Journey along the Hidden Coast Scenic Byway
By Cindy Stearns
Published: 09/16/19
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You've decided to load up the kids and Fido and head out on a car trip. Where do you go? Hidden Coast Scenic Byway has something for the whole car load.
Begin this journey as you leave Hoquiam on State Route 109. Take a stop at Bowerman Basin. Shorebirds may be sighted including the Western Sandpiper. You may spot a plane or two flying in or out of the Bowerman Airport.
Get Aunt Tilda and everyone back in the four-wheel travel vehicle and you'll drive along Grays Harbor with a view for all. Then, you'll wind through curves as you travel on your way to the coast.
If you'd like a stop off the Hidden Coast, take a left at Hogan's Corner and you'll find Oyhut. This is home to the Ocean Shores Junior and Senior High School. Then, take a left through the "gates" and you enter the city of Ocean Shores.
The only incorporated city of the North Beach, 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of it's incorporation. Maybe you'd like to stop at some of the gift shops, head out to the Coastal Interpretive Center or a walk on the Weatherwax Trail.
Ocean Shores Electric Boats travel the canals. You may also choose to kayak or stand-up paddle board, surrounded by wildlife from deer to otter.
OK, you're back out to Hidden Coast Scenic Byway. Head north and your next stop is Ocean City. Female residents from the early to mid 1900s are icons of this spot. Ask the locals about Dorothy Anderson and her cabin, "Lady on the Beach" Nora Berg and Nina Rutherford business owner and postmaster. You'll also know you've reached Ocean City with the chainsaw carvings along the "curve" at Ocean City Marketplace.
Did you bring the kayaks? Grab them and head into the ghost forest at Copalis Beach. "Home of the Razor Clam" is the spot where you'll get your clam gun and head out on those annual clam digs.
If you're trying to keep everyone in the car and content (even when it's pouring sideways), take a moment to pull off at Iron Springs. Even from the car windows, you may view clam diggers, walkers and the waves crashing onto the beach.
The "idea town" of Seabrook is next on your car tour. Stop and shop where there are shops for all ages. Maybe you'd like to grab a bit to eat. Be sure to get a photo with "Growler" at the food truck court. Chainsaw artist Tony Robinson of Native Beach Art carved this Sasquatch who's just waiting on his food order...
Pacific Beach is home to the westernmost Main Street. Wacky Warehouse has some wacky inventory. And it's home to KXPB-LP Radio. Tune in to 89.1 when you're there and if DJ Handlebar is in (especially on Saturdays), ask for a musical request. You may even get Aunt Tilda and the kids on the air!
Back out to Hidden Coast Scenic Byway, you'll cross into Moclips. Keep an eye out for the Caboose. You'll see it on the east side of SR 109, just north of Chapel by the Sea. This marks the spot of the future Museum of the North Beach. Currently, you'll find the museum just north of Cedar Serenity Spa (across from Ocean Crest Resort). It's open 11 am-4 pm Saturdays and Sunday (Wednesday-Monday in the summer).
And you're northernmost destination is Taholah. This is the village of the Quinault. With a guide, you're able to fish or hunt on the reservation. Quinault Cultural Center is available to tour weekdays for another stop for you and the family.
There are many events and festival year-round to enjoy along the Hidden Coast Scenic Byway. And much more history and scenic sites to experience. For more details, visit hiddencoastscenicbyway.com.
Author: Cindy Stearns
Blog #: 0687 – 09/16/19
Comments: 0
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