And So The Adventure Begins
Windy and chilly at Pacific Beach State Park
2026 began with a quick two-day trip to the Olympic Peninsula with a friend from the East Coast who insisted, “I love the rain.” The peninsula did not disappoint .
We had planned to stay at Lake Quinault Lodge, but a broken boiler in the historic lodge forced us into the newer, no-frills rooms next door. Realizing the experience wouldn’t be the same without staying in the lodge itself, we canceled our reservation and pivoted to an Airbnb Home in the Pacific Beach community, just north of Seabrook.
Seabrook
We spent two days exploring the Olympic National Forest, starting with a full-day adventure from our Airbnb. From there, we headed north on Highway 109, cut east on Moclips Highway, and eventually joined Highway 101, chasing rain clouds the whole way.
Our first stop was the historic Lake Quinault Lodge — still no heat, but still full of charm. After warming up with a quick wander through the lobby, we took a short walk in the lush Quinault Rain Forest. Moss hung heavy from the trees, the air was damp and quiet, and everything glowed that deep rainforest green the Pacific Northwest does so well.
From there we made our way north to Kalaloch Beach, where the rain never really let up. We ended the morning the way seasoned road-trippers often do — picnic lunch in the truck, windows fogged, listening to the steady rhythm of rain on the roof.
Ruby Beach
The end of our afternoon was spent beachcombing at Ruby Beach. The tide was in and the wind was whipping off the Pacific, so our treasure hunting didn’t last long. Still, there’s something about this stretch of coastline that stops you in your tracks. Even in the dead of winter — wet, cold, and windswept — it’s unbelievably picturesque. Sea stacks rising out of the mist, driftwood scattered like sculpture, and that moody gray sky that somehow makes everything feel dramatic and alive. Sometimes the best part isn’t how long you stay — it’s just being there.
One thing to know before heading out: grocery stores are few and far between once you leave Aberdeen. We’d definitely recommend packing what you need ahead of time — snacks, drinks, picnic supplies — especially if you’re planning to explore for the day or more..
One exception to the limited grocery options is the fantastic Fresh Foods Market in Seabrook. They truly have everything you need — fresh produce, snacks, drinks, and even specialty items. It’s a little gem on the coast and worth stopping in before heading farther out.
We decided to eat our meals out on this trip and found two great spots. The first night we had a lovely dinner at Koko’s Restaurant and Tequila Bar. My octopus tacos were to die for — definite memories of Mexico for sure. The second night we ate at Rising Tide Tavern. The Blue Cheese Steak Salad was spot on, and exactly what you want after a long, wet day exploring the coast.
Next time you’re looking for a quick one- or two-night getaway, the Olympic Peninsula is a perfect choice. From the Seattle area, you can reach the peninsula in roughly 2–3 hours by car (depending on traffic and your exact destination) — so it’s totally doable as a short escape. In the off season it’s wonderfully uncrowded, and there’s so much to explore — from old-growth rainforests and moss-draped trails to rugged beaches and scenic drives along Highway 101. t’s a weekend reset that feels worlds away — all without going far.