Clallam Bay offers a choice spot that’s light on visitors and heavy on scenery, shoreline and birds.
Clallam Bay Spit and Community Beach County Park sits on 33 acres where the nutrient-rich waters of the Clallam River feed in to the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The dynamic interaction between the river and saltwater tides makes for an everchanging landscape and provides prime beachside dining for shore and marine birds. Watch for feeding osprey and eagles along the mile-long sand and gravel saltwater beach and keep an eye out for marine animals.
Along with sparse crowds, there’s a lot to love about this spot, including easy parking, public river and beach access, picnic area, loads of trees and a full-service restroom.
Bonus gems
Venture east to Slip Point, a virtual outdoor aquarium and one of the best displays of tide pool animals and sea life you’ll ever see. Only a light and fog signal remain of the old Slip Point Lighthouse. The historic lighthouse-keepers residence still sits on the point overlooking the windswept cape. Plans are in the works to transform the property into a maritime museum.
About 10 miles further east of Clallam Bay you’ll find Pillar Point County Park, another treasure worth exploring. Along with scenery that can’t be beat, the park is the place to be during crab season.
