Spring has sprung, and with that means a renewed sense of adventure as the days grow longer and temperatures get warmer. If you’re in need of a getaway, look no further than Grays Harbor County. Between days spent on the beach to peaceful moments deep in the rainforest, there’s a little bit of relaxation waiting just for you.

If you’re driving west from Olympia, one of the first spring-filled stops on your agenda should be the Satsop Bulb Farm in Elma. Here, visitors can pick up bulbs and plants for their garden or planters, seeds, various tools and even fresh cut flowers. Whether you want some color to brighten your home or hotel room for the weekend, the Satsop Bulb Farm has it all. Discover your swing potential on Oaksridge Golf Course‘s pristine greens before continuing your road trip adventure.

While continuing your drive west, consider a detour up the Wynoochee Valley towards the Wynoochee Dam. Spring is an excellent time to view the runoff from the Dam, trickling waterfalls and streams or take a relaxing stroll around the Wynoochee Lake that’s often still sprinkled with a light dusting of snow in the surrounding hills.

Pop into Montesano for a bite to eat before continuing your drive west towards Aberdeen. In nearby Hoquiam and Cosmopolis, breweries, bakeries, and restaurants abound making for an ideal lunch break. Explore places to eat while on your trip here. For the golf lovers in the group, Cosmopolis is home to the 18-hole championship golf range, Highland Golf Course, and makes for the perfect place to stretch your legs.

Before leaving the Aberdeen area, you’ll need to assess which portion of the County is next on the docket. Westport, a picturesque fishing town, can be found at the southwest corner of Grays Harbor. Here, spring activities can include strolling the beach watching cold-water surfers and bird watching, exciting days charter fishing with experienced PNW fishermen and women, viewing the migrating gray whales on a guided whale watching journey or clam digging for coveted razor clams. Do note that charter fishing and whale watching adventures need to be be pre-booked. Razor clam tides are also dependent on safe domoic acid levels and ocean tides. Continue your drive south on State Route 105 through the other charming communities on the South Shore and eventually loop back to Highway 101 in Raymond.

If you’re looking to head to Ocean Shores, then your journey from Aberdeen will take you in the northwest direction. While in Ocean Shores, capture the essence of spring by flying a kite on the sandy shores, comb the beach for treasures, play a round of golf at the Ocean Shores Golf Course, rent bikes and cruise through the seaside village of Oyhut Bay, or even launch your kayak on the city’s fresh water canals and Duck Lake. After exploring the quaint city center of Ocean shores and stocking up on candy and ice cream for the day, a drive north on State Route 109 offers beautiful views of the neighboring Pacific Ocean lined by trees and dotted with various beach access points. Spring razor clam digging is also an option on the North Beach. Stop by communities along the way for dinner or to watch a miraculous sunset fill the sky with colors.

Another option to fill your day is to head north to the memorizing Olympic National Park (ONP). Your first stop upon entering the ONP will take you to Lake Quinault. Smell the scents of spring as flowers and trees come back to life throughout the many trails of varying activity levels. While the lake may still be too cold for water activities other than kayaking, the snow-capped Olympic Mountains create a beautiful backdrop to admire while picnicking or playing a yard game. Spring is also a fantastic time for wildlife viewing in the park and can often be viewed during a full drive around the lake’s perimeter.

No matter where you end up in Grays Harbor, springtime proves to be one of the most incredible times to visit the area. With fewer crowds than summer, appreciate a full disconnect from the daily grind. To extend your trip, check out campgrounds, hotels, motels and resorts to stay by heading to our Lodging & Travel guide.

This original content is produced by Greater Grays Harbor, Inc. and sponsored by Grays Harbor County Tourism.