We are going to have words with Steve Pool if he's wrong, but he says this weekend looks sunny and warm.  If that's true, here's where to find us.

SOUTH SOUND BEACHES

Unlike most parts of the world, Pacific Northwest beaches aren't just for sunbathing and splashing in the water. Even in the summer, most of the water is too cold to venture more than ankle deep into. But beaches near Tacoma offer a unique brand of Northwest fun year round-ruggedly beautiful places to hike, sit by the water, kayak or even sunbathe on warm summer days.

Owen Beach

Owen Beach is tucked away in Point Defiance. In the summer, Owen Beach has kayak rentals, a snack shop, and sand to lounge on. A promenade leads from the beach to the Point Defiance marina and offers a level place to stroll if you're not much for beach walking. In cooler weather, the beach is often quiet and hiking along the sand (away from the promenade) will put you back in touch with everything that's right about the Northwest.

Titlow Beach

Titlow Beach has a small boardwalk and a park attached to it, but unlike Owen Beach there is no sand. Surf-tumbled rocks make up the shore, so it's not great for laying out. What's special about Titlow is the nature. When the tide is high, there's not much to do except walk on the board walk. When the tide goes out, however, strolling the beach yields interesting sealife in tide pools and views of the Narrows Bridge.

Lake Beaches

Both American Lake and Spanaway Lake have small beach areas. While these are largely covered with small children on warm days, they are also rare sandy spots with warmish water. Don't expect large expanses of beach at either place.

Other Beaches

Olympia has many miles of rugged coastline beaches mostly ideal for hiking or picnicking. Priest Point Park has a mile of rocky, unspoiled shore, while Tolmie State Park also touches the water for 1,800 feet.

Steilacoom is a small community close to Lakewood with two beaches that make excellent places to relax and watch the sunset. Sunnyside Beach Park is the more popular beach in town, but Saltar's Point is a lesser-known spot that is just as beautiful.