Driving routes, distances, entrance fees, permits, and the practical details that make or break a coast trip.
This is a drive-to destination. There is no commercial airport on the Washington coast itself, so every trip here starts with a route from Seattle, Portland, or wherever you're coming from. Here is what to know before you go.
| From Seattle to Ocean Shores / Westport | Roughly 2.5-3 hours (about 110-130 miles) via I-5 south to Olympia, then US-12/SR-8 west to Aberdeen, then SR-109 or SR-105. |
|---|---|
| From Seattle to Forks / La Push | Roughly 3-3.5 hours via US-101 around the peninsula. |
| From Portland to Grays Harbor | Roughly 2.5-3 hours (about 140 miles) via I-5 north then US-12 west, or the longer, more scenic US-101 coastal route. |
| From Portland to Forks | Roughly 4+ hours. |
| Main roads | US-101 is the spine of the whole region, connecting Aberdeen, Lake Quinault, Forks, and the park's coastal units. SR-109 runs the north beach towns; SR-105 runs Westport and Grayland; US-12/SR-8 connects Grays Harbor County to I-5. |
| Airports | No major commercial airport on the coast. Fly into Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) or Portland (PDX) and drive in. |
Entering the coastal units of Olympic National Park (Kalaloch, Ruby Beach, Hoh) requires a per-vehicle entrance fee. An annual Olympic-specific pass and the annual America the Beautiful pass (covers all federal lands) are both usually available, and the park periodically offers fee-free days. Confirm exact current pricing at nps.gov/olym/fees, since these are adjusted from time to time.
Overnight wilderness or beach camping (Second Beach, Third Beach, the Ozette coast, Shi Shi Beach, Hoh backcountry) requires a permit booked through recreation.gov. High-demand zones can sell out in summer, so book as early as the system allows. If your route includes trailheads on the Makah Reservation near Cape Flattery or Shi Shi Beach, a separate Makah Recreation Pass is required.
The driest, sunniest window, and the busiest. Best odds of clear beach weather, though marine fog can still roll in on summer mornings.
Storm watching season (peaking December-January) and most of razor clamming season. Wet, dramatic, and much less crowded.
Gray whale migration passes closest to shore, wildflowers, and the tail end of razor clamming. Weather is variable.
The Hoh Rainforest and tide pooling work in any season; just dress for rain no matter when you come.