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| Bob's Pacific Beach House |
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I'll be adding to this list as I learn more about the area.
Tip #1 - Cell Phone Service
Verizon and TracFone work on the coast. You can buy a $50 pre-paid wireless Verizon phone at the Wal-Mart in
Aberdeen. It charges you 99 cents per day plus per-minute charges on days when you make a call - nothing when
idle.
An Internet based phone from voip.com has been installed in the house with unlimited free calling in the US and
Canada.
Verizon and TracFone work on the coast. You can buy a $50 pre-paid wireless Verizon phone at the Wal-Mart in
Aberdeen. It charges you 99 cents per day plus per-minute charges on days when you make a call - nothing when
idle.
An Internet based phone from voip.com has been installed in the house with unlimited free calling in the US and
Canada.
Tip #2 - Routes to Pacific Beach, WA
There are two routes you might take to Pacific Beach that part ways at Hoquiam. Highway 109 follows the Grays
Harbor shoreline and reaches the ocean at the entrance to Ocean Shores - the largest coastal community. Highway
109 then turns north along the ocean. The drive between Copalis Beach and Pacific Beach is very lovely. If you
don't drive this route on your first approach to Pacific Beach, you should find another time for this drive. The shorter
distance between Hoquiam and Pacific Beach is the inland route: follow highway 101 north out of Hoquiam, turn left
on Ocean Beach Road - which is well-marked, and you will first reach the coast right at Pacific Beach. Continue
straight ahead onto Main Street to reach the town and our beach house.
There are two routes you might take to Pacific Beach that part ways at Hoquiam. Highway 109 follows the Grays
Harbor shoreline and reaches the ocean at the entrance to Ocean Shores - the largest coastal community. Highway
109 then turns north along the ocean. The drive between Copalis Beach and Pacific Beach is very lovely. If you
don't drive this route on your first approach to Pacific Beach, you should find another time for this drive. The shorter
distance between Hoquiam and Pacific Beach is the inland route: follow highway 101 north out of Hoquiam, turn left
on Ocean Beach Road - which is well-marked, and you will first reach the coast right at Pacific Beach. Continue
straight ahead onto Main Street to reach the town and our beach house.
Tip #3 - Groceries
Make sure you bring groceries with you. Pacific Beach has a very small market. The nearest, full-scale grocery store
is back in Hoquiam (a half hour drive). I noticed a Safeway open 24 hours. The locals recommend Swanson's for its
produce.
Make sure you bring groceries with you. Pacific Beach has a very small market. The nearest, full-scale grocery store
is back in Hoquiam (a half hour drive). I noticed a Safeway open 24 hours. The locals recommend Swanson's for its
produce.
Tip #4 - Swimming and Fitness at the YMCA of Grays Harbor
A family day pass at the YMCA of Gray Harbor in Hoquiam costs just $15. The facility includes an extensive
swimming complex: a lap pool with a diving board, lazy river water current pool, wave pool, and a waterslide sticks out
of the building. There's also a gym with basketball, volleyball, free weights, and weight training machines.
http://ghymca.net/index.html
A family day pass at the YMCA of Gray Harbor in Hoquiam costs just $15. The facility includes an extensive
swimming complex: a lap pool with a diving board, lazy river water current pool, wave pool, and a waterslide sticks out
of the building. There's also a gym with basketball, volleyball, free weights, and weight training machines.
http://ghymca.net/index.html
Tip #5 - The Quinault Nation
I've been to all the sights of the Olympic peninsula, but the Quinault Indian Reservation never appears on lists of
attractions. It seems to be little visited. However, I looked up their website and they have a drop-dead, gorgeous
beach (Elephant Rock), a museum, and a guided tour organized. The road north out of Pacific Beach passes by
Moclips and ends at Taholah on the reservation.
See "Things to Do in Quinault Country":
http://www.quinaultindiannation.com/thingstodo.htm
Scenic, salmon fishing, and bear hunting guides:
http://www.rezenterprises.com/
http://www.lettypotter.com
http://www.quinaultfishingguide.com/
http://www.quinaultfisherking.com/
http://www.bigbearhunting.com/Fishing.php
http://www.bigbearhunting.com/
News from the guide: "I only take 2 adults on the river at a time in my dory..no kids. The Tribe offers a pass on the
beach areas - southern end mostly. The road past the village is a little remote. I have two 4x4 trucks I use for
that journey..the hike (brushed out trail) is a bit rough to Elephant Rock, and there is a lot of bear traffic in the area
as well (one encounter already).
I've been to all the sights of the Olympic peninsula, but the Quinault Indian Reservation never appears on lists of
attractions. It seems to be little visited. However, I looked up their website and they have a drop-dead, gorgeous
beach (Elephant Rock), a museum, and a guided tour organized. The road north out of Pacific Beach passes by
Moclips and ends at Taholah on the reservation.
See "Things to Do in Quinault Country":
http://www.quinaultindiannation.com/thingstodo.htm
Scenic, salmon fishing, and bear hunting guides:
http://www.rezenterprises.com/
http://www.lettypotter.com
http://www.quinaultfishingguide.com/
http://www.quinaultfisherking.com/
http://www.bigbearhunting.com/Fishing.php
http://www.bigbearhunting.com/
News from the guide: "I only take 2 adults on the river at a time in my dory..no kids. The Tribe offers a pass on the
beach areas - southern end mostly. The road past the village is a little remote. I have two 4x4 trucks I use for
that journey..the hike (brushed out trail) is a bit rough to Elephant Rock, and there is a lot of bear traffic in the area
as well (one encounter already).
Tip #6 - Pacific Beach Resort
Across the street from us is a resort for retired military personnel. The resort's Windjammer restaurant is open to the
public in the summer. It serves burgers, pasta, pizza, and salads. Try the Cioppino - oysters, shrimp, cod, and
salmon in a tomato sauce over noodles - it's very good. A source on Wikipedia.org says that the bowling alley is also
open to the public. I haven't checked this personally yet.
http://www.navylifepnw.com/site/mid__234/ModeID__0/EhPageID__25/68/Pacific-Beach.aspx
Across the street from us is a resort for retired military personnel. The resort's Windjammer restaurant is open to the
public in the summer. It serves burgers, pasta, pizza, and salads. Try the Cioppino - oysters, shrimp, cod, and
salmon in a tomato sauce over noodles - it's very good. A source on Wikipedia.org says that the bowling alley is also
open to the public. I haven't checked this personally yet.
http://www.navylifepnw.com/site/mid__234/ModeID__0/EhPageID__25/68/Pacific-Beach.aspx
Tip #7 - Razor Clam Digging
The razor clam digging season is quite restricted. Diggers are limited to 15 clams each and the beach is open for
digging during only six days in the latter half of 2007. A license is required.
http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/shelfish/razorclm/razor6.htm
The razor clam digging season is quite restricted. Diggers are limited to 15 clams each and the beach is open for
digging during only six days in the latter half of 2007. A license is required.
http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/shelfish/razorclm/razor6.htm
Tip #8 - Recreation Center at the Ocean Crest Resort
Less than a mile north is the Ocean Crest Resort with a Recreation Center (swimming
pool, exercise room, and playground). You can buy a day pass to gain admission. The
facility is only a few years old and very nice. The cost is $9.50 per adult, $6.00 per child,
or $30 for 5 visits. The restaurant there has a very good reputation as well.
http://www.oceancrestresort.com/reccenter.html
Less than a mile north is the Ocean Crest Resort with a Recreation Center (swimming
pool, exercise room, and playground). You can buy a day pass to gain admission. The
facility is only a few years old and very nice. The cost is $9.50 per adult, $6.00 per child,
or $30 for 5 visits. The restaurant there has a very good reputation as well.
http://www.oceancrestresort.com/reccenter.html
Tip #9 - Star Wars Store in Aberdeen
Of all things, Aberdeen has a Star Wars memorabilia store. You'll pass it on 101 just
past the bridge after the Wal-Mart. There's no website. The owner says he's too old
for it. He expected his kids to take over the shop and do that sort of thing, but they
all went off and got their own lives.
I was there on half price day. I suspect every day is half price day. The shop was
well-stocked.
Of all things, Aberdeen has a Star Wars memorabilia store. You'll pass it on 101 just
past the bridge after the Wal-Mart. There's no website. The owner says he's too old
for it. He expected his kids to take over the shop and do that sort of thing, but they
all went off and got their own lives.
I was there on half price day. I suspect every day is half price day. The shop was
well-stocked.
Tip #10 - The Arts in Hoquiam: The Restored 1928 7th Street Theater
Hoquiam's 7th Street Theatre was built in 1928. Featuring an atmospheric ceiling mural with recessed
twinkling lights, and a tiled fountain in the lobby, the theatre is a beautiful and unique venue. It was placed on
the National Register for Historic Places in 1987.
With over 950 seats, it's a large venue for concerts, movies, and stage shows. A large, single screen hangs
over the stage, and sound is provided by a new state-of-the-art sound system and
recently constructed sound/light board booth.
Today, the 7th Street Theatre is undergoing constant work under the guidance of the 7th Street Theatre
Association, a volunteer group that coordinates running the theatre. The venue hosts several performances
each month, and regularly features classic movies on certain weekends each year.
http://www.7thstreettheatre.com/calendar.html
Hoquiam's 7th Street Theatre was built in 1928. Featuring an atmospheric ceiling mural with recessed
twinkling lights, and a tiled fountain in the lobby, the theatre is a beautiful and unique venue. It was placed on
the National Register for Historic Places in 1987.
With over 950 seats, it's a large venue for concerts, movies, and stage shows. A large, single screen hangs
over the stage, and sound is provided by a new state-of-the-art sound system and
recently constructed sound/light board booth.
Today, the 7th Street Theatre is undergoing constant work under the guidance of the 7th Street Theatre
Association, a volunteer group that coordinates running the theatre. The venue hosts several performances
each month, and regularly features classic movies on certain weekends each year.
http://www.7thstreettheatre.com/calendar.html
Tip #11 - Grays Harbor County Farmer's Market
Hoquiam has a little farmers market with specialty foods and crafts. We bought some jam and syrup. The pies looked
great. Also, on display were jewelry, woodwork, clothing, paintings, quilting, and needlepoint. There's a boardwalk trail
behind the market along the river.
1958 Riverside Drive, Hoquiam, WA
Hoquiam has a little farmers market with specialty foods and crafts. We bought some jam and syrup. The pies looked
great. Also, on display were jewelry, woodwork, clothing, paintings, quilting, and needlepoint. There's a boardwalk trail
behind the market along the river.
1958 Riverside Drive, Hoquiam, WA
Tip #12 - The Humdinger
My little boy makes me stop here every time we return home from the beach, so I have to tell you about it. The
Humdinger is a great, decades-old burger joint in Hoquiam right on highway 101. What's best there are the real
milkshakes and "polars" - what Dairy Queen would call a "Blizzard". The most endearing custom is the way the order
takers will bang with all their might on the window as a way of telling you that your order is ready.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplelogic/2127505467/in/pool-pacificnorthwest/
My little boy makes me stop here every time we return home from the beach, so I have to tell you about it. The
Humdinger is a great, decades-old burger joint in Hoquiam right on highway 101. What's best there are the real
milkshakes and "polars" - what Dairy Queen would call a "Blizzard". The most endearing custom is the way the order
takers will bang with all their might on the window as a way of telling you that your order is ready.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplelogic/2127505467/in/pool-pacificnorthwest/
Tip #13 - The Route to Kalaloch, Ruby Beach, and Queets River Valley
Google Maps makes it look like you can drive straight through the Quinault reservation to the Kalaloch/Queets area.
However, it's not true. You have to drive first inland to Lake Quinault and then back out to the coast on highway 101.
Either there is no road through the reservation or it is only open to tribal members. The full route instructions would
be: head north up 1st Street from our house, continue north on highway 109 past Moclips, turn right on the Moclips
Highway, after 20 miles you reach highway 101 - turn left (north). It's about 1 1/2 hours one way to the Kalaloch Lodge.
Google Maps makes it look like you can drive straight through the Quinault reservation to the Kalaloch/Queets area.
However, it's not true. You have to drive first inland to Lake Quinault and then back out to the coast on highway 101.
Either there is no road through the reservation or it is only open to tribal members. The full route instructions would
be: head north up 1st Street from our house, continue north on highway 109 past Moclips, turn right on the Moclips
Highway, after 20 miles you reach highway 101 - turn left (north). It's about 1 1/2 hours one way to the Kalaloch Lodge.
Tip #14 - Ocean Shores Electric Boat Company
My kids had a blast on the boat we rented at the Ocean Shores Electric Boat Company. The boats are clean, modern,
easy to steer, comfortable in all weather with a canopy overhead against the sun and clear plastic panels that can be
opened or closed. The extensive network of canals and lakes that run through the Ocean Shores peninsula are very
beautiful. We navigated through a narrow, tree-lined canal to come out on Duck Lake, where we saw wildlife (seagulls,
herons) and expensive vacation homes. Four year old James claims to have seen an alligator, but the rest of us are
doubtful. In the middle of the lake are some islands where the mother deer swim to give birth to their foals in safety
(from the alligators?). We had a long, friendly chat with the proprietors, Tom and Nancy Kimzey, while preparing for
the trip. They have life figured out: living on the water full time, while renting out boats in their semi-retirement.
http://www.oselectricboat.com
My kids had a blast on the boat we rented at the Ocean Shores Electric Boat Company. The boats are clean, modern,
easy to steer, comfortable in all weather with a canopy overhead against the sun and clear plastic panels that can be
opened or closed. The extensive network of canals and lakes that run through the Ocean Shores peninsula are very
beautiful. We navigated through a narrow, tree-lined canal to come out on Duck Lake, where we saw wildlife (seagulls,
herons) and expensive vacation homes. Four year old James claims to have seen an alligator, but the rest of us are
doubtful. In the middle of the lake are some islands where the mother deer swim to give birth to their foals in safety
(from the alligators?). We had a long, friendly chat with the proprietors, Tom and Nancy Kimzey, while preparing for
the trip. They have life figured out: living on the water full time, while renting out boats in their semi-retirement.
http://www.oselectricboat.com