The Cranberry Coast Scenic Byway promises a quintessential Pacific Northwest adventure! This picturesque drive winds through charming coastal towns, past windswept beaches, and alongside vibrant cranberry bogs. With ocean vistas and opportunities to gather cranberries, clams, and crabs—oh my—this journey is a feast for the senses.
Just south of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula is a little-known stretch of road called the Cranberry Coast Scenic Byway. This 52-mile route meanders through an enchanting mix of wild beaches, serene bays, and tranquil tidelands.
The journey begins in Aberdeen, where Highway 105 guides you westward to the Pacific Coast where you’ll discover Westport, a lively fishing community renowned for its fresh catch and deepsea fishing opportunities.
As the byway continues south, it passes other quaint coastal towns before curving east along the northern edge of oyster-filled Willapa Bay. Along the drive, look out for roadside seafood stands selling fresh Dungeness crab, oysters, and smoked fish—a true taste of the Pacific Northwest.
The trip concludes in Raymond, a community known for its artsy flair and outdoor metal sculptures sprinkled throughout town. From here, you can loop back to Aberdeen via Highway 101.
This is an ideal drive for those seeking a slower pace; explore historic landmarks, beachcomb for treasures washed ashore, or simply soak in the moody ocean and forest vistas. For those craving adventure, this road trip offers outdoor activities that will keep you entertained too—you can fish, go crabbing or clamming, try your hand at surfing, or storm watch during winter.
Cranberry bogs are the hidden gem of the Cranberry Coast, and on this road trip you’ll get the chance to learn about cranberry farming, see what a cranberry bog looks like, and pick your own cranberries!
Are you ready to discover the charm and beauty of this hidden stretch of Pacific coastline yet? Here are all the best stops on Cranberry Coast Scenic Byway.
Best stops on Cranberry Coast Scenic Byway
Westport
Westport is a cute coastal town located at the mouth of Grays Harbor. It’s a popular day trip destination from Seattle since it is just over a two hour drive away. This is the first stop on your tour of the Cranberry Coast.
Once you get into town, make a beeline for Westport Marina District, a working marina where you can watch fishing boats coming and going, and purchase fresh local seafood. The most popular reason to visit the marina though is to take a fishing charter. After all, Westport is a world-class fishing destination.
Here, fishing charters will ensure you have an unforgettable deep-sea fishing experience no matter what your skill level. Cast a line for rock cod, ling cod, salmon, Albacore tuna, or everyone’s favorite — halibut!
Another top experience to have in Westport is to dig for clams! Digging razor clams is the ultimate PNW experience!! The Pacific Razor Clam is one of the most sought-after shellfish in this part of the country, and digging for them is a fun and memorable activity for all.
Grayland
Grayland is one of Washington’s best beach vacation towns! This coastal destination draws thousands of visitors to its miles of sandy shoreline for beachcombing, clamming, crabbing, fishing, and flying kites.
Grayland Beach State Park is the perfect place to head to enjoy all the beach activities. A stroll along the shoreline will reveal all sorts of marine wildlife both in and out of the water including sunfish, seals, and even the endangered snowy plover.
If you want to embrace a few extra days at this quintessential pacific northwest location, consider staying at the state beach campground where you’ll be lulled to sleep by the sound of crashing waves.
The campground offers both RV and tent camping sites. For a truly unique experience, you can even rent a yurt—a favorite among guests. The yurts come equipped with beds, and even electric heaters!
Grayland’s community has a handful of fun annual events that are worthy of timing a trip around like the Seafood Festival and Cranberry Harvest Festival.
Visit The Cranberry Museum then take a self guided tour of cranberry bogs down Cranberry Road.
At the south end of Grayland, just off Highway 105, is the Cranberry Museum and Cranzberry Gift Shop. Although small, it is quite a fascinating place where you can learn a little bit about the history and farming process of cranberries. There is also a collection of inventions used in their harvesting and processing. Be sure to visit the gift shop before leaving to pick up locally-made goods like tea, honey, and cranberry related treats!
Once you’re done visiting the museum, back track 0.2 miles to aptly named Cranberry Road to take a quick self-guided tour of the cranberry bogs tucked behind Highway 105. While the farms are not open to the public, you’re welcome to drive by and enjoy the scenic views of the bogs. If you visit during cranberry harvest season, stop by Plenty Farm to pick your own fresh organic cranberries.
Tokeland
Tokeland is located on the north side of Willapa Bay near Shoalwater Bay Indian Reservation. This tiny town was named after Chief Toke, a 19th century Indian chief of the Shoalwater Bay Tribe.
To get to Tokeland, you’ll need to take a short jaunt down Tokeland Road, which is off Cranberry Coast Scenic Byway (Highway 105). The turnoff is right in front of Shoalwater Bay Casino.
Tokeland Road will turn into Kindred Avenue and will take you all the way to the waterfront where you’ll stumble upon Nelson Crab Inc. This little seafood shop is praised for their fresh-caught Dungeness crab and tasty smoked salmon. They also make their own tinned crab you can take home to savor later. Besides having an assortment of fresh and canned seafood to choose from, this not-to-be-missed spot also sells locally made sea-themed gifts.
Another must-see in Tokeland is the historic Tokeland Hotel. Built in 1885, this is the oldest hotel in Washington. The hotel features a restaurant that offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as guest rooms for overnight stays. From the guest room windows you can see oyster-filled Willapa Bay and the Pacific Ocean off in the distance.
This is one of the best hotels for a winter stay in Washington. It’s great for winter storm watching and to experience king tides. In the evenings you can get cozy in front of the fireplace or hop in their woodfired hot tub.
Travelers with RVs in tow can stay at Bayshore RV Park which provides campsites with full hookups and beautiful bay views.
Raymond
Everybody loves Raymond, and you will too! This tight-knit community sits near the mouth of the Willapa River on tranquil tidelands that are home to many migrating birds.
There are several attractions that will fascinate you for at least a few hours here. One of them is the Northwest Carriage Museum which houses the finest collection of horse-drawn transportation in America. Step back in time and see elegant carriages, work wagons, and sleighs.
Next door is Willapa Seaport Museum where you’ll see a ton of paraphernalia used in logging, sailing, and navigating, along with displays featuring shipyards, tugboats, lifeboats, and battleships. Ahoy, admission is free!
Downtown is the historic Raymond Theater, a handsome building which first opened in 1928. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings and is worth having a quick look at, and if you time it right, catch a screening of a classic or new release film.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to C&C Classic Diner for clam chowder and some juicey breaded Willapa Bay oysters. If you’re not a fan of seafood they’ve got sandwiches, burgers, calzones, and pizzas too.