Quick Takes

From ocean beaches to mountain meadows to scenic drives, these stops will not disappoint. Add to your travel itinerary or make it your destination. 

Beaches 3 & 4
Olympic National Park, Washington

There's nothing that says summer more than a day at the beach. Warm sun. Toes dipped in sand. Sparkling waves. Giant seastacks. Crying gulls. Wind-sculpted trees. Teaming tide pools. All of these natural beauties add up to one glorious summer day on two connected beaches located north of Kalaloch in Olympic National Park. Beaches 3 & 4 are really one long stretch of beach with access at either end. From the Beach 4 parking lot, it's a short hike with a  bit of a climb down a small sandstone cliff, but easily done with sturdy hiking sandals. Perfect for beach walking. Gorgeous views of sea stacks, headlands and sandstone formations. Access to tide pools. Bonus: You'll have the place to yourself.    

Third Beach
Olympic National Park, Washington

An approximate 1.4 mile trail leading through a beautiful coastal forest gets you to this small beach, located in the central coastal area of Olympic National Park. And small though it may be, it's big in magnificent scenery. You can view sea stacks, marine mammals, ocean birds and bald eagle along this primitive beach. The trail is easy, but at the end you'll find a big pile of driftwood to walk and crawl over to reach the beach. It's easier than it looks and is so worth the effort. Bonus: the tree-topped headland to the south features a marvelous waterfall falling into the ocean. 

Lost Creek
Oregon

This little gem of a campground and nature loop, which is located about 11 miles from Government Camp, Oregon is absolutely enchanting on an early fall morning. On the day I explored, the sun was shining through the mist-drenched trees. Bursts of bright yellow maple leaves against a backdrop of forest-green pines dazzled me. The trees were draped in moss and lichen as I followed the sweet nature trail. I was bewitched at every turn by the natural beauty of the place. Bonus: Lost Creek was right out of a fairy tale with mist, mossy rocks and tumbling water.