Washington’s coastline offers some of the most dramatic scenery in the Pacific Northwest. Between the rugged Pacific shores, the island-dotted Puget Sound, and the moody Strait of Juan de Fuca, hikers can find trails that combine forest walks with stunning water vistas.
Here’s a list of 15 hiking trails in Washington where you can catch those sought-after ocean views.
Shi Shi Beach Trail
This 8-mile round-trip trail takes you through coastal forest before opening up to one of Washington’s most pristine beaches. The path winds through Makah tribal land before reaching a stretch of sand backed by dramatic sea stacks and tide pools.
Low tide reveals rocky formations perfect for exploring, while the campsite near Point of the Arches makes this a favorite for overnight coastal trips.
Cape Flattery Trail
Standing at the northwestern tip of the contiguous United States feels pretty special, and this 1.5-mile round-trip trail gets you there. The well-maintained boardwalk path leads through dense forest to clifftop viewpoints where the Pacific Ocean crashes against rocky outcrops below.
On clear days, you can spot Tahtookah Island and occasionally even whales passing through the strait.
Rialto Beach to Hole-in-the-Wall
This 3-mile round-trip walk along Olympic National Park’s coast delivers classic Washington beach hiking. Massive driftwood logs litter the shoreline, and the destination—a natural arch carved through solid rock—makes for a dramatic turnaround point accessible at low tide.
The sound of waves and the sight of sea stacks dotting the coastline create that quintessential Pacific Northwest atmosphere.
Second Beach Trail
A short 1.4-mile round-trip hike through old-growth forest rewards you with a gorgeous crescent beach. The trail drops down to a sandy cove framed by sea stacks, including the photogenic Gibraltar Rock just offshore.
It’s less crowded than some other Olympic coastal trails, though the steep descent means you’ll earn that elevation on the way back up.
Ebey’s Landing Trail
This 5.6-mile loop on Whidbey Island combines bluff-top views with beach walking and a bit of prairie landscape. You’ll get sweeping vistas across the Strait of Juan de Fuca toward the Olympic Mountains, with the historic Ebey farmstead adding cultural context to the natural beauty.
The trail’s relatively gentle grade makes it accessible for most fitness levels.
Deception Pass Bridge View Trail
The 2-mile round-trip path offers dramatic views of the iconic Deception Pass Bridge from multiple angles. Trails connect Rosario Beach to Bowman Bay, passing through coastal forest and opening to viewpoints where you can watch the tidal currents surge through the narrow passage below.
The combination of engineering marvel and natural scenery makes this a favorite for photographers.
Point Wilson Trail
This easy 2-mile round-trip walk at Fort Worden State Park follows the shoreline of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The historic lighthouse anchors the point, while views extend across to Vancouver Island on clear days.
It’s a mellow beach walk perfect for families, with bonus points for the interesting military history scattered throughout the park.
Obstruction Point to Grand Lake
Though this 9-mile round-trip trail starts in Olympic National Park’s high country, it delivers stunning views down to the Strait of Juan de Fuca thousands of feet below. The alpine scenery competes with distant water views for your attention as you traverse meadows and ridgelines.
It’s a longer day, but the combination of mountain and maritime vistas makes it worth the effort.
Lime Kiln Point State Park
San Juan Island’s whale-watching trail covers just 0.5 miles round-trip but packs in serious views. The rocky shoreline and historic lighthouse create a scenic setting, while the deeper waters offshore attract orcas during summer months.
Even without whale sightings, the views across Haro Strait toward Vancouver Island justify the visit.
Mount Constitution Summit Trail
This 7.4-mile round-trip hike on Orcas Island climbs to the highest point in the San Juan Islands. From the stone observation tower at the summit, you get 360-degree views that include Puget Sound, the Strait of Georgia, and dozens of islands.
The elevation gain is real, but the payoff includes some of the best water views in Washington.
Rosario Head Trail
A quick 1-mile loop at Deception Pass State Park takes you around a rocky headland with constant water views. The trail’s interpretive signs explain the area’s Samish Nation history while you navigate the clifftop path.
It’s short enough for a lunch break hike but scenic enough to feel like a proper coastal adventure.
Iceberg Point Trail
Located on Lopez Island, this 3.5-mile round-trip trail crosses open meadows before reaching dramatic cliffs above the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The name comes from the white sandstone formations that resemble icebergs against the dark water.
Spring wildflowers add color to the grasslands, while harbor seals often haul out on rocks below.
Point No Point Lighthouse Trail
This easy 0.5-mile round-trip walk on the Kitsap Peninsula leads to one of Puget Sound’s historic lighthouses. The beach extends in both directions from the point, offering pleasant walking at low tide.
Views stretch across to Whidbey Island and the Olympic Mountains, making it a peaceful spot despite its proximity to the Seattle metro area.
Ruby Beach Trail
Another Olympic National Park gem, this 0.4-mile round-trip trail drops down to a beach known for its polished stones and massive sea stacks. Abbey Island dominates the view offshore, while driftwood sculptures and tide pools provide exploration opportunities.
The short distance makes it accessible, though the beach itself can stretch your legs if you wander.
Cape Alava Trail
This 6.2-mile round-trip boardwalk trail through coastal forest ends at the westernmost point of the contiguous United States. The flat path makes for easy walking until you reach the wild beach where petroglyphs mark ancient habitation sites.
The sense of remoteness and the Pacific’s endless horizon create a feeling of reaching the edge of the continent.
Where Land Meets Water
Washington’s coastal trails prove that the state’s beauty extends far beyond its famous mountain peaks. Whether you’re watching storm waves crash against Olympic sea stacks or spotting orcas from San Juan Island cliffs, these paths connect hikers to the raw power of the Pacific and its surrounding waters in ways that few other places can match.
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