Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
South Bend's other claim to fame is its
county courthouse.
Though South
Bend is the county seat today, back in 1893 it took a possibly rigged vote and
armed force to wrest the title of county seat from Oysterville, across the bay on
the Long Beach Peninsula. Construction of the new courthouse began 18 years
later, and upon completion, the imposing structure was dubbed a “gilded palace
of extravagance.” The majestic courthouse, seeming quite out of place in such a
quiet backwater, stands on a hill overlooking the town. The copper dome is
lined inside with stained glass, and murals decorate the interior walls. It's defi-
nitely worth a look.
WHERE TO STAY
IN OCEAN SHORES & THE NORTH BEACH AREA
If you can't get a room at any of the hotels listed below, contact
Ocean Shores
Reservations
(
&
800/562-8612
or 360/289-2430; www.oceanshoresreservation.
com), which handles reservations at many area hotels, motels, resorts, and con-
dominiums.
Iron Springs Ocean Beach Resort
It's hard to imagine a more picture-
perfect little cove than the one on which this rustic resort is set. Steep wooded
hills surround the tiny cove, and at the mouth, a sandy beach begins. This is an
isolated and little-developed stretch of coast, so even in summer you won't be
bothered by crowds. The cottages here are scattered through the woods on a
bluff overlooking the ocean and vary quite a bit in design, decor, and size.
Although they definitely show their age, they're all relatively comfortable and
have fireplaces and complete kitchens. There is also a playground here.
P.O. Box 207, Copalis Beach, WA 98535.
&
360/276-4230.
Fax 360/276-4365. www.ironspringsresort.com.
28 units. $78-$156 cottage or apt for 2; $96-$256 cottage or apt for 4. 3-night minimum stay in summer
and on holidays. AE, DISC, MC, V. Pets accepted ($12).
Amenities:
Indoor pool. In room: Kitchen, fridge,
coffeemaker.
Ocean Crest Resort
You simply won't find a more spectacular loca-
tion anywhere on the Washington coast. Perched high on a forested bluff and
straddling a forested ravine, this hotel seems poised to go plummeting into the
ocean below. The accommodations vary from small studios with no view to two-
bedroom apartments with full kitchens and fireplaces. However, our vote for
best rooms goes to the large third-floor ocean-view studios. These have cathedral
ceilings, fireplaces, and balconies. The hotel's restaurant has one of the best views
at the resort, and the adjacent lounge is a great spot for a sunset drink. In addi-
tion to other amenities, the resort also has a playground. A wooden staircase
winds down through the ravine to the beach.
P.O. Box 7, Moclips, WA 98562.
&
800/684-8439
or 360/276-4465. Fax 360/276-4149. www.oceancrest
resort.com. 47 units. June to mid-Sept $58-$159 double; mid-Sept to Oct and Mar-May $44-$118 double;
Nov-Feb $39-$105 double. AE, DISC, MC, V. Pets accepted ($15).
Amenities:
Restaurant (steak and seafood);
lounge; indoor pool; health club; Jacuzzi; sauna; massage; coin-op laundry. In room:TV, coffeemaker.
Quinault Beach Resort and Casino
By far the most luxurious resort
anywhere on the Washington coast, this large casino resort is located a bit north
of the rest of the Ocean Shores developments and thus feels a bit more secluded.
With its modern Northwest lodge styling, it also has a far more contemporary
feel than other area resorts. However, despite the attractive design and the miles
of ocean beaches just outside, it is still the in-house casino that is this resort's
main attraction. Don't worry, though—even if you aren't a fan of slot machines,
you can actually stay here and almost not even notice the casino. All the rooms
Kids
Kids
