Oregon photograph by Scott Waite
Pick one anchor
Start with one park or beach rather than a list of stops. Oregon State Parks and Washington State Parks offer official park finders. If you are traveling farther, the National Park Service finder can help you choose by place or activity.
Check the day before you go
Read the park's current alerts, access information, parking details, and weather. For a shore walk or tide pool visit, check NOAA tide predictions and local conditions. Leave the water plenty of space.
Bring something back
Take a photograph of a color you want to remember, sketch a branch, or write down a small detail you noticed together. That can become the start of a drawing, a garden idea, or simply a memory worth keeping.
Make it a day for two
Let each person choose one part: a place to walk and a place to pause. Keep the rest of the afternoon open.
I hope this finds you well,
Scott