Water is the fundamental element to life in Western Washington. Everywhere we look, from the buckets of rain that fall from the gray skies to the rivers, lakes, waterfalls, sound, canal and ocean, we see water. It is what makes us the Evergreen State and has shaped our way of life for generations. Water is also where we go to relax, unwind and cuddle up with our special someone.
With water all around us, it is easy to find a perfect vacation destination to spend a night, a weekend or a full week. Whether you want to give that special someone in your life the romantic getaway of their dreams or escape to the coast on a fixed budget, these following five destinations will give you what you crave. Next to the stunning waterways of the Pacific Northwest and surrounded by the endless beauty of pristine wilderness, these lodges, resorts and cabins will rekindle and inspire the passion of any relationship.
1. Inn at Discovery Coast
Along the Long Beach Peninsula, where 28 miles of sandy beaches and the breaking waves of the Pacific meet, the Inn at Discovery Coast awaits your romantic adventures. Offering three floors of coastal views, the Inn is one of the premier lodging destination along the Twin Harbors. Located near the Mouth of the Columbia River, the Inn at Discovery Coast gives breathtaking views of the Pacific, as well as immediate access to the dunes and beach. Most rooms have a fireplace and some even have over-sized jetted tubs, making this beautiful location even more romantic and intimate. Staying here ranges in price from the low $100s to the mid $200s a night, depending on how great of a view and amenities you desire. The Inn is not just perfectly situated along the coast, it is also just a few miles from Cape Disappointment State Park, where huge waves small against the rocky bluffs near a lighthouse.
2. Lake Quinault Lodge
Tucked away against the wild and impressive rainforests of Olympic National Park and Forest, one of crown jewels of the Olympic Peninsula is waiting for your arrival. Built in 1926, in the heart of one of world’s most breathtaking rainforest regions, the Lake Quinault Lodge has hosted everyone from presidents to dirtbag hikers, and those hoping for a romantic getaway along the shores of Lake Quinault. Ranging in price from $90-$160, the Lodge is gorgeous and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For those looking for a romantic adventure far from the stress of daily life, this is the ideal destination. The lodge has 92 rooms, 16 with fireplaces and only 36 with TVs, enticing you to explore the lake or head out along any of the miles of trails found just outside your door. With eagles and elk herds just outside, staying here gives you access to pristine wilderness and home to one of the most picturesque sunset locations on the Olympic Peninsula.
3. Kalaloch Lodge
Up on the bluffs, between the crashing breakers and the drivers of Highway 101, Kalaloch Lodge rests under the waterfall eye of bald eagles and migratory birds. Costing around $100 a night in the off-season, Kalaloch Lodge is one of the most popular and romantic destinations in the state of Washington. Offering a main lodge or private cabins with ocean views, Kalaloch is one of those places that inspires romance and beauty. As the sun plunges below the horizon far to the west, enjoy each other’s company uninterrupted, thanks to the the lack of TVs, wifi, and cell service. With a dining room to eat at and miles of hiking that grant access to the famous Tree Cave and Ruby Beach, a night or two at Kalaloch will leave you grinning from ear to ear. No matter what the weather, staying at Kalaloch is always the right choice.
4. Quileute Oceanside Resort
Few places in the world are as picturesque and perfect as the cabins at the Quileute Oceanside Resort. Located on the lands where the Quileute Tribe has lived for over 1,000 years, the resort is a destination that will leave you speechless at the beauty along this rugged and scenic stretch of coast. Offering five different styles of lodging, some for as low as $70 a night depending on your need for amenities, staying here grants you access to the spectacular views of LaPush’s First Beach. The cabins are the way to go, as they have wood stoves that help create the perfect romantic atmosphere after watching the sun set. With James Island standing guard and a glimpse of the sea stacks known as the Quileute Needles, the resort is about as romantic and as beautiful as it gets along the Washington Coast. Close to the city of Forks and within walking distance to the trailhead for Second Beach in Olympic National Park, you’ll want to stay here a full week to experience it all.
