Ocean City State Park wilderness guide
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 60 miles.

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, Washington
⌖ 0.27 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Ocean Shores, Washington

Ocean Shores is a laid-back coastal town perfect for beachcombing, kite flying, kayaking, and clamming. With long sandy beaches, calm lakes, and vibrant birdlife, it’s a great year-round destination for outdoor lovers seeking water and land adventures.

Late Spring through Early Fall
Explore Town
Westport, Washington
⌖ 6.25 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Westport, Washington

Westport is a dynamic coastal town known for surfing, beachcombing, and excellent fishing. With sandy beaches, forest trails, and rich wildlife nearby, it’s a prime spot for outdoor lovers exploring the Washington coast.

Late Spring to Early Fall
Explore Town
West Seattle, Washington
⌖ 6.41 miles
Gateway Basecamp

West Seattle, Washington

West Seattle offers easy access to forest trails, water sports, and beach days with stunning views of Puget Sound and Seattle. It’s a perfect urban outdoor escape for hiking, paddling, biking, and relaxing by the water.

Late Spring through Early Fall
Explore Town
Hoquiam, Washington
⌖ 12.99 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Hoquiam, Washington

Hoquiam is a coastal town offering scenic hiking, paddling, and wildlife viewing along the Pacific Northwest shore. With nearby forests, rivers, and estuaries, it’s a great lowland basecamp for outdoor seekers.

Late Spring through Early Fall
Explore Town
Aberdeen, Washington
⌖ 16.36 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Aberdeen, Washington

Aberdeen offers outdoor lovers a chance to explore coastal Washington with hiking, paddling, and fishing opportunities near rivers and Grays Harbor. Its forests and estuaries provide diverse wildlife and relaxed adventure.

Late Spring through Early Fall
Explore Town
Tokeland, Washington
⌖ 20.25 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Tokeland, Washington

Tokeland is a peaceful coastal town on Washington’s southern shore, perfect for beachcombing, kayaking, and fishing. Its calm waters, nearby protected areas, and quiet trails offer a laid-back escape for outdoor lovers.

Late Spring to Early Fall
Explore 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.

A Long Day on the Line: Combo Fishing Out of Westport
ADVEXPEDITION
Westport, Washington
FishingADV Bookable

A Long Day on the Line: Combo Fishing Out of Westport

A 10.5‑hour Predator Charters outing that targets both salmon and rockfish—this guide explains what to expect, what’s provided, and how to prepare for the day.

FishingPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Full-Day Bottomfishing for Lingcod and Rockfish off Westport
ADVEXPEDITION
Westport, Washington
FishingADV Bookable

Full-Day Bottomfishing for Lingcod and Rockfish off Westport

A 9.25-hour, fully equipped bottomfish trip that targets lingcod and rockfish out of Westport—this guide lays out what to expect, what to bring, and the rules that govern the catch.

FishingPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip