Copalis Beach

Dig for Dinner During Razor Clam Season in Washington

March 3, 2026 by Ben Rueter

Razor clam season in Washington is in full swing, and if you are looking for a place where you can join the fun and dig for dinner, then look no further than Surfcrest Resort. Our resort puts you directly on Copalis Beach, one of the best clamming beaches on the Washington Coast. Access this unique activity just steps from our resort and spend an afternoon looking for these tasty mollusks together. After your dig, return to the resort and cook a delicious dinner with the day’s finds!

Razor Clam Season Dates

The Washington razor clam season is one of the most treasured times here on the coast. The season generally runs from fall through spring, with specific dates set by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife each year. Check their website to see when digs are available at Copalis Beach and plan your trip accordingly!

Prepare for Your Clam Dig

Razor clamming is easy and requires very little equipment to get started. But, you will need a few essentials before heading out, including:

Razor Clam License: All diggers over the age of 16 must have a license to harvest razor clams. You can purchase your license on the WDFW website.

Clam Shovel or Clam Gun: This is the most important thing you’ll need for clamming. Both options are great; generally, clam guns are easier for beginners to use.

Storage: You will need something to put your clams in once you’ve found them. You don’t need anything special; a bag or net will do just fine.

Waterproof Clothing: You will be stepping in the water while you dig, so we recommend bringing items like waterproof boots and waders.

Weather and tide affect clamming conditions. Check the tide conditions and weather in Copalis Beach before you go, and plan to head out on clear days one or two hours before low tide.

The Dig

Now that you have everything you need to get started, it’s time to head to Copalis Beach and start your dig. Walk along the water’s edge and look for dimples, doughnuts, or keyholes in the sand; that’s where the clams are!

Keep in mind that the daily limit is 15 clams per person. You must keep the first 15 clams you dig regardless of their size or condition.

Enjoy Your Clams

Now comes the real highlight of the entire experience: eating your clams. Surfcrest Resort has fully-equipped kitchens that are the perfect place to prep and cook your clams. Check out tips on cleaning, preparing, and cooking your clams from the WDFW!

Experience Clamming Season on the Washington Coast

Book your getaway at Surfcrest Resort and experience clamming season on the Washington Coast. Access Copalis Beach right from our resort and discover even more clamming beaches nearby in Long Beach, Twin Harbors, and Mocrocks. Browse our Copalis Beach resort guest rooms and book with us today!

Plan a Winter Wellness Retreat on the Washington Coast

February 2, 2026 by Ben Rueter

With a new year comes new opportunities to set goals, reset, and refocus. If one of your goals is to be more present and intentional in your life, then a wellness retreat on the Washington Coast may be exactly what you need. Take a break from the everyday and embark on a transformative journey on the Washington Coast with Surfcrest Resort. Experience healing from the moment you arrive at our oceanfront hotel property. Breathe in the fresh air, walk along the secluded beaches, soak in our hot tub, and check out the wellness activities nearby in Ocean Shores and Seabrook.

Experience Healing at Surfcrest Resort

Spending time in nature is healing for your mind, body, and soul. Stay at Surfcrest Resort and enjoy these wellness activities during your stay:

-Walk along miles of sandy Copalis Beach shoreline. Breathe in the fresh ocean breeze, go beachcombing, look for razor clams, and watch the sunset.

-Bundle up and do yoga on the beach together.

-Access scenic sand dune trails from Surfcrest and stroll along Connor Creek.

-Unwind and soak in our community hot tub or sauna.

-Relax in your guest room and enjoy views of the dunes and shorepines from your private balcony.

-Download the Insight Timer app and follow a guided meditation in your room.

-Pick up ingredients from a local grocery store and make a healthy meal together in the private kitchen of your guest room.

Discover More Wellness Activities Nearby

Experience deeper healing with these wellness activities near Copalis Beach:

-Visit Soul Center in Ocean Shores for holistic wellness that blends healing, movement, and sound. Sign up for a group movement class, relax in the infrared sauna, feel your aches and pains melt away with a therapeutic massage, and relax in the sound lounge.

-Reserve an intimate spa treatment at Spa Elizabeth and experience the ultimate healing in Seabrook. Feel your best on vacation and choose from massages, body scrubs, or facials.

-Find even more healing massage treatments at Quinault Beach Resort Spa in Ocean Shores.

-By now, you’ve heard about the benefits of cold plunging. Try a cold plunge at Seabreeze Sauna & Cold Plunge during your visit.

-Travel outside our resort grounds and explore the hiking trails near Copalis Beach.

Plan Your Washington Wellness Retreat at Surfcrest Resort

Book your Washington wellness retreat at Surfcrest Resort and experience the perfect setting to reconnect with yourself and nature. Each of our guest rooms can accommodate up to six guests and includes amenities like WiFi, fireplaces, balconies, patios, kitchens, and convenient beach access. Book with us today and center yourself at Surfcrest Resort!

Stay at Our Pet-Friendly Hotel in Washington State

October 24, 2025 by Ben Rueter

Pets are a part of the family. Book your next vacation at our pet-friendly hotel in Washington state and discover a destination that’s just as fun for you as it is for your dog. Explore the Washington Coast and enjoy hiking, beach days, and dining with your dog by your side. With spacious accommodations, easy beach access, and plenty of outdoor adventures nearby, Surfcrest Resort is the perfect getaway for you and your pet to relax, play, and make unforgettable memories together!

Pet Policy at Surfcrest Resort

We love hosting pets at our Washington Coast resort. All we ask is that you adhere to these guidelines to ensure all our guests have the best resort experience:

-Pay a $45 flat fee per dog per stay. The fee is non-refundable.

-Only dogs are allowed. Please do not bring cats, birds, or other pets.

-Maximum of 2 dogs per room.

-You are responsible for any damage in the room or the property. Additional charges may be imposed in the event of excess damage or cleaning.

-Dogs are prohibited from the pool area.

-Dogs must be leashed at all times.

-Dog owners must pick up after their dog.

-Dogs are not to be left unattended in any rooms or cars.

Things to Do with Your Dog on the Washington Coast

-Explore the 26-acre property of Surfcrest with your dog. Walk the sand dune trails and spend time on the beach together.

-Take your dog to the Ocean Shores Beach and let them run around the shoreline off-leash. The off-leash section can be found between Taurus Boulevard and Butterclam Street. You can also take your dogs to Seabrook to run around the beach off-leash.

-Take your dog to Chinook Park in Ocean Shores and play fetch at the off-leash dog park here.

-Hike the Weatherwax Trail together along the edge of Duck Lake and through scenic coastal forests.

-Stroll along the dog-friendly hiking trails in Seabrook.

-Walk through the neighborhood of Seabrook and stop at dog-friendly shops like The Salty Dog. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of water bowls outside the shops where your dog can stop for a drink.

Dog-Friendly Restaurants near Copalis Beach

Dine out with your dog at the pet-friendly patios at these Washington Coast restaurants:

Bennett’s Fish Shack, Ocean Shores

Ocean Beach Roasters, Ocean Shores

Galway Bay Irish Pub, Ocean Shores

Ocean Pours, Ocean Shores

Corks and Taps, Ocean Shores

Oyhut Bay Grill, Ocean Shores

The Garage, Ocean Shores

Frontage Pizza Co., Seabrook

Rising Tide Tavern, Seabrook

The Stowaway Wine Bar, Seabrook

Vista Bakeshop, Seabrook

Koko’s Restaurant & Tequila Bar, Seabrook

Bring Your Pet to the Washington Coast

Experience fun for the entire family (dogs included) on the Washington Coast with Surfcrest Resort. Our pet-friendly hotel in Washington State has everything you need to feel right at home, like pools, laundry services, beach trails, and a clubhouse game room. Book one of our Copalis Beach hotel rooms and enjoy space for up to six guests and your dog. For more information about staying at Surfcrest, please contact us at 360-289-2157.

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, March-May 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.