Griffiths-Priday State Park

Griffiths-Priday State Park: Natural Wildlife Refuge on Copalis River Spit

Griffiths-Priday State Park preserves the pristine Copalis Spit where the Copalis River meets the Pacific Ocean, offering 364 acres of protected wildlife refuge featuring low sand dunes, migratory bird habitat, and 1.5 miles of vehicle-free beach access near Copalis Beach. This day-use natural area provides the perfect combination of ocean and river recreation through hiking trails that wind through grassy dunes between Connor Creek and the Copalis River, plus unique access to the historic Ghost Forest revealing 300-year-old earthquake evidence along Washington’s dynamic coast.

Griffiths-Priday State Park Fast Facts

Park Overview

Griffiths-Priday State Park showcases one of Washington’s most pristine coastal wildlife refuges where the natural Copalis Spit extends 1.5 miles into the Pacific Ocean, bordered by Connor Creek and the Copalis River within a protected habitat that serves migratory birds including bald eagles, western sandpipers, and great blue herons. This undeveloped natural area contrasts sharply with nearby beach-driving destinations, offering visitors solitude and wildlife viewing opportunities within low sand dunes and protected estuary environments.

The park serves nature enthusiasts and scientists alike, providing access to the historic Ghost Forest where 120 acres of standing dead Western red cedar trees revealed crucial earthquake evidence that revolutionized understanding of Pacific Northwest seismic activity and tsunami risk. This combination of active wildlife habitat and geological significance makes Griffiths-Priday a unique educational destination where visitors can experience both natural coastal processes and important scientific discoveries.

Activities & Recreation

Griffiths-Priday State Park offers exceptional wildlife viewing through its mile-long trail alongside Connor Creek through grassy dunes where visitors can observe bald eagles and numerous shorebird species within protected habitat areas. The park’s vehicle-free beach provides solitude rare among Washington coastal destinations, allowing for peaceful beachcombing and ocean recreation along 1.5 miles of pristine shoreline leading to the dramatic meeting point of the Copalis River and Pacific Ocean.

Facilities & Amenities

The park provides essential day-use facilities including dozens of picnic tables with grills scattered throughout the natural setting, plus a large reservable picnic shelter accommodating up to 50 people for group gatherings. Modern restrooms serve visitors, while the parking area provides convenient access to trail systems leading through the dune landscape toward beach and river access points.

The facility maintains its natural character with minimal development, focusing on preserving wildlife habitat while providing necessary visitor amenities. Trail access points connect the parking and picnic areas to both the protected spit environment and Connor Creek crossing areas, though vehicle beach access remains permanently closed due to road erosion concerns.

Camping & Accommodations

Griffiths-Priday State Park operates exclusively as a day-use facility with no camping or overnight parking permitted within the 364-acre natural area. The park’s focus on wildlife protection and habitat preservation makes it unsuitable for overnight stays, encouraging visitors to experience this unique environment during daylight hours when wildlife activity peaks.

Visitors seeking overnight accommodations can find camping and lodging options at nearby coastal parks or communities within the Grays Harbor region.

Planning Your Visit

Griffiths-Priday State Park operates as a day-use facility and requires a Discover Pass for parking access. Located on Benner Road near Copalis Beach, the park provides trailhead parking with pedestrian access to the spit environment through marked dune trails, while vehicle beach access remains closed due to road erosion.

Visitors should plan for 4-mile roundtrip hiking to reach the spit tip where Copalis River meets the Pacific Ocean, with views of Copalis Rock and potential wildlife sightings throughout the journey. The park’s reservable picnic shelter requires advance booking by calling (360) 289-3553, while general day-use areas operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

What to Bring & Know

• Binoculars essential for wildlife viewing and bird watching in protected refuge habitat
• Water and snacks for 4-mile roundtrip hike to spit tip with limited shade availability
• Camera equipment for Copalis Rock views and unique Ghost Forest landscape documentation
• Tide awareness for Connor Creek crossing and optimal beach exploration timing
• Dogs must remain on leash at all times to protect sensitive migratory bird habitat

Final Word

Griffiths-Priday State Park delivers an extraordinary natural coastal experience where protected wildlife refuge meets significant geological history in one of Washington’s most pristine and undeveloped beach environments.

This park is part of the Explore Washington State Parks Directory—showcasing all of Washington’s State Parks from the rugged Pacific coast to the Cascade peaks. Whether you’re camping under old-growth forests, hiking scenic trails, or discovering local history, we’re highlighting the places where people connect with the state’s incredible natural and cultural heritage—all year long.