!–paging_filter–pThe off-season is the perfect time to visit the Washington coast for several reasons: you don’t have to worry about closed passes, the weather makes for dramatic sea-watching and hotel rates are at their lowest. Try one of the cozy, scenic cabins perched above the blustery beach at Iron Springs Resort (3707 Highway 109; 360.276.4230; a href=”http://www.ironspringsresort.com” target=”_blank”ironspringsresort.com/a) in Copalis Beach. This 1947 dog-friendly resort features 25 well-appointed cabins ($149–$249/night through March 15) that were rescued, renovated and reopened in 2011 by Seattle’s philanthropic True family, members of which have been visiting the property for more than 45 years. Grab a bottle of wine from the well-stocked general store, light a roaring fire in the in-room fireplace and commence storm watching from the comfort of a plush chair upholstered in vintage Pendleton blankets. (Hot tip: With views of the ocean from every room—even the bathroom—Cabin 14 is the most popular choice and books up quickly.) February is prime razor clamming season (barring the dreaded red tide), and the resort offers guided tours for small groups, as well as official licenses and all the tools—shovels, clam guns and headlamps (BYO rain gear)—for this wet and wily adventure, plus hot cocoa or wine upon return. This month also heralds the local Chocolate on the Beach Festival (2/21–2/23; a href=”http://www.chocolateonthebeachfestival.com” target=”_blank”chocolateonthebeachfestival.com/a), where, among many other sweet treats, “Chocolate Man” Bill Fredericks (a href=”http://www.chocolateman.com” target=”_blank”chocolateman.com/a) sets up truffle tastings and demos./p