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Washington's Coast, Again: A List From A Listener

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Listener Jon Roanhaus describes Rialto Beach as a "driftwood-strewn beauty" of a place to visit. His list is the subject of this week's "Going Places."

A few weeks back, I mentioned on the air to KPLU travel expert Matthew Brumley that I was hoping to escape to Washington's coast for a few days. Brumley offered up his suggestions on places I should try.

Not too long after, we had a listener appreciation party here at 88.5, and a listener named Jon Roanhaus asked if I'd taken the trip yet. When I said I hadn't, Jon asked for some scratch paper and quickly made a list of five good options.

So, I took Jon's list back to Matthew Brumley, to weigh in. Jon: You stumped him a couple times. And thank you for the suggestions. The conversation, and the list, are below.

Shi Shi Beach/Cape Flattery 

Jon says there's a "rough downhill stretch" on the three-mile hike intoShi Shi Beach (pronounced "Shy Shy"), but the view at the end is a reward for the work you've done to get there. Cape Flattery is down a different road from Neah Bay.

"I was just there for the first time three months ago," Brumley said. "I spent two nights out there. Two wet, rainy nights, but had a fun time."

Cape Alava Loop 

Another three-mile hike, near Lake Ozette. Jon's advice: Remember the beach markers to help you find the trails. Check out this photo.

Rialto Beach 

Described by Jon as a "driftwood-strewn beauty," it's near La Push.

Brumley has a good story for this one: His wife, Danna, packed his backpack before the trip, and on the hike in, Brumley wondered why his bag was so heavy. At dinner, the answer became clear.

A listener wrote down a list of places to visit on Washington's coast. Thanks, Jon!

"We're cooking and someone says 'We need something to cook with,'" he said. "My wife pulls out a cast-iron skillet."

Also, a liter of olive oil and a wooden pepper mill.

"I was the one carrying it in to La Push and Rialto."

Copalis Beach and Seabrook

Both communities have different feels -- one distinctly older than the other, Jon says. And you'll find Griffiths Priday Ocean State Parknearby. Worth exploring.

Cape Disappointment/Nahcotta/Oysterville 

Cape Disappointmentis on the southern end of the Long Beach peninsula. The villages are to the north. You'll find plenty to do and some quiet communities as well, where you can just go and unwind.

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"Going Places" is KPLU's weekly exploration of travel topics. Matthew Brumley is the co-founder of Earthbound Expeditions on Bainbridge Island, which provides small-group travel to clients including KPLU.

Ed Ronco is a former KNKX producer and reporter and hosted All Things Considered for seven years.