How to Drive the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway in Washington

The Pacific Coast Scenic Byway is part of U.S. Highway 101. It runs beside the Pacific Ocean, and it is considered one of the most beautiful drives in the United States. Winding roads, lush forests, sandy beaches and towering mountains are all part of this scenic drive. Take a few days to enjoy the part that traverses the coastline of Washington State.

Instructions

1

Plan enough time to enjoy the beauty of the scenery. Although you can drive the 360 miles in a day, take a few days to stop and admire the natural beauty before you.

2

Camp overnight in the Olympic National Forest, which is part of the byway. You can make reservations at any National Forest or National Park campground.

3

Get in some recreational fun at the Olympic National Forest. You can hike along the rocky beaches or go horseback riding. You can also trying your hand at clamming.

4

Stop at Port Angeles and hike the Hurricane Hill Trail. It's a 1 1/2-mile hike with gorgeous views, including a look at Vancouver Island and Mt. Baker. In the summer, you'll see wildflowers and possibly black bears. Winter visitors can enjoy the skiing at the Hurricane Ridge Lodge, which gets an average snowfall of 400 inches each year.

5

Enjoy the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge, which encompasses 11,000 acres. It's a migratory stop for shorebirds. Willapa also offers fishing and clamming.

6

Take another night and camp at Cape Disappointment State Park, and catch some history at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. This park has 27 miles of beaches on the Pacific Ocean. Have dinner at one of the nearby coastal towns before ending your scenic tour.

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The Pacific Coast Scenic Byway is part of U.S. Highway 101. It runs beside the Pacific Ocean, and it is considered one of the most beautiful drives in the United States. Winding roads, lush forests, sandy beaches and towering mountains are all part of this scenic drive. Take a few days to enjoy the part that traverses the coastline of Washington State.

Instructions

1

Plan enough time to enjoy the beauty of the scenery. Although you can drive the 360 miles in a day, take a few days to stop and admire the natural beauty before you.

2

Camp overnight in the Olympic National Forest, which is part of the byway. You can make reservations at any National Forest or National Park campground.

3

Get in some recreational fun at the Olympic National Forest. You can hike along the rocky beaches or go horseback riding. You can also trying your hand at clamming.

4

Stop at Port Angeles and hike the Hurricane Hill Trail. It's a 1 1/2-mile hike with gorgeous views, including a look at Vancouver Island and Mt. Baker. In the summer, you'll see wildflowers and possibly black bears. Winter visitors can enjoy the skiing at the Hurricane Ridge Lodge, which gets an average snowfall of 400 inches each year.

5

Enjoy the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge, which encompasses 11,000 acres. It's a migratory stop for shorebirds. Willapa also offers fishing and clamming.

6

Take another night and camp at Cape Disappointment State Park, and catch some history at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. This park has 27 miles of beaches on the Pacific Ocean. Have dinner at one of the nearby coastal towns before ending your scenic tour.