Seashore Conservation Area
Much of Washington's southern coast is part of the Seashore Conservation Area (SCA), which is managed by Washington State Parks. Established by the state legislature in 1967,the SCA preserves this undeveloped span of coastline for public recreation and enjoyment.
Where is the conservation area?
The Seashore Conservation Area spans 62 miles of coastline, split into three sections and includes the land area between high tide and low tide. The Long Beach Area runs 27 miles from the mouth of the Columbia River at Cape Disappointment State Park to the tip of the Long Beach peninsula at Leadbetter Point State Park. The South Beach Area spans 18 miles from Willapa Bay in Tokeland all the way to Point Chehalis in Westport. The North Beach Area is a 22 mile stretch from Damon Point in Ocean Shores to the Quinault Indian Nation, north of Moclips.
SCA area maps
State parks near the conservation area
10 state parks are located within the conservation area, offering you a variety of coastal scenery, local wildlife viewing and recreational activities to explore.
- South Beach Area - Tokeland to Westport
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Access the beach at Grayland Beach, Warrenton Cannery, Bonge Avenue, County Line and Twin Harbors Gap Road.
- Long Beach Area - Long Beach Peninsula
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Loomis Lake State Park Property
Cape Disappointment State Park
Access the beach at Seaview, Sid Snyder, Bolstad, Cranberry, Klipsan, Ocean Park and Oysterville.
- North Beach Area - Ocean Shores to Moclips
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Access the beach at the North Jetty, Taurus, Ocean Lake Way, Pacific, Chance A La Mer, Oyhut (Damon), Ocean City Ocean Beach Access, Roosevelt, Analyde Gap and Moclips.
SCA rules and safety
Follow these guidelines to ensure your trip is safe and enjoyable.
Water safety
The beach is a dynamic place and a calm-looking ocean can often be misleading. Make sure you are aware of rip currents and know tsunami evacuation procedures.
Camping
Camping and overnight parking are not permitted on the beach at any time. Beach fires must be more than 100 feet from vegetation or dunes and no larger than 4x4x4 feet. Be kind to the environment and pack out what you pack in. You could get a ticket if you don't!
You can camp at one of many state parks near the beach.
Reserve a campsite near the beach
Fireworks
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Fireworks rules
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Fireworks are prohibited on all state park lands, including Seashore Conservation Area beaches adjacent to the parks. Using fireworks in a state park or nearby Seashore Conservation Area beaches will result in a $99 citation.
In state parks:
No person shall possess, discharge, set off, or cause to be discharged, in or into any state park area, any firecrackers, torpedoes, rockets, fireworks, explosives, or substance harmful to the life or safety of persons or property. Provided that the director or designee may issue permits for firework displays subject to conditions established by the agency and as provided in chapter 70.77 RCW. Any violation of this section is an infraction under chapter 7.84 RCW
Ocean beaches:
The possession or discharge of fireworks on or into those areas of the seashore conservation area adjacent to state park areas is prohibited, except where designated by the director or designee; provided however, that the director or designee may issue permits for fireworks displays subject to conditions established by the agency and as provided in chapter 70.77 RCW.
Where are fireworks allowed in Washington state?
Fireworks are permitted only in designated areas during approved dates and times depending on local rules set by cities, towns and counties. For more information on fireworks regulations for lands nearby the Seashore Conservation Area, contact city and/or county officials for more information at the following:
- Grays Harbor County Administration Building: (360) 249-4144
- City of Ocean Shores Fire Department: (360) 289-3611
- Pacific County Sheriff's Department: (360) 875-9395
- Westport City Hall: (360) 238-0131
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Fireworks safety
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In areas where fireworks are permitted, stay safe with these precautions:
- Maintain at least 100 feet distance from dune grass and vegetation
- Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby to extinguish used fireworks
- Fully submerge fireworks in a bucket of water before disposal
- Pick up all firework debris and dispose of it in available garbage cans or dumpsters, or pack it out with you if none are available
- Avoid driving on soft sand or near saltwater to prevent vehicle damage
- Be aware of changing tides and coastal hazards
Pets
You may let pets off leash on the beach if you have good control of them. Please pick up after your animals, including horses. Watch after your pets and do not let them harass wildlife or other visitors of the beaches.
You may ride horses but must yield to pedestrians and vehicle traffic. Ride your horse at a walk or lead it through areas where there are many people, stay on hard sand and avoid clam beds.
Other local pet ordinances may apply.
Drones and wind-powered vehicles
You must get a permit to use remote-controlled aircraft, including drones. Wind-powered vehicles, such as kite buggies and land sailing yachts, are allowed in some beach areas. Learn more and view maps of allowable areas.
Seashore wildlife and habitats
Many of the species on the beach are protected by federal law. Please don't harass wildlife or you may be fined.
Remember to share the beach with wildlife and follow the below guidelines to help keep them from harm:
- Stay out of any areas marked as closed for the protection of wildlife. For example, many areas are closed March 15th - Sept. 30th during Western Snowy Plover nesting season.
- Seal and sea lion pups are often left alone while mother's feed. They're not abandoned and should not be disturbed.
- Keep your distance from wild animals. If an animal starts to stare, fidget or flee, you are too close. People and pets should remain at least 100 yards (a football field length) away from seals and sea lions.
- Never offer food to wild animals and make sure to pack out all trash.
- Prevent off-leash dogs from chasing birds or other wildlife.
- When fishing or harvesting shellfish, make sure you have a recreational license and know the rules.
- Help protect fragile sand dune habitat and fill in any holes after building sandcastles and sculptures.
Learn more
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) offers tips about observing marine mammals. Check out their Share the Shore (PDF, 1.7MB) and No Selfies with Seals (PDF, 3.9MB) brochures for more information.
Driving on the beach
The Seashore Conservation Area is considered a public highway. Driving on some beaches is allowed year-round, but some sections are only open seasonally and others are closed all year. The maximum speed limit is 25 miles per hour. Remember, pedestrians always have the right of way.
Stay on hard-packed sand to avoid damaging the beach or getting stuck.
Off-road vehicles, such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility vehicles (UTVs), are not allowed on the beach. Mobility devices used by individuals with disabilities are allowed, as consistent with State Park ADA Policy.
Learn more about beach driving, where vehicle traffic is permitted, speed limits and prohibited practices. Review ocean beach rules (WAC 352-37) and the laws that govern the Seashore Conservation Area (RCW 79A.05.600 – 695).
Beach Driving Rules Maps
- Long Beach Driving Rules Map (PDF)
- South Beach Driving Rules Map (PDF)
- North Beach Driving Rules Map (PDF)
Trip planning resources
Contact one of the agencies below to get more information on transportation, lodging, and things to see and do.
Visit Long Beach Peninsula
3914 Pacific Way
Seaview, WA 98644
(360) 642-2400
Willapa National Wildlife Refuge
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
3888 SR 101
Ilwaco, WA 98624
(360) 484-3482
Grays Harbor Convention and Visitors Bureau
P.O. Box 1229
Elma, WA 98541
(800) 621-9625