10 Sea Breeze Hikes for a Hot Day
Summer is prime hiking season — especially in Washington. However, when temperatures rise, inland hikes can be exhausting with the sun beating down. Luckily for us, Washington is gifted with plenty of breezy shoreline to help beat the heat.
As much as we love the mountains, an ocean side trek is always a refreshing alternative. Here are ten choices for sea breeze hikes this summer.
TIPS FOR seaside HIKING
- Check the weather. Washington's coast is notoriously cloudy, check the forecast before you go if you're hoping for clear skies. It's also important to check the tides.
- Brush up on basics. Be prepared and carry the Ten Essentials with you on every hike.
- Pack it in, pack it out. On every hike, practice Leave No Trace ethics.
- Remember your dog etiquette.
Westport Light Trail
Location: Long Beach Area
Length: 2.0 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 15 feet
Paved trail along the coast. Photo by Lincoln4.
The paved Westport Light Trail is an excellent way to see the dunes and grasses of the southwest Washington coast, take in an historic lighthouse, and enjoy the sea and sun without getting sand in your shoes!
> Plan your walk on the Westport Light Trail using WTA's Hiking Guide
Maury Island Marine Park
Location: Seattle-Tacoma Area
Length: 3.0 miles of trails
Elevation Gain: 500 feet
Explore the shores of Maury Island at this park. Photo by Rachel Wendling.
A quick ferry ride from Seattle or Tacoma delivers hikers to this gem of a county park on Maury Island (connected to Vashon Island). Explore the trails along the high bluffs, then head down to the beach to walk along the shore. Expansive views abound.
> Plan your visit to the Maury Island Marine Park using WTA's Hiking Guide
Lewis and Clark discovery trail
Location: Long Beach Area
Length: 7.0 miles one-way
Elevation Gain: 15 feet
Trail leading through dune grass on the way to the beach on the Lewis and Clark Trail. Photo by Lukin 66.
This trail in Cape Disappointment State Park at the very southwest tip of the state, is paved and gives visitors lots of options. Head out to the beach, or explore along a boardwalk to to a swamp. The trail also extends out and connects the towns of Ilwaco and Long Beach.
> Plan your visit to the Lewis and Clark Discovery Trail using WTA's Hiking Guide
Kukutali Preserve
Location: Bellingham Area
Length: 2.2 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 200 feet
Skagit Island from Kukutali Preserve. Photo by thebrink.
Explore two miles of shoreline at this preserve that is co-managed by Washington State Parks and the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community. Enjoy the views of the sound, marvel at madronas and look out for birds and other wildlife along the way.
> Plan your visit to Kukutali Preserve using WTA's Hiking Guide
Titlow Park
Location: Seattle-Tacoma Area
Length: 2.0 miles of trails
Elevation Gain: minimal
The old piers at sunset at Titlow Park. Photo by brittanywanderlust.
Titlow Park was once a roaring resort that brought visitors from all over for a luxury stay. It closed in the 1920s, and has since become a public park where visitors can take advantage of its many amenities as well as its great nature trails and expansive beach. Two loops give hikers a couple route options to explore.
> Plan your visit to Titlow Park using WTA's Hiking Guide
Weatherwax Trail
Location: Pacific Coast
Length: 1.2 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: minimal
Arch and signboards at the entrance to the Weatherwax Trail. Photo by phlim89.
This loop trail winds through the coastal forest of the Weatherwax Preserve and skirts along the edge of Duck Lake, an important wetland ecosystem. The way is relatively flat so it’s a great spot for families and for young kids to experience the joys of the outdoors.
> Plan your visit to the Weatherwax Trail using WTA's Hiking Guide
Foulweather Bluff Preserve
Location: Kitsap Peninsula
Length: 1.0 mile roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 20 feet
The calm beach at Foulweather Bluff Preserve. Photo by beachwalkerj.
This short and sweet trail leads out along a cattail marsh buzzing with birds to a quiet stretch of beach. Enjoy the shady forest before breaking out onto the sunny beach where you can rest on a driftwood bench and saunter along the shore.
> Plan your visit to Foulweather Bluff Preserve using WTA's Hiking Guide
Griffiths-Priday State Park
Location: Long Beach Area
Length: 4.0 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 40 feet
A gathering of birds on the beach at low tide. Griffiths-Priday State Park. Photo by naturegirlangie.
On a stretch of Washington coast known for its beach-driving, Griffiths-Priday State Park is a welcome respite for walkers. The natural spit features low sand dunes that are protected as a wildlife refuge bordered by Conner Creek on one side and the Copalis River on the other.
> Plan your visit to Griffiths-Priday State Park using WTA's Hiking Guide
Seahurst Park
Location: Seattle-Tacoma Area
Length: 3.5 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 400 feet
The forest leads right up to the beach at Seahurst Park. Photo by Luffles.
Start out in the cool shady forest, then follow a drainage down to the beach. Just outside of Burien, this hike is a great getaway on a hot summer day.
> Plan your visit to Seahurst Park using WTA's Hiking Guide
Second Beach
Location: Pacific Coast
Length: 4.0 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 60 feet
Seastacks stretch out of the water at Second Beach. Photo by Blue Hiker.
Second Beach provides access to the Pacific in just two short, relatively flat miles. Shorter than the hike to Third Beach, the access to Second Beach is also a little more interesting, thanks to the rolling grade and a set of switchbacked stairs leading down to a coastline dotted with seastacks and a hole in the mainland that wind whistles through eerily.
> Plan your visit to Second Beach using WTA's Hiking Guide