If you’ve never been on the Olympic Peninsula, you may not know about Salt Creek Recreation Area. This unique county park is just west of Port Angeles, along US Route 101 not far from Joyce. But it isn’t like most other parks in Washington. Salt Creek was previously a former defense military base during World War II, known as Camp Hayden. It now just serves as one of the most scenic places to camp, explore tide pools, old military bunkers, and relax on the beach with extraordinary views. This hidden park in Washington is absolutely worth exploring, and here’s why:

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Isn’t this area just beautiful? Did you know about this hidden park in Washington? Have you been to Salt Creek before? Please share your experiences at this beautiful gem in the comments below!

For another off-the-beaten path place in Washington worth exploring, be sure to check out Rialto Beach.

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More to Explore

Hidden Park In Washington

What are the most beautiful places in Washington?

The state of Washington is positively filled to the brim with beautiful places, from towering mountain peaks and rushing waterfalls to dense forests and stunning shorelines. It’s true that you can experience pure Northwest bliss almost anywhere in the state, but you'll definitely want to check out these 15 must-see places in Washington that really epitomize the state's incredible beauty.

Does Washington have many beaches?

With over 157 miles of coastline, Washington has an abundance of beautiful coastal beaches just waiting to be discovered! Salt Creek in Washington is merely one of the state's many beautiful beaches; others include Shi Shi Beach, Rosario Beach, Copalis Beach, and Owen Beach. One of our absolute favorite Washington beaches, however, is Rialto Beach, a little slice of paradise in the Olympic National Park. The coastline is lined with driftwood, tide pools, seashells, and sea stars -- and you can even spot sea stacks covered in trees located just off-shore. It's a Washington treasure that simply must be experienced.

Where are some of the most scenic places in Washington?

Washington is full of scenic splendor everywhere you turn. If you're looking to take in the beauty of The Evergreen State by car, you'll definitely want to check out these scenic backroads. State Route 821, also known as the Canyon Road, runs from a junction with I-82 south of Ellensburg to another junction north of Selah. The route follows the Yakima River through a deep canyon surrounded by sagebrush hills. You'll find more scenic beauty along the Chinook Scenic Byway, which meanders through Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and Mount Rainier National Park. Of course, some of the most scenic places in Washington are its natural wonders -- and you can view them all along this epic natural wonder road trip we put together!

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