Bottom Line:
Great time to visit during some of the lowest tides of the year, with exposed tide pools, mudflats and beautiful pocket (oystershell) white sand beaches. There are lots of these beaches in the Gulf Islands (Canada) north of the San Juans but have never seen them on the mainland before. Not sure if it was a low tide thing. Kayakers and divers enjoyed the rocky islands just offshore. Was lucky enough to see a river otter on the beach as well!
Stats:
- Distance: ~2 miles
- Duration: 1-1/2 hours
- Road/Parking: Lots of parking in a large lot; Discover Pass required
- Weather: Sunshine and warm temperatures (70s) with light wind
- Trail: Beautiful forest trails in the woods above the beach, and exceptionally low tide for beachcombing, and exploring the unique rock formations (see pics). The pocket white-sand beaches from the crushed oyster shells do not look like they belong in the PNW! Prolific buttercups and daisies blooming on the grassy areas up near the entrance. Nice to see purple and orange starfish coming back after the wasting die-off!
- Takeaway: First time visiting, and this park has more to offer than I expected, with quite a number of trails both along the beach and up the hill on the other side of Chuckanut Drive - will be back to explore more! The adjacent bay is known as a spot for bioluminescent night kayaking on moonless nights in July and early August!
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