This Lesser-known Coastal Destination Has a Rain Forest, 6 State Parks, and the Longest Drivable Beach in the U.S.

"The long, reaching peninsula is surrounded almost entirely by water and boasts a whopping 28 miles of Pacific coastline. In fact, it's considered the longest beach in the U.S., and you can even drive along the sand. You'll find a little of everything packed in along the shore. There are long sandy stretches, boardwalks above the dunes, paved walking and biking trails, surf spots, and rocky cliffs that drop dramatically into the sea."

"The peninsula also has one of the Pacific Northwest's richest razor clam grounds and great crabbing, fishing, and oystering. In fact, 25 percent of the nation's oysters come from the peninsula's Willapa Bay. The area is also known for its cranberry production, with the Pacific Coast Cranberry Research Foundation's Cranberry Museum in Long Beach and harvest festivals in October. Visitors can walk through cranberry bogs or shuck oysters with third-generation oyster farmers."

"Beyond being a haven for fresh food, the long, narrow stretch of land is home to six state parks. The gem of the region is Cape Disappointment State Park on the southern tip of the peninsula. The coastal park has sandy beaches, working lighthouses, and ocean overlooks backed by old-growth forests that contain hiking trails and camping grounds. The narrow, wildly picturesque Dead Man's Cove can be reached via the park's Cape Disappointment Trail."

Washington's Long Beach Peninsula spans 28 miles of Pacific coastline, offering beaches, driveable sand, dunes, boardwalks, paved trails, surf breaks, and rocky cliffs. The peninsula supports rich shellfishing and commercial harvests, including razor clams, crabbing, and oystering; Willapa Bay supplies about 25 percent of U.S. oysters. Cranberry cultivation is prominent, with a cranberry museum and October harvest festivals. Six state parks lie along the narrow landform, highlighted by Cape Disappointment State Park with lighthouses, beaches, old-growth-backed overlooks, trails, and camping. The nearby Willapa National Wildlife Refuge protects over 21,000 acres of tidelands and temperate rainforest.

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