Mild Weather
With 28 miles of continuous beach, two working lighthouses, six State Parks, and Willapa National Wildlife Refuge, all in a span of about 30 miles, I can’t help wondering why more people don’t Winter here. Sometimes people say it’s the rain, but almost every day, the sun pops out for a bit, and then it feels marvelous. The Long Beach Peninsula gets far less snow than Portland and Seattle. Our Winters are warmer, and the summers are cooler. Storms move through much faster, which makes for some incredible storm watching. Snuggle up by a fireplace with someone you love and watch Mother Nature’s fury.
Nature’s Bounty
Razor Clam season runs through the Winter at designated times and ends by May. This year we’ll have about 50 “digs.” Eager people come from all around the region to dig for the rich-tasting clams that make delicious fritters or clam chowder. Each person can get a limit of 15 razor clams per day, and many of this season’s digs continue for seven days! That’s a lot of clams!!
Foraging for wild mushrooms is also a favorite Winter activity on the Long Beach Peninsula. Chanterelles and Porcini mushrooms are the most popular, but there are a plethora of varieties. Grab your favorite mushroom guide, some friends, a bag, and a pocket knife and head into the woods or dune grass to see what you can find. Last week I made some tasty Cream of Porcini mushroom soup that was to die for!
Arts and Music
Just because the days get shorter and a bit colder doesn’t mean that our local art and music community goes into hibernation. In fact, it quite the opposite! The arts and music scene on the Peninsula is always active! The stunning natural beauty is an inspiration to many artists, writers, and musical performers that call the Long Beach Peninsula their home. In fact, earlier this year, I published my first children’s picture book, and I’m working on a novel. It’s hard to not feel creatively inspired surrounded by so much natural loveliness! The Peninsula Arts Center features excellent regional bands and performers. You can also catch free music at many of the local taverns, or at the Sou’Wester Lodge.
Tranquility
Another reason that I love it here in the Winter is the tranquility. Most of the tourists and part-timers (those with vacation homes) leave, and us locals celebrate the peace and tranquility. Most days during the Winter you can walk on the beach and only see a few people. Gone are the fireworks, festivals, and noise associated with the summer tourist season. If you genuinely enjoy the peace and quiet and want to “get away from it all” with a romantic partner, or by yourself, then head to the Long Beach Peninsula.
Wildlife
During the winter, wildlife is abundant. Deer freely roam about. You might see raccoons scurry across the road or a herd of elk grazing in Ledbetter State Park. In late Fall and early Spring, you might see a black bear or two. They’re prevalent on the Peninsula, so drive carefully and keep your eyes out! Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons, and other birds make it a birding wonderland. So, charge your camera batteries and head to the Long Beach Peninsula for spectacular wildlife viewing.
Shopping & Restaurants
If you enjoy the Peninsula during the Summer months, imagine trying to keep those businesses afloat during the Winter. Show your gratitude and support to our local businesses by making a trip or two to the Peninsula during the Winter to take advantage of the great deals on local food and shopping. It’s tough to be a” ma and pa” shop here when everyone else heads out. It’s one of the biggest challenges for our local businesses. I lose about 30% of my yoga students during the Winter, so I know the feeling. It takes a lot of courage and patience as an entrepreneur to make it through the “shoulder season” here. So, I encourage you to show your support any way that you can. There are lots of great deals available at restaurants and shops throughout the off-season.
The Long Beach Peninsula is beautiful and fun all year round, but there’s something about the Winter that makes it extra special. Come enjoy the natural bounty of the sea and forest, take in the stunning views, walk on the beach, photograph the wildlife, and refresh your spirit. That is the attraction of Wintering on the Long Beach Peninsula.