Grays Harbor County, Washington Weather
Grays Harbor County is located in the southwest corner of Washington State, bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Chehalis River to the east. The county seat is Montesano, and its largest city is Aberdeen. According to the 2010 census, Grays Harbor County has a population of 72,797.
According to eshaoxing.info, the area was first inhabited by Native Americans before being explored by Europeans in 1775. In 1853, Washington Territory was created and Grays Harbor County was established two years later. The county was named after Captain Robert Gray who explored the area in 1792.
Grays Harbor County is known for its stunning scenery with expansive views of both mountains and beaches. Visitors can enjoy activities such as fishing, hiking, camping and kayaking at various parks throughout the county including Lake Quinault, Olympic National Forest, and Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge. Other attractions include Westport Maritime Museum which houses a collection of maritime artifacts from Grays Harbor’s past; Ocean Shores where visitors can explore eight miles of sandy beach; and small towns like Hoquiam which hosts an annual Logging Show each April showcasing forestry equipment from around the world.
The area has been home to many famous people including actors Kurt Cobain and Rainn Wilson; musician Bing Crosby; writers Jack London, Tom Robbins and Raymond Carver; astronaut Edward Gibson; NBA player Jamal Crawford; Olympic gold medalist Dan O’Brien; NFL player Donny Anderson; race car driver Greg Biffle; wrestler John Cena; baseball player Dave Henderson; former governor Gary Locke; U.S Senator Maria Cantwell; former secretary of state Ralph Munro; comedian Bobcat Goldthwait; as well as other noted politicians, authors, musicians and athletes.
Climate and weather in Grays Harbor County, Washington
According to educationvv.com, Grays Harbor County, Washington is a coastal county in the northwest corner of the state. It is situated along the Pacific Ocean and is bordered by Pacific, Wahkiakum, and Thurston Counties. The county has a moderate climate with cool summers and mild winters. In the summer months, temperatures typically range from the mid-50s to mid-70s Fahrenheit during the day and drop to the low-50s at night. Winters are mild with temperatures ranging from mid-40s to mid-60s during the day and dropping down into the 30s at night. Rainfall is abundant in Grays Harbor County, averaging over 70 inches per year with most of it falling between October and April. Snowfall is rare but can occur in some areas of higher elevation such as near Mount Hoquiam or Copalis Beach. The ocean waters off Grays Harbor tend to stay fairly warm throughout the year due to its proximity to Japan Current which helps keep temperatures around 60 degrees Fahrenheit even in winter months.
Transportation in Grays Harbor County, Washington
Grays Harbor County, Washington has a variety of transportation options available for residents and visitors. The county is served by Amtrak Cascades rail service which connects the cities of Aberdeen, Hoquiam, and Montesano to Seattle and Portland in Oregon. Intercity bus service is also available with Greyhound offering connections to cities throughout the state including Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, and Ellensburg. The county is served by two airports; Bowerman Airport in Hoquiam offers regional flights to destinations such as Portland, Spokane, and Boise while Grays Harbor Regional Airport in Elma provides regular flights to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. For those wishing to travel within the county, there are several public transit options including Grays Harbor Transit which operates buses between Aberdeen and Hoquiam as well as connecting with neighboring counties. Taxi services are also available for those who need transportation within the county or from one city to another. Finally, for those who prefer the convenience of their own vehicle, there are several car rental agencies located in Aberdeen and Hoquiam offering vehicles ranging from economy cars to luxury SUVs.
Cities and towns in Grays Harbor County, Washington
Grays Harbor County, Washington is home to several cities and towns that offer a variety of experiences for residents and visitors alike. The county seat is the city of Montesano which is located in the center of the county along the Chehalis River. This small town offers access to nature with nearby parks such as Copalis State Park and Lake Sylvia State Park. It also offers a variety of shopping and dining options as well as a historic downtown area.
According to COUNTRYAAH, Aberdeen is located on Grays Harbor at the mouth of the Chehalis River and is the largest city in the county. It has a thriving art scene with several galleries, shops, and restaurants located in its historic downtown area. The city also has plenty of outdoor activities available such as fishing, kayaking, and hiking in nearby parks like Wishkah River Delta Park or Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge.
Hoquiam is situated on Grays Harbor just south of Aberdeen and features an array of attractions such as its famous red caboose museum or its historic downtown district where visitors can find unique shopping opportunities. Other popular destinations include Westhaven State Park which offers camping, beach access, and plenty of outdoor activities or Hoquiam Castle which provides tours through its historical mansion.
Elma lies to the east of Montesano along Highway 12 and provides easy access to nearby forests for camping or hiking trips. It also has plenty of local attractions including Elma Cedar Grove State Park which features scenic trails along with a variety of wildlife viewing opportunities.
Other smaller towns throughout Grays Harbor County include Ocean Shores, Cosmopolis, McCleary, Oakville, Copalis Beach, Satsop, South Bend, Malone, Moclips Beach Resort Town, Taholah Village, Quinault Nation Tribal Community Settlement Area (including Amanda Park), Lake Quinault Lodge & Resort Area (including Amanda Park), Humptulips (including East Humptulips), Matlock/Grayland Beach Area (including North Cove), Lake Sylvia State Park/Beach Area (including North Cove), Westport/Grayland Beach Area (including North Cove), Tokeland Beach Resort Town (including North Cove), Ocean City State Park/Beach Area (including North Cove). Each town has something unique to offer from stunning beaches to quaint towns filled with historic charm so no matter what your interests are there’s sure to be something for you in Grays Harbor County.
