GRIFFITHS-PRIDAY STATE PARK
Griffiths-Priday Ocean State Park is a 364-acre marine park with 8,316 feet of saltwater shoreline on the Pacific Ocean and 9,950 feet of freshwater shoreline on the Copalis River. The park extends from the beach through low dunes to the river, then north to the river's mouth. The Copalis Spit natural area, a designated wildlife refuge, is also part of the park.
The park owes its existence to Judge Griffiths, who in the late 1800s purchased the original 117 acres that he willed at his death to be made into a park for everyone's enjoyment. Griffiths stipulated that the park be named Griffiths-Priday Ocean State Park, a combination of his surname and the name of his foster parents who brought him to America from England as a child.
A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to Washington state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the
Discover Pass web page.
The park has no camping.
1. Griffiths-Priday State Park offers a variety of swimming options.
2. The park features the Copalis River, ideal for freshwater swimming and wading.
3. Visitors can also swim in the Pacific Ocean at Conner's Creek beach area within the park boundaries.
4. Lifeguards are not on duty; visitors should be aware of water conditions before entering to ensure safety.
5. Tidal pools offer safe areas for children or less confident swimmers during low tide periods.
Enjoy fishing in the Copalis River, known for its salmon and steelhead. Clam digging is also popular on the beachfront.
Griffiths-Priday State Park is located near Aberdeen, Hoquiam
Day-use accommodations include one kitchen shelter with electricity reservable by calling Ocean City State Park at (360) 289-3553. The park offers 10 unsheltered picnic tables, two windscreens with three picnic tables each and a playfield.
The parking area includes space for 37 cars and three non-camping RVs. The park has a restroom facility.
1. Conner Creek Trail: This is a 2-mile round trip trail that takes you through the park's lush forest and along the serene creek.
2. Griffiths-Priday Ocean Beach Walk: A flat, sandy beach walk of about 3 miles one way which offers stunning views of Copalis River Spit Wildlife Refuge area and Pacific coastline.
3. Dune Forest Loop Trail: An easy looped hike approximately half-a mile long within dense coastal dunes vegetation offering bird-watching opportunities.
4. North Jetty Access Pathway: Short pathway leading to an observation deck with panoramic oceanic vistas; ideal for whale watching during migration seasons or sunset viewing year-round.
5. Coastal Interpretive Trails: These are short trails featuring interpretative signs providing information on local flora, fauna, geology as well as cultural history related to Native American tribes in this region.
6. Copalis River Spit Hike: It's a moderate level hiking route stretching around two miles alongside beautiful river spit landscapes where hikers can spot diverse wildlife species including seals & migratory birds.
7. Griffiths Priday State Park Nature Exploration Area: Though not exactly a traditional trail but it provides ample opportunity for kids & families to explore natural habitats like wetlands, sand dunes etc at their own pace.
Located 21 miles northwest of Hoquiam, Wash., on the coast of the Pacific Ocean.
From Hoquiam: Go north on SR 109 for 21 miles. At Copalis Beach, at the sign for Benner Rd., turn left (west).