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State Park · Washington

Ocean City State Park

Ocean City State Park is a coastal park featuring sandy beaches, dunes, and forested areas along Washington's Pacific shoreline, offering excellent opportunities for beachcombing, hiking, and wildlife observation.

State Park1214+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

121

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Ocean City State Park

Ocean City State Park is a coastal park featuring sandy beaches, dunes, and forested areas along Washington's Pacific shoreline, offering excellent opportunities for beachcombing, hiking, and wildlife observation.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Ocean City State Park spans nearly a mile along the Pacific Ocean in Grays Harbor County, Washington. This coastal park provides a mix of natural environments including sandy beaches, dune fields, and nearby forested zones, making it an ideal location for visitors seeking a range of outdoor activities. The park protects an important stretch of the Washington coast, offering extensive beach access with the eye-catching backdrop of ocean waves, driftwood, and occasional marine wildlife sightings such as seals and shorebirds. The combination of beach and forest ecosystems supports diverse flora and fauna, including native coastal plants adapted to sandy soils and salt spray. Visitors can enjoy day hiking on trails that traverse the dune and forest areas or simply relax on the wide, sandy beach, ideal for picnicking and beachcombing. Interpretive signs provide insight into the coastal environment and its significance. Ocean City itself is a small community nearby, with easy access to the park via US Highway 101 and local roads. The park is also appreciated by bird watchers during migratory seasons and hosts seasonal opportunities for clam digging and fishing from the beach. Ocean City State Park appeals to those looking for a less crowded beach experience with natural coastal features and serene ocean views.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Ocean City State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Cascading Beauty at Merriman Falls★ 8.2⌖ 41 miPhotography
Merriman Falls

Cascading Beauty at Merriman Falls

Visit Merriman Falls near Quinault, WA. Easily reachable by road, this stunning waterfall offers prime photography opportunities and nature walks. It is accessible year-round and especially impressive during the rainy season. Remember to bring your waterproof gear.

PhotographyView Details→
Lighthouse Wonders at Cape Disappointment State Park★ 8.2⌖ 47 miHiking
Cape Disappointment State Park

Lighthouse Wonders at Cape Disappointment State Park

Explore Cape Disappointment State Park in Ilwaco, WA. Known for moderate hikes to its historic lighthouse, this family-friendly area offers whale watching and kayaking. Expect scenic coastal views and busy summer crowds.

Discover the Wonders of Olympic National Forest★ 8.5⌖ 47 miHiking
Olympic National Forest

Discover the Wonders of Olympic National Forest

Explore Olympic National Forest, a hub for hikers and wildlife watchers. Featuring diverse ecosystems, the area offers breathtaking views from Mount Ellinor. Best visited in spring and fall, it's perfect for those seeking adventure and natural beauty.

Exploring Capitol State Forest: A Natural Wonderland★ 8.2⌖ 49 miHiking
Capitol State Forest

Exploring Capitol State Forest: A Natural Wonderland

Explore Capitol State Forest near Olympia, WA, offering trails for hiking and biking with stunning views. Experience its moderate difficulty, abundant wildlife, and serene landscapes, perfect for family adventures all year round.

High Steel Bridge: A Skyscraping Wonder★ 7.0⌖ 50 miSightseeing
High Steel Bridge

High Steel Bridge: A Skyscraping Wonder

Visit High Steel Bridge near Shelton, WA, and experience stunning views of the Skokomish River canyon from 427 feet up. This landmark offers incredible photography and wildlife spotting opportunities in the Olympic National Forest.

SightseeingView Details→
Discover the Serene Riverwalk Trail in Astoria★ 7.2⌖ 57 miHiking
Riverwalk Trail

Discover the Serene Riverwalk Trail in Astoria

Explore the scenic 6-mile Riverwalk Trail in Astoria, Oregon. Perfect for hiking and biking, this easy route offers stunning views of the Columbia River and historical landmarks. Great for families, it provides opportunities for bird watching and learning Astoria's history.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Scenic Pacific Ocean beachfront ideal for beachcombing and coastal views✦ Dune ecosystem supporting unique coastal vegetation and wildlife✦ Access to clamming and surf fishing along the shoreline✦ Quiet and uncrowded atmosphere providing peaceful nature experiences
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Ocean City State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Ocean City State Park
Park Recreation

Beachcombing

Available in Ocean City State Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Ocean City State Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Ocean City State Park
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in Ocean City State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Ocean City State Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Ocean City State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Day-use fee applies; Washington State Discover Pass accepted for vehicle access

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Ocean City State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Ocean Shores
⌖ 0.27 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Ocean Shores, Washington

A relaxed coastal town offering expansive beach access and freshwater lakes, perfect for a mix of land and water outdoor activities year-round.

Late Spring through Early FallExplore Town
Westport
⌖ 6.25 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Westport, Washington

A rugged coastal town offering rich marine and beach adventures with peaceful forest trails and year-round outdoor activities.

Late Spring to Early FallExplore Town
West Seattle
⌖ 6.41 miles
Gateway Basecamp

West Seattle, Washington

A vibrant urban enclave offering diverse waterfront, forest, and hilltop outdoor adventures just minutes from downtown Seattle.

Late Spring through Early FallExplore Town
Hoquiam
⌖ 12.99 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Hoquiam, Washington

A coastal logging town with rugged waterfront access and easy routes into lush Pacific Northwest forests, perfect for outdoor lovers seeking diverse lowland adventures.

Late Spring through Early FallExplore Town
Aberdeen
⌖ 16.36 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Aberdeen, Washington

A waterfront logging town with rich timber history, offering access to coastal forests, rivers, and Puget Sound waterfront adventures.

Late Spring through Early FallExplore Town
Tokeland
⌖ 20.25 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Tokeland, Washington

A quiet coastal town offering access to serene beachcombing, fishing, paddling, and birdwatching adventures along the scenic southern Washington coastline.

Late Spring to Early FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Ocean City State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Railrider Quadricycle Adventure: 13-Mile Historic Logging Rail Ride Near Shelton WAShelton, Washington · 45.97 mi away
Trails & Outdoor Adventures· Vance Creek Railriders

Railrider Quadricycle Adventure: 13-Mile Historic Logging Rail Ride Near Shelton WA

Pedal 13 miles along a restored Simpson Logging Company rail line from Camp 1 toward Shelton—an easy, two-hour, family-friendly quadricycle ride through Douglas fir, cedar, moss, and ferns. Perfect as a half-day outdoor outing that blends gentle exercise, Pacific Northwest history, and close-up forest moments.

2 Hours

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Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.