Born and Raised
When most people think of the Pacific Northwest, they imagine towering pines, rushing rivers, and snow-capped mountains. Rarely do people think of the PNW as a beach destination, and they certainly don't entertain the idea that the Pacific Northwest is a premier surf destination. There are nearly 500 miles of Pacific coast from the California state line to the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Within that stretch of coast are long sandy beaches, protected coves, and rocky points, all set against a dramatic backdrop of pine-clad cliffs and otherworldly sea stacks. The northern Pacific is fiercely frigid, and the weather is often unforgiving, but when the conditions line up, the PNW is home to some of the best surf on the planet.
SURFING REGIONS OF THE PNW
Southern Washington
Once you hit the Washington border, the sea cliffs give way to wide-open sandy beaches that stretch on for miles. The main breaks in Southern Washington include Westport and Long Beach, both of which have several surf shops offering rentals and lessons for new surfers. While these breaks don't have the same rock hazards as Northern Oregon, strong currents and frigid temperatures are still a factor in Washington.
Olympic Peninsula
La Push in the Quileute Reservation and Port Angeles along the Strait of Juan de Fuca serves as the centers of the Olympic Peninsula surf scene. When it comes to surfing in the Olympics, you've got options. There are dozens of beaches with rideable waves beyond the main breaks frequented by summer crowds. During the winter, when powerful northwest swells travel down from Alaska, your best bet is to surf in the Strait, where the unruly swell is groomed into rideable surf. During the summer, when solid swells are few and few between, the exposed west-facing beaches on the Peninsula magnify small swell and produce fun, playful surf.
Vancouver Island
Tofino on Vancouver Island is the crown jewel of the PNW surf scene. Tofino sits on the northwest corner of Vancouver Island and is home to Canada's best waves and surfers. Tofino sees year-round swell and is known as a winter surfing hot spot. Home to dozens of breaks for all levels, with plenty of points, reefs, and beach breaks. While Tofino is the center of Canadian surfing culture, many of the country's best waves can be found offshore by boat or seaplane. Still, the town has several fun waves and is the closest thing to a surf town you'll find north of the border. Breathtaking beaches surrounded by old-growth forests and steep coastal topography make Tofino one of the world's most unique surf trip destinations. Summer is great for beginners, but things really start cooking in the fall and winter.