Washington’s Evergreen Coast invites you to pedal, paddle, and play across our beaches, lakes, trails, and rivers. Our region is ribboned with enchanted forests, waterways, and activities for outdoor adventurers. From epic pickleball competitions in Long Beach to peaceful kayaking trips across Willapa River, our coastal destination serves up fun on a silver paddle.
Paddle and Play Across Willapa Bay: Kayaking and Paddleboarding in the PNW
Head to historic downtown Raymond and find Willapa Paddle Adventures. Explore the wild side of Washington’s Evergreen Coast from inside a kayak or atop a paddleboard. Paddle and play through our serene estuaries while following the soft currents of the Willapa River. You’ll see bald eagles soaring overhead and playful fish swimming alongside you while paddling our stunning scenic waterways of Pacific County. With advance notice (and cooperating tides), make arrangements to glide to Long Island in Willapa Bay. The uninhabited island is one of the largest on the mainland West Coast and is a haven for wildlife. Shorebirds, deer, and forest dwellers scamper through the towering emerald trees while busy fish slip through the eelgrass bordering the shore. (Long Island visits require a minimum of two weeks advance arrangement, so be sure to call ahead!)
Pickleball Paradise: Paddle and Play on the Courts
Washington was the birthplace of pickleball in 1965. The game is the fastest-growing sport in the nation. So, it makes sense that we have a state-of-the-art pickleball facility in Long Beach. Pick up your paddle and play at Lighthouse Oceanfront Resort’s premier indoor pickleball (and tennis) courts. The venue boasts six pickleball courts, an onsite pro, and all the gear you need for a friendly competition. Home to renowned tournaments, visiting guest professionals, and a calendar of camps, the facility has become a pickleball destination for paddling enthusiasts. The complex is on 28 wooded acres just ten minutes from the Long Beach peninsula’s downtown. The peaceful property sits along our ever-stretching beach, trimmed with sea pines and the soundtrack of the ocean. If you prefer to paddle, play, and stay, book one of the oceanfront cottages located steps away from the coast and the courts.
SUP-er Fun: Paddling Black Lake
If you prefer to paddle and play in SUP form (Stand-up Paddle Board), bring your board to the calm waters of Black Lake in Ilwaco. The small lake wears a wreath of jade trees and has two docks for easy launching. Its waters teem with a menagerie of fish, so paddle past dedicated fishing folk hoping for a bite. A chorus of seabirds will cheer you on as you glide across the water’s mirrored surface.
Black Lake is minutes from downtown Ilwaco. After a refreshing and vigorous paddleboarding, head to the port and enjoy a well-earned beverage at one of the local restaurants or pubs along the waterfront.
Keep Calm and Canoe On: Paddling Around South Bend
Explore the Willapa River starting at the South Bend dock. You can conveniently find the hand-carry ramp as you enter town. Paddle your way to Willapa Bay (or Raymond) from the gentle shore of quiet South Bend. Known as the “Oyster Capital of the World,” South Bend sits in the elbow of the Willapa River. Stunning rolling hills and small-town charm set the stage for a perfect paddle and play afternoon.
Pedal and Play: Biking the Evergreen Coast
Swap your paddles for some pedals and hit the trails of Washington’s Evergreen Coast. Biking enthusiasts love cruising through the miles of pathways threading our coastal cities. Pedal along the Discovery Trail and feel the wind in your hair along its 8.5 paved miles of coastal forests, dunes, and beach paths. The trail stretches from Long Beach to Ilwaco, offering miles of scenic, sea-breezy bliss. Enjoy a few of the 56 miles of the Willapa Hills State Park Trail, which spans east-west between Chehalis and South Bend. The path will wind you through leaf-strewn byways along rivers, farms, and the Willapa Valley. Bikers will experience the thrill of rolling over bridges into rain-dewed forests, past babbling brooks, and into the heart of Pacific County. Washington’s Evergreen Coast is exceptionally bike-friendly, so bring your personal bikes or rent one in town.
Plan Your Pedal, Paddle and Play Getaway
Ready to pedal, paddle, and play your way through Washington’s Evergreen Coast? Grab your crew and your gear, and start planning. Use our helpful tools to make your getaway a breeze. Whether you’re organizing a calming kayak ride, canoe trip, or pickleball tournament, our coastal cities are the ultimate pedal, paddle playground.
