View of grass-covered dunes near Long Beach Boardwalk. Photo: KGilb.
The 1/2 mile Long Beach Boardwalk snakes across the top of the dunes, running parallel to the ocean. On both sides, beachgrass undulates in the offshore breezes like the green-gold waves of an inland sea. Acres and acres of beachgrass. There are no carnival rides, no boom boxes, no hiss and grind of a coffee vendor’s cart. Nothing to detract from the sound of surf and the cries of seabirds.
Dedicated in 1990, this classic wooden boardwalk is well-maintained with both picnic tables and benches available for those who want to linger awhile. There are also a handful of interpretive displays for those curious about the unique eco-system that exists here on the “longest beach in the world”. Not to mention the skeleton of a 38-foot-long Gray Whale that was found beached just a mile away in May of 2000.
The boardwalk is a great alternative for those who want to walk along the beach without getting sand in their shoes! Open year-round, it’s located just a quarter mile due west of downtown Long Beach. (easily accessible from either Sid Snyder or Bolstead Avenues) It’s also wheelchair accessible with ample parking nearby. For a map of the area, please check the Long Beach WA website.
**Special Note: For more photos of these remarkable grass-covered dunes, please check out the Nautical Cottage Blog website.