Not far from our home in Southwest Washington lies a stretch of ocean beach that remains off the radar of most visitors to the Pacific Northwest. Without any signs directing people to the beach access points, most travelers simply keep driving to the more popular coastal destinations. This lack of development is great for locals like myself—it’s as close to having a private beach as possible.
Reaching this section of the Washington State coastline can be an adventure. During the winter, a storm can quickly make the long walk from the grassy dunes impassable, requiring visitors to zig-zag through driftwood on the beach. Summertime access is more manageable, with gravel roads laid down to facilitate vehicle entry. However, an all-wheel drive is still highly recommended to navigate the soft, sandy terrain. Maintaining awareness of the incoming tides is also crucial.
Unlike the dramatic sea stacks found further south in Oregon or along the Olympic Peninsula, this part of the Washington coast is defined by miles of sandy beaches. Yet, that makes it more captivating. My wife and I love taking impromptu walks here when the weather permits, as it’s only a 35-minute drive from our home. Even when the more popular beaches are bustling, we can find peace and solitude, immersed in the soothing sounds of the surf, the wind, and the shore birds.
During the summer, the marine cloud layer often lingers late into the day before finally breaking to reveal sunny skies inland. I love capturing black-and-white landscape photographs during this transitional period, as the atmospheric conditions lend a distinctive mood to an otherwise monochromatic coastal scene.
I’m sharing a series of black and white photographs captured on a recent visit to the beach.
If you’d like to see more of my Pacific Northwest black and white photography and bring a touch of the Washington landscape into your home, I invite you to visit my online art store. I’m confident you’ll find images that transport you to the wild and beautiful places that make Washington State an exceptional destination.
