Seabrook is the kind of place where you park the car and forget about it, but a day trip or two is well worth it. Within an hour or so, you can walk among some of the biggest trees on Earth, explore wild Olympic coastline, or climb Washington's tallest lighthouse. Drive times below are approximate, so check your map app and current road conditions before you go.
Lake Quinault and the Quinault Rain Forest
About 45 minutes to an hour northeast of Seabrook, the Quinault Rain Forest is the closest temperate rain forest to town and one of the best. The Quinault Loop Trail (about 4 miles) and the short Rain Forest Nature Trail (about half a mile) wander through moss-draped giants, and a short trail off South Shore Road leads to a massive Sitka spruce billed as the world's largest.
For a scenic drive, the 31-mile Rain Forest Loop circles the lake on narrow, partly gravel roads. Stop at the historic Lake Quinault Lodge for lunch by the fire. In winter, check the National Park Service's road conditions page first, since the bridge connecting the North and South Shore roads has been removed in past winters.
- Drive: roughly 45 to 60 minutes
- Passes: some trailheads require a Northwest Forest Pass or Interagency Pass
- Dogs: allowed on leash on the Quinault Loop and Nature trails
- Lake Quinault belongs to the Quinault Indian Nation, which restricts non-tribal fishing and boating
Kalaloch and Ruby Beach
Roughly an hour and 15 minutes north, the Kalaloch stretch of Olympic National Park is wilder and more rugged than the beaches near Seabrook, with sea stacks, tide pools, and driftwood piled like matchsticks. Ruby Beach, at the north end, is one of the most photographed beaches in Washington.
The famous Tree of Life, which clung above a cave of empty air at Kalaloch, dropped into its root cave during the 2024–25 winter storms, so you can no longer stand beneath it. It's still a remarkable sight from a safe distance. Time your visit for low tide to explore the tide pools at Beach 4.
- Drive: about 1 hour 15 minutes to Kalaloch, about 1.5 hours to Ruby Beach
- Passes: an Olympic National Park entrance pass is required ($30 per vehicle for 7 days)
- Dogs: allowed on leash on the Kalaloch-area beaches
- Check tide tables before you go, since some beaches are cut off at high tide
Ocean Shores
About 30 to 35 minutes south, Ocean Shores is the coast's busiest resort town. Walk the North Jetty to watch big surf crash against the rocks, which is especially dramatic in winter, and visit the Coastal Interpretive Center to learn about the area's natural history. The center is open daily in summer and on weekends the rest of the year.
Damon Point has been closed since January 2025 because of severe erosion, so skip it unless you've confirmed it has reopened.
Hoquiam, Aberdeen, and Oysters
About 40 to 45 minutes south, the twin harbor towns of Hoquiam and Aberdeen hold most of the region's history. The Polson Museum in Hoquiam tells the story of Grays Harbor's logging and maritime past (open Wednesday through Sunday). Music fans can visit Kurt Cobain Memorial Park in Aberdeen, though bridge construction nearby may affect access, so check ahead.
On the way back, stop at Lytle Seafoods for fresh Grays Harbor oysters to cook at the cottage.
Westport and Grays Harbor Lighthouse
About an hour and 10 minutes away, Westport is Washington's surf town and home to Grays Harbor Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in the state at 107 feet. When the tower is open, you can climb its 135 steps for a small fee. Hours are seasonal, so check before you go. Afterward, walk the Westport viewing tower and marina for seafood and harbor views.
Close to Home: Moclips and Pacific Beach
If you don't want to drive far, the Museum of the North Beach in Moclips, just a few minutes north, has local history from shipwrecks to the old railroad. Call ahead for hours (360-276-4441). Pacific Beach State Park, right next door, has more beach to explore and requires a Discover Pass for parking.
North of Moclips, the beaches of the Quinault Indian Nation, including Point Grenville, are generally closed to non-tribal visitors. Please respect this and contact the Nation before planning a visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is the Quinault Rain Forest from Seabrook, WA?
Lake Quinault and the Quinault Rain Forest are roughly 45 minutes to an hour from Seabrook by car, making it the closest rain forest day trip.
Do I need a pass to visit Kalaloch or Ruby Beach?
Yes. Kalaloch and Ruby Beach are in Olympic National Park, which requires an entrance pass ($30 per vehicle for 7 days, or an annual or Interagency pass).
Can I visit Point Grenville from Seabrook?
Point Grenville and the beaches north of Moclips are on the Quinault Indian Nation and are generally closed to non-tribal visitors. Contact the Quinault Indian Nation for current access rules.
Is the Tree of Life at Kalaloch still standing?
Winter storms in 2024–25 dropped the Tree of Life into its root cave, and visitors can no longer stand beneath it. It can still be viewed from a safe distance.
