TENNIS

Tennis courts of various descriptions can be found all along the Peninsula. None of the courts are lighted, but there are no fees for use.

Both the Ilwaco town park and Long Beach’s Culbertson Park have courts (and outdoor basketball courts). A tennis court along U.S. 101 in Seaview is operated by the Seaview Community Club. See signs on the courts for rules.

SWIMMING

Peninsula beaches are considered unsafe for swimming! No matter how calm or inviting the water looks, or how strong a swimmer one may be, no one should venture above knee deep into the water. Severe undercurrents and rip tides can pull – and have pulled – even the most experienced swimmers out past their limits. Swimming opportunities on the Peninsula are limited to private or public pools. The Dunes, a professional indoor pool, is located just south of Ocean Park on the west side of Highway 103 at the Dunes Bible Camp. For more information and hours, call the camp at 665-5542. Eagle’s Nest in Ilwaco, 642-8351, is another option.

RUNNING

The hard-packed sand of its beach and its bountiful back roads make the Peninsula a great place for the jogger and runner. Ilwaco High School also has an eight-lane, all-weather track which is usually available for use during daylight hours.

BOWLING

There is only one location on the Peninsula for the avid bowler: Hilltop Bowl, off U.S. 101 across from Black Lake in Ilwaco. Call 642-1440 for price schedule and availability of lanes.

SOFTBALL

Softball fields are at Ilwaco town park, Culbertson Park in Long Beach, Long Beach School, Chinook School and across the street from the Ocean Park school. The area’s Little League baseball field is adjacent to the Long Beach Fire Hall at North Seventh and Washington streets in Long Beach.

CANOEING and KAYAKING

The lakes of the Peninsula and inland waters of Willapa Bay offer many brilliant opportunities for canoeing and kayaking, with access available from a number of state and local parks, including at Loomis and Black Lakes. Caution is required, especially on Willapa Bay, where weather can change with little warning and where strong tides have been known to pull boats out to sea. Also be cautious about where you park the car: dry ground can turn to deep water when the tide comes in.

BICYCLING

The Peninsula has many trails for bicycling enthusiasts, including Long Beach’s great paved trail through the ocean dunes, stretching north and south of the Boardwalk. Some other options include Cape Disappointment and North Head roads, Sandridge Road to Ocean Park, the quiet back streets of Oysterville and Nahcotta, and Parpala Road in the Naselle area. In addition, our area’s hills offer many perfect mountain biking adventures.