Like layers of paint on an old cottage door, the layers of ancient soils, compacted glacial till, glaciomarine drift and proglacial alluvium on this coastal bluff in Washington State are plainly visible.

Olympic Peninsula Bluff and Beach

Like layers of paint on an old cottage door, the layers of ancient soils, compacted glacial till, glaciomarine drift and proglacial alluvium on this coastal bluff in Washington State are plainly visible. During the late Pleistocene, the north Olympic Peninsula coast was at the intersection of mountain glaciers to the south and a continental glacier to the north. Bluffs as shown in the top photo extend all along the shores of the Olympic Peninsula and are generally easy to access. These photos, taken on the west side of Sequim Bay, were taken at low tide when I was able to obtain a better view of the cliff. In my hand is one of a number of interesting rocks I found on this beach; it appears to be a breccia with a granite vein.

The Olympic Peninsula's rugged Pacific coastline and the marine waters offshore make up the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary. Stretching 25 to 50 miles seaward, this 3,188 square mile sanctuary represents one of North America's most productive marine ecosystems. LEARN MORE about the area's important marine life, ocean environment, habitats, and the history and culture of this area.

As always, we recommend you Recreate Responsibly when you visit these areas. Also, reservations are strongly recommended from spring through fall and if you're traveling with your dog, check for leash regulations at each location. Enjoy your beach time on one of these 10 uncrowded beaches around the Olympic Peninsula!

1. Seabrook Beach . Seabrook

Located in the picturesque community of Seabrook, this beach is large and provides sweeping views of the coastline both to the north and south. Since the community is built on a cliff, there are stairs to walk down to access the beach. If that's challenging, find the Gnome Trail where you can take a relatively flat walk to the lovely sand. It's a perfect place to pack a picnic and spend an afternoon or meander down for a spectacular sunset.

Nearby: There are cottages and houses to rent in the community of Seabrook

2. Pacific Beach State Park . Pacific Beach

Here you'll find a 17-acre waterfront park with 2,300 feet of ocean shoreline and flat sandy beaches with pounding waves close by to play in. It's a perfect place for creating sandcastles, having fun with your kids or dog, and digging for clams in season. There's lots of room to roam where you can find your own quiet place to relax in solitude or with your family.

Nearby: This beachfront campground has 20 standard campsites, 41 partial hookup sites and two yurts.

3. Mocrocks Beach . Moclips

This long sandy beach extends from the Copalis River to Moclips, 15 miles north of Ocean Shores. It tends to be more secluded than the beaches to the south, making it ideal for a romantic walk with your sweetie or simply to enjoy some down time. It's especially popular for razor clamming, but check for shellfishing regulations before you go.

Nearby: One of Washington's oldest family hospitality operations is Ocean Crest Resort, started by a magnificent woman named Barbara Topete in 1953. Over time it grew from four cabins, and a small one-bedroom home where Barbara raised her four children, to an establishment of 45 rooms, with a fine dining restaurant including an award-winning wine list. Today, three generations of Barbara's family welcome visitors to Ocean Crest. There's easy access to the beach down a wooden staircase.

4. Beach 4 . Kalaloch, accessible directly off Highway 101

This is a less visited beach than its sister beaches near Kalaloch Lodge and Ruby Beach further north. It's a long stretch of sand with scattered driftwood. At low tide there are fascinating tide pools in the rock formations north of the foot bridge where you may spot green anemones and vibrantly colored sea stars. This is also an excellent beach for surfperch fishing.

Nearby: Kalaloch Lodge offers lodge rooms and cabins along with a small store and a campground to the north. Learn more about camping in Olympic National Park here.

5. Lyre River Conservation Area Beach . Joyce

This 280-acre property is just east of the Lyre River on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, 20 miles west of Port Angeles with streams, kelp beds, tide flats and a half mile of rocky shoreline along the Strait. There's a diverse upland forest with trails and the area offers an excellent habitat for wildlife plus resident and migratory birds. Keep a lookout for bald eagles!

Nearby: The Lyre River Campground is a half mile upstream from the beach area with 11 campsites. Learn more about camping on DNR managed lands here.

6. Dungeness Spit Beach . Sequim

This natural sand spit is the longest in North America and boasts breathtaking views, a rich maritime history and an abundance of wildlife. Stretching nearly seven miles along the Strait of Juan de Fuca it offers hiking and beachcombing opportunities with the New Dungeness Lighthouse about five and a half miles out. The 216-acre Dungeness Recreation Area is considered the gateway to the Dungeness Spit. Don't forget to bring your binoculars!

Nearby: There are 66 forested campsites (no hookups) in the Dungeness Recreation Area, managed by Clallam County Parks.

7. Port Williams Beach/Marlyn Nelson County Park . North of Sequim

This park is one acre of rocky shoreline with forested bluffs and a haven for migratory seabirds. There's a saltwater boat launch for boats 18 feet or shorter, picnic tables and a parking area. It's a perfect place to launch a kayak or small boat for exploring beautiful Sequim Bay. Look for ships passing by on their way to Seattle or out to sea!

Nearby: Sequim has a variety of lodging accommodations and Sequim Bay State Park offers camping seven miles away.

8. Fort Worden State Park to Point Hudson Beach . Port Townsend

Less populated than the sandy beach at Fort Worden State Park between Point Wilson Lighthouse and the Port Townsend Marine Science Center (PTMSC), this stretch of beach begins by the stairs to the south of PTMSC and extends toward Point Hudson into town. This is a rocky beach that juts up against cliffs, so be sure to go only at low to mid-tide. You'll find a wide array of sea life normally hidden under the surface as you walk.

Nearby: There are two delightful campgrounds at Fort Worden State Park-one on the beach and one in the forest with 80 campsites total. The historic military officers' quarters are also available to rent. Point Hudson has an RV park on the water and the charming town of Port Townsend has many lodging choices.

9. Fort Flagler State Park . Marrowstone Island

Sunrise image overlooking Marrowstone Point and Admiralty Inlet, at Fort Flagler State Park, Washington State.

As with Fort Worden, Fort Flagler is a historical state park where you can explore a significant coastal defense fort. It's one of the three forts known as the "Triangle of Fire," including Fort Worden, built to protect the entrance of Puget Sound. The park is 1,451 acres with 19,100 feet of saltwater shoreline. The sandy beaches are speckled with driftwood, perfect for building a fort, with views of Port Townsend beyond. There are also miles of wooded trails and guided tours of gun emplacements in the summer season.

Nearby: Fort Flagler's campground offers 59 standard sites and 55 full hookup sites as well as vacation houses

10. Potlatch State Park . Hood Canal, directly accessible off Highway 101

On the shores of Hood Canal, five minutes south of Hoodsport, you'll find 5,700 feet of beach boasting majestic views of Mt. Baker to the north and glimpses of Mt. Rainier to the east. The area was known as "Enetai" meaning "beyond" to the Skokomish Indian Tribe and it's named in honor of the tribal gift-giving ceremony. Keep a lookout for wildlife like seals, eagles, heron and a variety of migratory birds plus the roaming herd of Roosevelt elk that may meander by!

Nearby: A campground is across Highway 101 with 38 standard campsites and 35 partial hookup sites

Sequim Bay, Washington Coordinates: 48.0711, -123.0266