Hike of the Week: Copalis River Spit

Conner Creek cuts a new course along the Copalis River Spit

Copalis River Spit

Opposite the big rock and north of the big crowds

by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

Quick Facts
Location: South Olympic Coast near Ocean Shores
Land Agency: Washington State Parks
Roundtrip: 4.0 miles
Elevation gain: None
Contact: Griffiths-Priday State Park (360) 289-3553; http://www.parks.wa.gov
Notes: Dogs must be leashed.
Access: From Hoquiam, head west on SR 109 for 21 miles to the community of Copalis Beach. At the Green Lantern Tavern turn left onto Benner Road and proceed for .2 mile to Griffiths-Priday State Park entrance and trailhead.



One of the quietest stretches of beach south of the Quinault Indian Reservation and north of Ocean Shores, the Copalis River Spit makes for a good hike any time of year. Protected within the 365-acre Griffiths-Priday State Park, roads, condos, and other human intrusions are absent from this natural area. And so are vehicles as this is one of the few motor-free beaches in Washington south of Olympic National Park.

Consisting of nearly 1.5 miles of ocean shore and nearly 2 miles of shoreline on the Copalis River, the park protects a small spit of low dunes. The park began when 117 acres were willed to the state from English born Judge Griffith in honor of his American foster parents the Pridays. Copalis is derived from a native American word meaning, “opposite the rock.” The river empties into the Pacific Ocean just south of Copalis Rock, a huge offshore sea stack visible throughout this hike.

From the large park parking lot, follow a wide path north through the dunes soon coming to a point above Conner Creek. The trail used to head from this point straight to the ocean, but Conner Creek shifted course in the 1990s now requiring a much longer trek to the sea. So continue northward for about .5 mile following the creek to the Pacific. From here, head out on a wide hard-packed sandy beach and hike 1.25 miles north to the tip of the spit.

The spit is often littered with sand dollars when the tide is out. Scan overhanging trees along the north bank of the river for eagles and osprey. In low tide it’s possible to hike along the river for a short ways. Deep mud will let you know when it’s time to turn around. So will the incoming tide, so keep an eye on it!


For information on lodging and other attractions near Copalis River Spit visit
Click here for link to Olympic Pennsula