – and hear a story – at Riverside Gallery in South Bend on the Willapa River.

Studio Tours 

Discover art at the source and hear from the artist on what goes into their pieces. Don Nisbett Art Gallery is both Don’s gallery and studio. He’s a friendly man who loves the coastline and his community.

Stop by and see how many local groups, sights, and businesses make appearances in his portfolio. 

Art Around Town

Art isn’t confined to traditional galleries. Raymond is home to an extensive series of metal sculptures along and off of Highway 101. These sculptures capture the spirit and history of the Evergreen Coast- from the first peoples to modern industry.

To really get a feel for the roots of Wahsington’s Evergreen Coast, hunt these sculptures down and take in everything they have to say.

5. Hidden Shopping Gems on Your PNW Road Trip 

PNW Road Trip - Ship Wrecords (3)

This is not the place for big box mass production. Shopping on the Evergreen Coast is truly shopping local.

NiVA Green

A charming, modern curiosity shop, you’ll find one-of-a-kind jewelry and décor here. Handmade earrings or license plate birdhouses are nestled amongst leather notebooks and novelty socks.

The Pirates Keep

Formerly known as Hobo Junction, when you see the purple house rimmed with neon and hundreds of crab buoys, you know you’ve arrived. An eclectic mass of vintage and handmade treasures, this place is a must-see.

Take a photo with one of the many welded robots made from scrap metal.

Ship Wrecords and Moor 

Tucked in Ilwaco, this serious record store is a vinyl junkie’s treasure box. Hundreds of pristine pressings are stacked, waiting to be bought and played. Find retro stereo equipment here as well for a full-circle sound experience.

6. Experience Wildlife on the Evergreen Coast

Willapa Wildlife Art Walk

Wildlife has been abundant on these lands since before anyone was here to observe it. The waters are a garden of ocean life. The forests are a menagerie of local wildlife.  The sky is a canopy of birds. The Evergreen Coast is a magnet for bird watchers and nature lovers alike.

Willapa National Wildlife Refuge

With over 17,000 acres of tidelands, the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge is teeming with activity. More than 200 different species call it home. Beavers, elk, and spawning salmon reside here.

Bird Watching

With three quarters of the Evergreen Coast being covered in forest, birders will find that a stop on the coast is no wild goose chase. Bald eagles, horned owls, loons, herons, and more flock to the area, making this PNW road trip stop a great place for birding.

The forest and wetlands provide safety and food for more than three hundred bird species.

7. Unique Dog-Friendly Places Around Long Beach Washington

a dog sitting on a dog-friendly beach on a Pacific Northwest Road Trip.

Domesticated four-legged friends are welcome too! Washington’s Evergreen Coast is a pup’s paradise. From hotels to restaurants to the beaches, your furry pals are part of the mix. We understand that Fido is family so be sure to bring him with you!

Washington’s Evergreen Coast State Parks

As any and all dog owners know, a dog’s best friend is a friend who loves a walk. With seven state parks throughout the county, there is no shortage of trails to take. Take a relaxing stroll or a brisk jog; however you and your pup roll is the right way to take in the Evergreen Coast. 

Once you’re done exploring nature, you can always check out more dog-friendly places along the Evergreen Coast to top off your trip.

8. Meet the Locals of the Evergreen Coast 

Shops, breweries, and restaurants are run by families or friends from high school. In true small-town fashion, everyone knows their neighbors and if you chat with the locals (which we highly recommend that you do!) you’ll experience the culmination of generations of local history and pride. 

We could talk for hours about why the Evergreen Coast is a jewel of the pacific northwest, but you should come discover your own reasons why it should be on your next PNW road trip. Once here, we know it will.

By: Danelle Dodds

Danelle is an international traveler, road tripper, writer, and artist. She firmly believes in testing the limits of word count, mileage, and AYCE sushi.

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