Clayton Beach

Destination

Clayton Beach, sea level

Directions

From I-5, take State Route 11 (Chuckanut Drive) north for 18 miles to the Clayton Beach parking lot on the right side of the road.

Notes

An enjoyable stroll for families. Plan a picnic if the weather is nice enough or just walk the shoreline if the tide is low. But bring dry boots because the way is muddy, murky and wet.

From the parking lot, cross over to the west side of the road to the signed trailhead. Walk down some stairs, then cross over a bridge spanning a small creek before heading southwest down the trail.

The trail follows a small seasonal stream bed, which is usually running in the fall through the spring. About one-third of a mile down the trail, there is a small branch trail to the right that climbs a knoll and parallels the main trail. This trail is narrow and is difficult to get up and down on the north end.

There is a section of sandstone, tree roots and mud that must be climbed down to reach the railroad tracks. There are enough shelves and handholds to safely navigate the obstacle, but still, use caution.

After crossing the railroad tracks, the beach is a 100 meters away. The sandy beach overlooking Samish Bay is nestled by a sandstone point on the south and sandstone boulders to the north. Depending on tide levels, there is plenty of opportunities to explore both sides.