Dog Friendly First Beach In LaPush Makes Beach Bums Out Of Us All

Yesterdays Beach Dogs Huxley, Wilhelm, Lucie, Morgan and Brychwyn in LaPush, Washington, Cascadia.

Typist: Bethany
Yesterday, my mom and I packed up to reluctantly leave LaPush, Washington for the second time in seven weeks. In April, we visited the dog friendly Quileute Oceanside Resort for my birthday then returned on Wednesday to celebrate my moms birthday. Both trips included soggy rain, sparkling sunshine, spectacular sunsets, wonderful five dog fun and pleasant views for a traveling cockatoo.

Leo watches the ocean from the window in April.

My family has been visiting First Beach and LaPush with since I was a kid. Not only is the area especially beautiful but it holds special personal memories. I have spent time with every one of my dogs on First Beach. My mom has too. So of course we both chose to spend our birthdays with our pets in LaPush.

Leo's May blueberry snack with a view.

Mom's birthday sunset.

My birthday sunset.

Over the years, I have stayed in almost all of the Quileute Oceanside Resorts variety of pet friendly cabins. I have even visited without pets and stayed in the luxury cabins. Whether I was roughing it in a camper cabin or pampering myself fur free in a luxury cabin, I have always enjoyed the sights and sounds of being just steps away from the beach. But, to be honest, the beach is always better with dogs.

Chase in the surf.

Chase out of the surf (almost.)

LaPush is a haven for surfers, anglers and dogs. Dogs are allowed on First Beach because it is outside of the Olympic National Park boundaries and because LaPush is in the Quileute Reservation, there are no leash laws. All the people I have encountered with dogs on First Beach are very respectful of giving other dogs and people plenty of space. We leash our dogs when others are approaching, even if their dogs are unleashed. I have only ever had one bad experience with dogs on First Beach. I had an issue between Tynan, Wilhelm and a dead salmon. I don't know what happened to the salmon after Tynan and Wilhelm tasted it, but both dogs were treated for Salmon Poisoning Disease immediately. Often, once symptoms of salmon poisoning appear, it can be too late. I learned my lesson, though, and I no longer legally unleash my dogs on First Beach, or any beach, during salmon spawning season.

We couldn't get past the swollen creek in April.

We walked the entire beach in May.

Even if it's not perfect weather or the best time of year for hiking on the beach, it could be the climate or season for laying by the fire or sunning yourself. These are all things we enjoyed on our two recent visits to LaPush. I think all of the pets are becoming beach bums.

Can Leo and Brychwyn be called beach bums while lounging on drift wood?

Wilhelm works on his beach tan.

Brychwyn, Lucie, Morgan, Wilhelm & Leo by the fire.

Not a beach bum: Huxley prefers to be called a "Sand Flea Herder."

Obviously, it's hard to pack up and leave such a perfect place. The only thing that makes the drive away from LaPush is a stop at Lake Crescent. I stopped at Fairholme with the pets in April and my mom joined us at La Poel when we stopped yesterday. Lake Crescent is in the Olympic National Park and leashed dogs are only allowed on the Spruce Railroad Trail, in campgrounds and picnic areas. Fortunately, these pet friendly offerings at Lake Crescent are gorgeous!

'R' Blood On Tracks Boys at Lake Crescent in April.

Yesterdays gorgeous Lake Crescent.

Leo at Fairholme.

Leo, Lucie, Morgan, Wilhelm, Huxley and Brychwyn at La Poel picnic area Lake Crescent, Washington, Cascadia.

Back home safe, sound and resting now, we have a few weeks to shake the sand off before we hit the road again. As much as the pets and I would like our next seven weeks to include another trip to LaPush, we do have other amazing Cascadian places to explore. And even though it may not be as soon as seven weeks, I know we'll be back to First Beach soon enough. With somewhere so beautiful and fun just a few hours away, how can we not go back soon?