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Things to Do

The west coast has some vibrant shoreside activities most guests will enjoy. Whether you're looking for something to do in the waves, on the beach, or in the forest, there's something for you to explore near the Fireside Inn!

Take a look at our favorite activities below so you can plan your paradise vacation!

Nature and Wildlife

WILLAPA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Walk old growth forests, watch fog rise into the hills, and listen. Let the wind, waves, and birds be your company. The Willapa National Wildlife Refuge encompasses a unique pocket of Pacific County where you can truly immerse yourself in the beauty of the environment. From Leadbetter Point on the north end of the Long Beach Peninsula to Long Island and the shores of Willapa Bay, this refuge protects unique ecosystems and a rich biodiversity.

In 1937, Franklin D. Roosevelt established the refuge to protect the migratory flyway and over 200 species of birds that visit each year. But the refuge attracts more than just birds. Roosevelt elk, chum salmon, newts, bears, beavers, and other creatures call this place home.

Birders, photographers, and nature lovers find plenty to peak their curiosity. Coastal dunes, salt marshes, freshwater wetlands, muddy tidelands, and old growth forests are just a few of the unique habitats that make up the refuge. All you need to explore is a pair of hiking boots.

Wildlife comes first in the refuge. Be sure to review the refuge's rules and regulations before you visit.

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BIRD WATCHING

Looking for the best birding places around? Try out our new Birding in Pacific County virtual pass and earn the chance to win prizes!

The Long Beach Peninsula is known for birding. More than 300 species of birds make their home here on the Peninsula. Whether you are searching for Great Blue Herons, Trumpeter Swans, the Western Screech-Owl, or perhaps the Red-Breasted Sapsucker – the possibilities are endless.

With several distinct eco-systems in this very corner of southwest Washington State, Pacific County includes Pacific Ocean seashore and marshland, lakes, inland waterways, wetlands, the Columbia River, and the Willapa Bay along with its many tributaries. Hundreds of species of birds migrate here each fall.

Winter flocks consist mostly of Sanderlings, Dunlins, Black-Bellied Plovers and a few Western Sandpipers, and a spattering of Marbled Godwits. Peregrine Falcons are numerous and Merlins often sighted. In years' past Snow Buntings have been seen at Leadbetter Point.

Numerous sea ducks, grebes and loons can be observed along points on the Cape Disappointment State Park jetty, Coast Guard boat basin/launch and various points along Willapa Bay.

Western Screech Owls and Great Horned Owls might be heard calling in the Seaview bluffs. Gulls are numerous, always with the chance of seeing an unusual species. Trumpeter Swans overwinter on Black Lake and Hines Marsh.

REMEMBER TO FOLLOW BIRD WATCHING ETHICS:

Respect private property; do not trespass.
Stay on trails and avoid disturbing habitat.
Observe and photograph birds without disturbing them.
Never chase or flush birds. Walk slowly and stay concealed.
Do not use recordings to attract birds.

Clamming

The Long Beach Peninsula's razor clam season typically lasts from fall to spring. The annual Razor Clam Festival is held in April when the community comes together to celebrate the historic tradition of clam digging.

LEARN MORE

Beach Activities

Long Beach Boardwalk

Grab some ice cream and stroll along the popular Long Beach Boardwalk that stretches for almost half a mile along the beach. With panoramic views of the Washington coast and glimpses of the North Head Lighthouse in the distance, this boardwalk offers dreamy views.

Our boardwalk isn't flanked with carnival rides and hot dog vendors (those are downtown!). Instead, it appears as if suspended above the dunes. During the Washington State International Kite Festival, you'll find a flurry of activity on the boardwalk, and some of the most colorful skies on the coast!

Please beware of rip currents and the tide changes to avoid any harm.

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Discovery Trail

Go farther on the 8.5-mile Discovery Trail. This Lewis & Clark commemorative trail terminates at the north end of Long Beach with an 18-foot bronze tree and winds south to Beard's Hollow climbing over the cape and into downtown Ilwaco. Interpretive displays and sculptures dot the trail. Bike riders, runners, walkers, and skaters are welcome.

This is incredible way to explore the Washington coast and an experience that you shouldn't miss when you visit! Download a free map or a request a copy via snail mail.

Beach Access

There are 7 official access points to the main stretch of beach on the peninsula. Locals call those beach approaches.

We have maps of the Long Beach Peninsula available, but it helps to know what locals call these access points. Parking is always free.

Important: Plan on driving on the beach? Read up on beach driving before your visit. Trust us. Getting stuck in the sand with a rising tide is not fun (or cheap to get out of).

Also Important: Do NOT camp on the beach or at beach approaches.

1. Seaview Approach: Head down 38th St. in Seaview.
Discovery Trail access, plenty of parking, bathrooms. Pack in, pack out! No trashcans available.

2. Sid Snyder Approach: Turn down Sid Snyder Dr. at the first light in Long Beach.
Discovery Trail access, boardwalk access, plenty of parking, bathrooms, trashcans.

3. Bolstad Approach: Turn down Bolstad Ave. at the second light in Long Beach.
World's Longest Beach Arch, Discovery Trail access, boardwalk access, plenty of parking, bathrooms, trashcans.

4. Cranberry Approach: Head down Cranberry Rd. in north Long Beach. Limited parking, bathrooms. Pack in, pack out! No trashcans available.

5. Klipsan Beach Approach: Turn down 225th St.
Limited parking, bathrooms. Pack in, pack out! No trashcans available.

6. Ocean Park Approach: Turn down Bay Avenue in Ocean Park. Plenty of parking, bathrooms. Pack in, pack out! No trashcans available.

7. Oysterville Approach: Head down Oysterville Rd.
Limited parking, bathrooms. Pack in, pack out! No trashcans available.