The Small Washington Town Locals Hope Stays Off Tourists’ Radar

A small waterfront town surrounded by nature isn’t exactly uncommon in the Pacific Northwest. But Seabeck, a hidden small town in Washington, is truly a gem that only locals know about. With excellent seafood, easy access to water sports/activities, and some truly incredible wildlife viewing experiences, this tiny but mighty town in the Evergreen State might just surprise you. 

What Makes This Hidden Small Town in Washington So Special

Although it may not look like it now, the peaceful town of Seabeck was once called "the Liveliest Town of Puget Sound." But this was a long time ago, back in the 1860s and 1870s, when the lumber industry took off. During this time, lumber demand (especially to California) grew exponentially, and as a result, the town continued to grow, encompassing two mills, a shipyard, hotels, restaurants, saloons, and more. However, a fire in 1886 destroyed the main mill, and when it wasn’t rebuilt, residents moved away. For years, it was a ghost town until it was bought to make a retreat for non-profit groups.

Today, the town remains rural and small, with echoes of the past still etched into the land. The area is heavily forested and isolated, and although at times the appearance seems almost New England-like in construction with its bright paint jobs and flower beds, the classic feel of the Pacific Northwest creeps back in on the edges of the town. Here, the forest meets the buildings, and the night sky becomes faintly painted with northern lights on clear nights with high solar activity. In Seabeck, you’ll find people who want a quiet, simple life surrounded by nature (this includes many retirees). On the weekends, you’ll find Washington locals who know this town is the key to epic wilderness activities in the Hood Canal. 

The Best Things to Do in Seabeck, Washington

Seabeck is a nature lover’s paradise. As mentioned, it’s located on the Hood Canal, which is an almost seventy-mile-long fjord between the Kitsap Peninsula and the Olympic Mountains. Known as an arm of Puget Sound, the area is the only saltwater fjord in the contiguous United States and is renowned for beautiful views, seafood (oysters especially), and water sports/activities like diving and fishing. In fact, a favorite activity on the public beaches near Seabeck is collecting oysters. There are, of course, rules involved, with limits on how many can be collected in addition to licenses and shucking requirements. 

One of the biggest draws of this hidden, tiny town in Washington is its close proximity to Scenic Beach State Park, an 88-acre area with campgrounds, hiking trails, and stunning waterfront views (although you cannot collect oysters on this particular beach). Then, there’s the Guillemot Cove Nature Preserve and the Big Beef Creek Wildlife Area as well—both destinations offer some of the best access to wildlife viewing and birdwatching you could ask for.

More specifically? This area is famous for bald eagles. From May to July, hundreds of these giant birds of prey descend on the midshipman fish, often fighting off other birds like Blue Herons to gain their meal. There are, of course, other animals like orcas, sea lions, otters, seals, and multiple fish varieties in the water, as well as black bears, cougars, deer, coyotes, bats, and raccoons on land, but the eagles are particularly famous for the dramatic photo opportunities they provide. 

Seabeck certainly has much to offer—it's no surprise locals love it as a hidden gem in Washington. What other small towns do you love in the Evergreen State? Let me know by filling out this nomination form. I'd love to hear from you.

Curious to try the local seafood, hike the trails, and take those pictures yourself? Plan your next trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner!