Copalis Beach

Experience Whale Watching on the Washington Coast

January 31, 2025 by Ben Rueter

The Washington Coast is an incredible destination for nature and wildlife lovers. Home to a diverse array of marine mammals, fish, and birds, our rich ecosystems provide the perfect environment for wildlife to flourish. During your stay with Surfcrest Resort on the Washington Coast, we invite you to spend an afternoon whale watching. See species like humpbacks, orcas, minke whales, and gray whales in their natural habitat. Grab your binoculars and see if you can spot whales steps away from our resort on the Copalis Beach shoreline. Make a short drive to destinations like Pacific Beach State Park or Seabrook for even more whale-watching opportunities nearby.

When to Spot Whales on the Washington Coast

Generally, April-October offers the best whale-watching opportunities on the Washington Coast, but some species can be seen throughout the year. We mostly see gray whales in our area since we are located along their migration path, which peaks in spring around May.

Where to Spot Whales near Surfcrest Resort

-Drive to Ocean Shores North Jetty and watch for whales at the entrance of Gray’s Harbor. Nearby, Damon Point offers more wildlife-watching opportunities with views of the Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier.

-Just ten miles from our resort, the community of Seabrook offers several whale-watching locations that provide panoramic views from the cliffside.

-North of Seabrook, Pacific Beach State Park is located along the official Whale Trail and offers great whale watching during the spring months.

Whale Watching Tips

We can’t guarantee you’ll see whales during your visit. Use these tips and tricks to increase your odds of spotting these incredible marine mammals:

-Download the Whale Alert app for up-to-date information on what whales have been spotted in the area.

-One of the most important things to have is patience. Whale sightings are unpredictable, so we recommend bringing items like snacks and lawn chairs to make yourself more comfortable.

-Although not necessary, binoculars and cameras are helpful tools to help you spot whales.

-Head out on an overcast day for the easiest viewing conditions. The sun’s reflection of the ocean can make it more difficult to spot whales.

Reserve a Guest Room at Our Washington Coast Resort

In addition to whale watching, our Washington Coast resort offers the perfect basecamp for beachcombing, storm watching, razor clamming, and hiking. Immerse yourself in nature at our oceanfront resort, explore hidden beach trails, soak in our outdoor heated pool, and eat at our picnic area. Then, unwind in your Surfcrest guest room and enjoy plenty of space for up to six guests. Book with us today!

Winter Storm Watching on the Washington Coast

December 31, 2024 by Ben Rueter

Plan a winter vacation with Surfcrest Resort and join us for epic storm-watching on the Washington Coast. From December to May, the Coast welcomes torrential rain, high winds, rolling surf, and king tides that offer the perfect storm-watching conditions. Find a spot along the Coast and experience nature’s raw power as waves crash against the shore. Or cozy up in your hotel room and watch the storms from the comfort of our oceanfront resort. In this post, we will give you some helpful insight on when to plan your trip, where to watch storms, and how to stay safe while doing it!

Where to Watch Storms on the Washington Coast

Surfcrest Resort

One of the best elements of staying at our oceanfront resort in the winter is watching storms from your hotel room. Turn on the fireplace and watch the storms roll in. For a closer view, explore our on-site sand dune trails and watch storms from the beach.

Griffiths-Priday State Park

Drive minutes from our resort to Griffiths-Priday State Park, walk the trail toward the Copalis River and watch waves flow into the river.

North Jetty

Park your vehicle at North Jetty in Ocean Shores and enjoy a fantastic vantage point to watch storms from your car.

Seabrook

Make your way to Seabrook and watch storms along the bluffs. Popular spots include The Pacific Glen Promenade, Overlook Park, Northwest Glen Archway, and West Hill Park.

Tips for Storm Watching

Check the weather forecast and tides before you head out
Adhere to safety signages, warnings, and closure notices
Pack raincoats, rain boots, and clothes to layer
Always face the ocean
Avoid walking on slick surfaces like driftwood and rocks
Plan your trip around the King Tides for the best storm-watching experience!

Stay at Our Oceanfront Resort on the Washington Coast

In addition to storm watching, winter on the Washington Coast offers a great opportunity to enjoy hiking, razor clamming, shopping, and dining. Book your winter escape with Surfcrest Resort and immerse yourself in nature at our oceanfront resort. All of our guest rooms sleep up to six guests and offer amenities like living rooms with fireplaces, fully-equipped kitchens, and patios. Book with us today and check out our specials to save on your next Washington Coast getaway!

What To Do And See In Capitol State Forest

May 13, 2024 by Ben Rueter

The Capitol State Forest is an amazing area for recreation and exploration in Washington. The state forest covers more than 110,000 acres and offers many hiking trails, recreation areas, and events. It’s also not far away from Surfcrest Resort. Enjoy the Washington Coast beaches and be close enough to drive to and from Capitol State Forest in one day. Continue reading to learn more about what you can do and see in Capitol State Forest.

What Is The Capitol State Forest?

Capitol State Forest is a recreation area and a timber-producing forest. One of the most popular activities in Capitol State Forest is hiking. The forest is also open for off-road motorcycles, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

Where Is Capitol State Forest?

It’s located southwest of Olympia in the Black Hills of Grays Harbor and Thurston counties.

What Can I Do There?

One of the most popular activities is hiking. The McLane Creek and Fall Creek trail systems are two of the more popular hiking trails. If you are looking for an easy hike, there is a low-effort trail, such as Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve.

Or, if you would rather explore the park via horseback, some trails are perfect for those with equestrian interests, such as Margaret McKenny Trail and Mima Falls Trailhead.

If you want to go fast and get dirty, take your ORV to the Middle Waddell Trailhead, Porter Creek, or Rock Candy Trailhead.

Keep an eye on the area’s events. Capitol State Forest hosts several events throughout the year, such as marathons and biking events.

Explore One of the Best Natural Sites In Washington

Capital State Forest is a great place to hike or take stunning photos in Washington. Spend your afternoon in the state forest, drive back to Copalis Beach, and lounge at Surfcrest Resort. Our resort is uniquely situated on Copalis Beach along the pristine Washington Coast, a mere 15-minute drive from Ocean Shores Beach and Quinault Beach Resort & Casino. The casual Northwest seaside resort is nestled into 26 acres of private oceanfront property with access to miles of sandy beaches, dune trails, and Conner Creek. This beautiful freshwater creek flows through the property. Relax, unwind, and discover Surfcrest Resort today by booking directly on our website or calling 360-289-2157.

4 Restaurants For Fresh Seafood Near Ocean Shores

December 15, 2023 by Ben Rueter

When you visit the West Coast, you must treat yourself to some of the best seafood you can find. The Copalis Beach and Ocean Shores area has some outstanding seafood restaurants. Considering that you are already looking for a resort on the West Coast, you should book directly with Surfcrest Resort because we are ideally located to find great restaurants, fun attractions, and more. Start making plans at these Ocean Shores seafood restaurants.

Green Lantern Pub

Green Lantern Pub is the place for affordable, pub-style meals. You’ll find great seafood, drinks, and more. If the weather is nice, you can enjoy fish and chips, prawn baskets, and drinks in the beer garden.

Bennett’s Fish Shack

You should check out Bennett’s Fish Shack for delicious seafood and some tasty craft beers. Dine on their famous crab cakes, bay shrimp cocktails, clam chowder, and more.

Rusty Anchor Grill and Pub

This is one of the best seafood restaurants in the North Bay area. Rusty Anchor Grill and Pub has been in the area since the late 1960s and features beautiful nautical decor. There is a great bar, and they offer vegetarian-friendly options too.

Oyehut Bay Grill

The Oyehut Bay Grill is a fantastic restaurant for those interested in seafood at brunch, lunch, or dinner. Some of the best plates of seafood are found here for dinner, such as the honey garlic sockeye salmon and the pan-seared scallops. While this can be an expensive place to dine, the value and taste of the food are well worth the price.

Enjoy Fresh Seafood On The Washington Coast

For the freshest seafood to cook in your Surfcrest kitchen, or take home with you after your stay, visit Lytles Seafoods full-service fish market on your way out of town. Start your vacation by booking directly with Surfcrest Resort. Book directly with Surfcrest Resort to get the most out of your Washington Coast experience. We are located on Washington Coast’s pristine Pacific Coast within a 15-minute drive of Ocean Shores Beach and Quinault Beach Resort & Casino. The casual Northwest seaside resort is nestled into 26 acres of private oceanfront property with access to miles of sandy beaches, dune trails, and Conner Creek. This beautiful freshwater creek flows through the property. Relax, unwind, and discover Surfcrest Resort today by booking directly on our website or calling 360-289-2157.

Things To Do Near Copalis Beach

October 7, 2022 by Ben Rueter

One significant area on the Washington state coastline is the Copalis Beach region. It’s a great place to get away for a moment or a weekend. The best way to experience everything that Copalis Beach offers is by booking directly with Surfcrest Resort. We are close by and can figuratively walk you through fun things to do in Copalis Beach.

Explore Nature By Hiking

The Washington state coastline is a beautiful place to visit. More so, it’s a great place to find hiking trails and trails that lead back into the state. Here are some ideal hiking trails to see out near Copalis Beach.

Find Something To Eat

There are more than a few outstanding dining options available in the Copalis Beach area. Whether you are hungry for a plate of bacon and eggs or you want a big dinner with a close friend, you’ll be able to find something to suit your needs.

Enjoy Your Stay And Have Fun

Spend the day exploring Copalis Beach and the many other area cities and attractions. It’s one of the best ways to get away for a time and relax. The best place to do exactly that is at Surfcrest Resort. Surfcrest Resort is located on Washington’s pristine Pacific Coast within a 15-minute drive of Ocean Shores Beach and Quinault Beach Resort & Casino. The casual Northwest seaside resort is nestled into 26 acres of private oceanfront property with access to miles of sandy beaches, dune trails, and Conner Creek. This beautiful freshwater creek flows through the property. Relax, unwind, and discover Surfcrest Resort today by booking directly on our website or calling us at 360-289-2157.