A Few of My Favorite Things on Washington’s Evergreen Coast 

People often ask me what it’s like to live on Washington’s Evergreen Coast. My answer is always the same: it’s peaceful. Life moves a little slower here, the air feels a little fresher, and it’s a place that constantly reminds me to pause and appreciate the world around me.

After living here for several years, I’ve found my favorite places and little traditions. Some are well-known attractions, while others are quiet moments that have become part of my everyday life.

The Drive I Never Get Tired Of

If I had to pick one experience that perfectly captures Washington’s Evergreen Coast, it would be driving the scenic byway from the Long Beach Peninsula north to Tokeland.

No matter how many times I’ve made the trip, it never feels routine. The winding road hugs Willapa Bay, passing through forests, marshes, and tiny waterfront communities that seem untouched by time. On calm mornings, the bay reflects the sky like glass. Other days, the wind ripples across the water while birds gather along the shoreline.

Fall is my favorite season to make the drive. The changing leaves bring bursts of gold, orange, and crimson to the forests, creating one of the most beautiful landscapes in Washington. I’ll often roll the windows down just to listen to the wind moving through the trees and breathe in the crisp coastal air. It’s one of those simple experiences that instantly slows life down.

If you’re lucky, you might spot deer grazing near the roadside, bald eagles soaring overhead, elk in the distance, or countless shorebirds feeding along the bay.

Deadman’s Cove: My Favorite Place to Reset

One place I find myself returning to again and again is Deadman’s Cove at Cape Disappointment State Park.

Maybe it’s the dramatic name that first caught my attention, or maybe it’s the incredible views. Either way, it has become one of my favorite spots on the entire coast.

Unlike some of the more popular viewpoints, Deadman’s Cove often feels wonderfully quiet. It’s the kind of place where you can simply sit, listen to the waves crashing against the cliffs, watch seabirds riding the ocean breeze, and completely disconnect from everyday stress.

There’s something incredibly grounding about being there. Surrounded by towering cliffs, ancient forests, and the endless Pacific Ocean, it’s impossible not to feel connected to nature.

Tiny Creatures, Big Memories

Another place I never skip is Beard’s Hollow.

The protected cove is beautiful on its own, but my favorite part is exploring the tide pools during low tide. Every visit feels a little different. Sea stars, anemones, tiny fish, crabs, and other marine life hide among the rocks waiting to be discovered.

One day I was especially excited to spot a hermit crab casually making its way across the rocks. It may seem like a small moment, but it’s one of those memories that sticks with you.

These incredible ecosystems are also fragile. As fun as tide pooling is, it’s important to admire wildlife without disturbing it. Looking is encouraged—touching, moving, or collecting marine life isn’t. By respecting these habitats, we help ensure they’ll remain just as magical for future visitors.

Waiting for Whales

One of my favorite activities throughout the year is whale watching.

There’s something unforgettable about standing on the cliffs or beaches, scanning the horizon, and suddenly spotting the unmistakable blow of a whale offshore. Even after seeing them before, that moment never loses its excitement.

Every sighting feels like a gift from nature.

Views That Never Get Old

Whenever I need a reminder of just how beautiful this area is, I head to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.

Perched high above the Pacific Ocean, the panoramic views stretch for miles. Watching waves crash against the rocky shoreline while ships navigate the mouth of the Columbia River never gets old.

While I’m there, I always take time to explore the surrounding trails, historic military sites, and the nearby lighthouses. Cape Disappointment Lighthouse and North Head Lighthouse each tell part of the area’s fascinating maritime history, and wandering the bluff-top trails between them is one of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon.

Places I’ll Happily Recommend

Living here means getting to enjoy some truly wonderful local restaurants.

If I’m heading north, you’ll probably find me at The Wandering Goose in Tokeland. In Raymond, I never pass up an opportunity to stop at Pitchwood Alehouse.

Closer to home on the peninsula, Current Café and The Lost Roo are two of my favorite places to grab a meal. Whether I’m meeting friends or simply enjoying a quiet lunch, they never disappoint.

And if we’re talking treats, nothing beats Dylan’s Cottage Bakery. Their donuts are, in my opinion, the best in town—and worth planning your morning around.

Sunset Walks with My Best Friends

My favorite part of living here doesn’t cost a thing.

Almost every chance I get, I take my two rescue dogs, Nara and Gus, down to the beach for a sunset walk.

Watching them run through the sand, sniff every driftwood log, and race along the shoreline while the sky turns shades of pink, orange, and purple is one of life’s simplest joys.

Those evenings remind me why I love calling Washington’s Evergreen Coast home.

More Than a Destination

People often visit Washington’s Evergreen Coast for a weekend getaway, but for me, it’s become so much more than a destination.

It’s the peaceful drives with the windows down. It’s discovering tiny hermit crabs in tide pools. It’s spotting whales offshore, watching sunsets with my dogs, sharing meals at local restaurants, and finding quiet places where the only sounds are waves and wind.

Life here isn’t rushed, and that’s exactly what I love most.

Washington’s Evergreen Coast has a way of encouraging you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect—with nature, with the people you’re with, and maybe even with yourself.

And honestly, I can’t imagine calling anywhere else home.

Casi Gerig is a Long Beach, Washington local and emerging writer for Washington’s Evergreen Coast. She focuses on helping visitors discover what makes this stretch of coastline so special—from outdoor adventures to small-town experiences worth the trip. As a local, she brings a genuine perspective to her work and a passion for sharing her community with others. Outside of writing, Casi can be found crafting or walking her rescue dogs on the beach with her two kids.