Pacific Pines State Park

Pacific Pines State Park: Classic Northwest Beach Experience on the World’s Longest Continuous Peninsula Beach

Pacific Pines State Park offers the quintessential northwest day at the beach on the Long Beach Peninsula in Ocean Park, where dune grasses and knobby shore pines slope down to the wide sandy Pacific Ocean shore that forms part of the world’s longest continuous peninsula beach. This charming 10-acre day-use park promises visitors a relaxing coastal experience perfect for kite flying, sandcastle building, fishing, crabbing, and spectacular sunset viewing, all accessed through a narrow sandy footpath that leads through a grove of Pacific Ponderosa pines to create the classic Washington beach scene.

Pacific Pines State Park Fast Facts

Park Overview

Pacific Pines State Park encompasses a pristine section of the Long Beach Peninsula where massive volumes of Columbia River sediment have created one of the world’s most remarkable coastal formations over thousands of years. The park’s character reflects its position on this extraordinary 27-mile stretch of hard-packed sand beach, where visitors access the Pacific Ocean through a scenic pathway that winds through classic Pacific Northwest coastal forest of Pacific Ponderosa pines and native dune grasses. This day-use sanctuary represents the essence of Long Beach Peninsula recreation, combining easy beach access with the natural beauty of knobby shore pines and coastal dunes that define the region’s distinctive landscape.

This coastal destination serves visitors seeking authentic Pacific Northwest beach experiences without the complexity of overnight camping, offering a perfect complement to exploration of the Long Beach Peninsula’s charming small towns and famous cranberry bogs. The park’s design preserves the natural coastal ecosystem while providing essential access to one of Washington’s most celebrated beach environments.

Activities & Recreation

Facilities & Amenities

Pacific Pines State Park maintains minimal but essential day-use facilities that preserve the natural coastal character while supporting visitor comfort. The park features five unsheltered picnic tables available first-come, first-served, positioned to take advantage of ocean breezes and scenic views. One restroom facility serves park visitors, with essential services designed to support day-use recreation without overwhelming the intimate 10-acre setting. The park’s signature feature is the narrow sandy footpath that leads through the Pacific Ponderosa pine grove to the beach, creating a scenic transition from parking area to the expansive Pacific shoreline. Accessible parking accommodates various vehicle types within the compact coastal location.

Camping & Accommodations

Pacific Pines State Park operates exclusively as a day-use facility with no camping accommodations available, closing from October 1 through April 30 for seasonal operations. Overnight accommodations are available nearby at Cape Disappointment State Park, which features 137 standard campsites, 60 full-utility sites, 18 partial-utility sites accommodating RVs up to 45 feet, five primitive hiker/biker sites, 14 yurts, and three cabins with year-round availability. The park’s day-use focus allows visitors to enjoy coastal recreation while staying in the Long Beach Peninsula’s numerous lodging options.

Planning Your Visit

Pacific Pines State Park operates seasonally from April 1 through September 30 with hours from 8 a.m. to dusk, requiring a Discover Pass for vehicle access. The park’s location on the Long Beach Peninsula provides easy access to the famous 27-mile continuous beach while serving as an ideal stop during peninsula exploration. Visitors should be aware of hazardous ocean currents and drifting logs that pose potential dangers to beach walkers and swimmers. Shellfish harvesting requires appropriate recreational licenses and adherence to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife seasonal regulations. The park’s compact size means parking can fill quickly during peak summer days and sunset viewing times.

What to Bring & Know

• Kite flying equipment to take full advantage of the Long Beach Peninsula’s famous coastal winds and wide sandy beach conditions
• Camera gear for capturing spectacular Pacific Ocean sunsets and the classic Washington coastal scenery of shore pines and dune grasses
• Washington fishing and shellfish licenses if planning to fish or clam during permitted seasons with current regulations
• Awareness of ocean safety including hazardous currents and drift logs that can create dangerous conditions for beach recreation
• Historical curiosity about the nearby Alice shipwreck, visible at very low tides just offshore from the park as a reminder of maritime history

Final Word

Pacific Pines State Park delivers the quintessential Long Beach Peninsula experience, where classic shore pine forests meet the world’s longest continuous peninsula beach for perfect northwest coastal day trips.