Plan Your Winter Storm Watching Adventure
The season of Pacific Ocean storms, bringing fierce winds and dramatic surf crashing against the coast, has begun, and storm watchers are flocking to the best vantage points to experience nature’s raw power. Washington’s Evergreen Coast offers numerous breathtaking locations for storm viewing.
Situated on the southwestern tip of Washington State and extending north from the Oregon Coast, Washington’s Evergreen Coast features 28 miles of Pacific Ocean beaches on its western edge, with Willapa Bay bordering the north and east and the Columbia River at its southern boundary. This unique geography makes it perfectly exposed to the elements.
“In the fury of a storm, there is a wild elegance—its crashing waves and roaring winds reveal nature’s raw power, yet leave behind a quiet beauty that inspires awe and reflection”, remarked Casi Gerig, Financial Coordinator at Washington’s Evergreen Coast Tourism Bureau. “Storms are a canvas for nature’s artistry, where every gust and wave tells a story of resilience and renewal.”
Several locations along this 28-mile stretch provide excellent storm-viewing opportunities, while renowned restaurants, cozy bed-and-breakfast establishments, and inviting accommodations offer warm and comfortable retreats.
Top Storm-Viewing spots on the evergreen coast
Perched on cliffs overlooking Cape Disappointment Lighthouse and the Pacific Ocean, the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center at Cape Disappointment State Park offers panoramic views from its large windows. Visitors can watch storms rolling in, ships navigating the Columbia River, and seabirds braving the wind.
Waikiki Beach at Cape Disappointment State Park is especially stunning when storms coincide with high tides, often during new and full moons. From the driftwood-strewn breakwater, storm watchers can witness massive waves crashing into cliffs topped by Cape Disappointment Lighthouse. Sea spray from these waves can reach nearly 100 feet in the air, creating spectacular photo opportunities. Waikiki Beach is accessible through the park’s main entrance, just a few miles from the fishing town of Ilwaco.
In the lively town of Long Beach, visitors can choose between staying dry or braving the elements. The Pickled Fish restaurant at the Adrift Hotel offers bird’s-eye views of storms from its windows. Meanwhile, the boardwalk stretches over dunes between Sid Snyder Drive and Bolstad Avenue, providing a more immersive experience. Interpretive displays line the half-mile path, with a full skeleton of a gray whale anchoring its southern end.
Inland Storm Watching on Washington’s Evergreen Coast
While King Tides on the beach are famous during storm season, the nearby towns of South Bend, Raymond, and Tokeland offer unique vantage points and cozy retreats to experience the power of nature.
The picturesque Willapa River becomes a dynamic stage during winter storms, as gusting winds ripple across the water and dramatic skies set the scene. South Bend’s charming waterfront provides the perfect place to watch nature’s show while enjoying fresh seafood from a local eatery.
Surrounded by lush forests and scenic river views, Raymond offers storm watchers a more serene yet equally captivating experience. The towering trees of the Willapa Hills sway dramatically in high winds, and the moody skies create a stunning backdrop for the town’s artful metal sculptures.
Tokeland is a prime spot for witnessing the raw beauty of a winter storm. The Tokeland Marina comes alive as waves crash against the docks and fishing boats bob in the choppy waters. Visitors can retreat to the historic Tokeland Hotel to enjoy a warm meal by the fire while listening to the winds howl outside. The expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and Willapa Bay from this quiet coastal village are unmatched during a storm.
Each town offers a unique way to embrace the season’s wild side while enjoying the comforts of cozy accommodations and local hospitality.
