Beards Hollow
A breathtaking coastal gem where the beach meets pine forests, offering tide pool exploration, beach driving, and stunning sunset views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for tide pools & wildlife
Beards Hollow
Best Time
Best for tide pools & wildlife
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking coastal gem where the beach meets pine forests, offering tide pool exploration, beach driving, and stunning sunset views.
"This is heaven. You."
Check Tide Charts First! :chart_with_upwards_trend:
Crucial for accessing tide pools and beach driving. Don't miss out!
Discover Pass Needed :ticket:
Required for parking within Cape Disappointment State Park. Get it online or at the park.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tide Pools Exploration
Along the rocky shores
Discover vibrant marine life in shallow pools left by the receding tide. A must-see for nature lovers!
Beach Drive Experience
The sandy stretch of Beards Hollow
Enjoy a unique drive along the beach, offering stunning ocean views and a sense of freedom.
Wildlife Spotting
Early morning beach foraging
Catch raccoons foraging and seals lounging during early morning low tides. Adorable!
+1Scenic Sunset Views
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean
Witness breathtaking sunsets where the beach meets pine trees. Pure natural beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tides are Key for Beards Hollow
Cape Disappointment State Park Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Tide Charts First! :chart_with_upwards_trend:
Crucial for accessing tide pools and beach driving. Don't miss out!
Discover Pass Needed :ticket:
Required for parking within Cape Disappointment State Park. Get it online or at the park.
Wear Sturdy Shoes :athletic_shoe:
Rocky areas and uneven sand require good footwear for exploring.
Early Bird Gets the Raccoons :raccoon:
Visit in the early morning for the best chance to see wildlife foraging.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tide Charts First! :chart_with_upwards_trend:
Crucial for accessing tide pools and beach driving. Don't miss out!
Discover Pass Needed :ticket:
Required for parking within Cape Disappointment State Park. Get it online or at the park.
Wear Sturdy Shoes :athletic_shoe:
Rocky areas and uneven sand require good footwear for exploring.
Early Bird Gets the Raccoons :raccoon:
Visit in the early morning for the best chance to see wildlife foraging.
Bring Your Camera :camera:
Stunning natural beauty, especially at sunset. Capture the magic!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique beauty of Beards Hollow, particularly its stunning sunsets and the opportunity for beach driving. The chance to explore tide pools and spot wildlife adds to its charm. Some visitors note that access is tide-dependent and a Discover Pass is required for parking.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Beards Hollow is located within Cape Disappointment State Park on the Washington coast. You can drive directly onto the beach during low tide, but a Discover Pass is required for parking.
Yes, you can drive on the beach at Beards Hollow, but only during low tide. It's a popular spot for beach driving enthusiasts.
From Portland, head west towards the coast. Beards Hollow is part of Cape Disappointment State Park, near Ilwaco, Washington. The drive typically takes around 2-3 hours.
The main access is via a sandy beach road, which is only passable at low tide. Ensure your vehicle is suitable for beach driving if you plan to do so.
Yes, you can access Beards Hollow by foot from the parking areas within Cape Disappointment State Park, even if you don't plan to drive on the beach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Beards Hollow is within Cape Disappointment State Park, which requires a Washington State Discover Pass for parking.
The cost of a Discover Pass can vary, but it's typically an annual pass or a one-day pass. Check the Washington State Parks website for current pricing.
As part of a state park, Beards Hollow is generally accessible during daylight hours. However, beach driving is restricted to low tide periods.
You don't need to book tickets in advance for Beards Hollow itself, but you will need to purchase a Discover Pass for parking.
The entrance fee is covered by the Discover Pass, which is required for parking your vehicle within Cape Disappointment State Park.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the tide pools, enjoy a beach drive, watch for wildlife like seals and raccoons, and take in the stunning sunset views.
The best time to explore tide pools is during low tide. Check local tide charts for the most accurate timing.
Absolutely! Beards Hollow offers beautiful scenery, especially during sunrise and sunset, making it a photographer's paradise.
While Beards Hollow is primarily known for its beach access and driving, the surrounding Cape Disappointment State Park offers various hiking trails.
You might spot raccoons foraging along the shore and seals resting on the rocks, especially during early morning low tides.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for photography at Beards Hollow.
It's ideal for landscape photography, wildlife shots (especially during low tide), and capturing the unique beach driving experience.
The rocky ledges during low tide are great for tide pool photography, and the expansive beach offers opportunities for dramatic wide shots.
A wide-angle lens for landscapes and a telephoto lens for wildlife are recommended. A sturdy tripod is helpful for low-light conditions.
Drone usage is subject to park regulations. Always check the latest rules for Cape Disappointment State Park before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The beach drive can also be an exciting experience for children, offering a different perspective of the coastline. Pack snacks and drinks, as amenities are limited within the immediate Beards Hollow area. Early morning visits are great for spotting wildlife like raccoons, which can be a memorable sight for young ones.
🚗 Off-Road & Beach Driving Enthusiasts
+1This location is also noted for its ledge lines, which can be interesting for off-road exploration. It's a place where you can combine the thrill of driving with the beauty of the natural environment.
📸 Nature Photographers
Golden hour photography is particularly rewarding here, with the soft light creating a magical atmosphere. Don't miss the opportunity to capture the vibrant life within the tide pools during low tide, or the chance to photograph wildlife like seals and raccoons in their natural habitat.
+2Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Beards Hollow: Tides and Beach Driving
For those interested in beach driving, Beards Hollow offers a unique experience. It's a popular spot for off-road enthusiasts and those looking for a scenic drive along the coast. Ensure your vehicle is capable of handling sandy terrain, and be mindful of other beachgoers and wildlife. Remember that driving is only permitted during specific low tide windows.
+1Beyond driving, the beach itself is a fantastic place for leisurely walks, beachcombing, and simply enjoying the vastness of the Pacific Ocean. The combination of beach and surrounding pine forests creates a beautiful and diverse landscape.
Wildlife Encounters at Beards Hollow
Another exciting possibility is spotting seals resting on the rocks or near the shore. These marine mammals add to the wild charm of the area. Remember to observe them from a respectful distance and avoid disturbing their habitat.
During low tide, the tide pools themselves teem with smaller marine life, including various invertebrates and small fish. It's a miniature ecosystem waiting to be discovered, offering a fantastic educational opportunity for all ages.
Photography Opportunities
The dramatic Pacific coastline provides ample opportunities for landscape photography. From the expansive beach to the rugged rocky ledges, there's always a compelling scene to capture. The changing light throughout the day can transform the scenery, making multiple visits worthwhile.
+1For those interested in wildlife and macro photography, the tide pools offer a wealth of subjects. Capturing the intricate details of marine life in their natural habitat can be incredibly rewarding.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit