Best Hiking Trails Long Beach Washington

Hiking in Washington State | Explore Long Beach Peninsula

The ocean breeze and an endless stretch of sandy shoreline will welcome you when you visit the Long Beach Peninsula on the Washington Coast. From dramatic basalt cliffs to multiple state parks, the Washington Coast is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. For an enhanced experience, visit Cape Disappointment State Park, a must-see destination that promises to enrich your vacation with its breathtaking landscapes and intriguing history. Step back into history at Fort Columbia or learn about incredible wildlife at Willapa Wildlife Refuge. There are endless Long Beach, WA, dog-friendly and kid-friendly hiking trails to explore, take in the beautiful scenery, and learn about the area's unique history. Our vacation rentals at Bloomer Estates provide the perfect setting to relax after a long day of exploration. Join us for your next vacation and discover everything the peninsula has to offer.  (updated:dec'23) 

Hikers viewing North Head Lighthouse

Cape Disappointment State Park 

One of our favorite hiking spots is Cape Disappointment State Park. The scenery includes breathtaking vistas of both North Head and Cape Disappointment lighthouses, old-growth forests, ocean overlooks, saltwater marshes, and more. But the spectacular landscape is not the only reason to plan your hike here. One of the main highlights of this park is the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. This museum chronicles the westward journey of Lewis and Clark and the camp they set up here in Washington. Discover the trails that wind through Cape Disappointment, including pathways to the historic lighthouses!

 
Biker on Discovery Coast Trail

Hike the Discovery Trail

The Lewis and Clark Discovery Trail is the most popular biking, hiking, and walking trail on Washington Coast. The pet-friendly and family-friendly paved trail is 8.5 miles long and cuts through the unique and spectacular landscape of the Long Beach Peninsula.  The pathway winds through pristine dune grass, wetlands with abundant wildlife, pine forests.   Be sure to see our guide to hiking the Discovery Trail here.

Hiking at Ledbetter point

Willapa National Wildlife Refuge

 

The Willapa Bay National Wildlife Refuge has been a protected sanctuary for wildlife since 1937. The diverse ecosystems here allow many different animal species to thrive. There are over 200 species here, but the refuge also attracts elk, black bears, black-tailed deer, amphibians, and a bevy of fish species. All of the trails here provide an excellent opportunity for wildlife viewing. One of our favorite trails is the Willapa Art Trail, where art pieces line the path to teach visitors about the wildlife found here.

Fort Columbia State Park Buildings

Fort Columbia Historical State Park

If you are interested in walking back in time through history, check out Fort Columbia Historical State Park. This coastal defense site was built between 1896 and 1903, and much of it still stands today! Stroll past Fort Columbia, 12 historic buildings, and four coastal defense batteries. There are over two miles of forested hiking trails here if you want to skip the historic walk.

Lake House

Vacation Rentals on the Long Beach Peninsula

Exploring the Long Beach, WA, hiking trails is only the beginning of your vacation on the Washington Coast. Discover history by touring a local museum or spend a day relaxing on the beach. We have compiled a list of the top activities in the area, which can be found here. We have a multitude of properties near these activities for easy access to downtown dining or the beach. Browse all of our vacation homes here and call us at 1800-747-2096 if you have any questions.