Washington
Peninsula
Late winter through early spring, good time to look for Oriental baubles, sparkling glass fishing floats bobbing on the surf or hidden among tide debris. Good times to look include after storm and when Velella (small, bluish jellyfish) arrive on beach. Carried from Japanese waters via Kuroshio Current and Oregon Maelstrom. Book, Beachcombing for Japanese Glass Floats, by Amos Wood.
Great place to dig for razor clams. From Oysterville approach north to Leadbetter Point. You must keep first 15 clams you dig, regardless of size or condition. Info at Department of Fish and Wildlife (360-586-6129).
South Bend
Tons of little seafood places. Next to the Willapa River. Bills itself Oyester Capital of the World. Oyster Stampede on Memorial Day Weekend. Pacific County Fair last week in August.
Ocean Park
Northwest Garlic Festival.
Nahcotta
Center of oyster and clamming business.
Nahcotta Seafood Festival in late April.
Oysterville
Ghost town. Oldest continuously operating post office in Washington. Jazz and Oyster Festival in late August. Water Music Festival in late October.
Long Beach
Washington State International Kite Festival in August.
Seaview
Founded in 1881 by Jonathon L. Stout and his wife, Anne Elizabeth Gearhart, daughter of Phillip Gearhart (for whom town in northern Oregon is named). Home to a number of bed and breakfasts, including Shelburne Inn and Sou'Wester Lodge. Access point to unspoiled beach.
Ilwaco
Near mouth of the Columbia River.
167 Howerton Way 360-642-8831
Imperial Schooner (360-642-8667)
Saturday Market. May-September, 10am-4pm. 360-244-1514
Annual Cranberrian Fair in October. Guided bog tours. Cranberry Museum, 10am-5pm, April-December.
Near Cape Disappointment State Park.
Cape Disappointment State Park
North Head Lighthouse
Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
One of seven Confluence Project sites by Maya Lin. Dedicated in November 2005 -- the world's snazziest fish-cleaning station. 12-ton basalt fish-cleaning station engraved with Chinook creation story.
