Pacific Pines State Park
Profile
Pacific Pines State Park: Classic Northwest Beach Experience on the Worldโs 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 worldโs 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
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Ocean Park, Long Beach Peninsula, Pacific County, Washington |
| Address | Ocean Park, WA 98640 |
| Size | 10 acres |
| Established | 1973 (purchased 1972 for $119,000) |
| Key Features | Worldโs longest continuous peninsula beach access |
| Activities | Kite flying, beachcombing, fishing, clamming, sunset watching |
| Beach Access | Sandy footpath through Pacific Ponderosa pine grove |
| Facilities | Day-use only, picnic tables, restroom |
| Historic Feature | Alice shipwreck visible at very low tides |
| Hours | 8 a.m. to dusk (closed October 1 – April 30) |
| Contact | (360) 642-3078 |
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 worldโs most remarkable coastal formations over thousands of years. The parkโs 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 regionโs 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 Peninsulaโs charming small towns and famous cranberry bogs. The parkโs design preserves the natural coastal ecosystem while providing essential access to one of Washingtonโs most celebrated beach environments.
Activities & Recreation
| Activity | Details | Season | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kite Flying | Excellent coastal winds on wide sandy beach | April-September | Easy |
| Sandcastle Building | Perfect sand conditions on expansive shoreline | April-September | Easy |
| Beachcombing | Extensive shoreline exploration opportunities | April-September | Easy |
| Surf Fishing | Pacific Ocean fishing from accessible beach | April-September | Moderate |
| Clamming | Seasonal shellfish harvesting when permitted | Seasonal regulations | Easy |
| Bird Watching | Sea and shore bird species observation | April-September | Easy |
| Sunset Viewing | Spectacular Pacific Ocean sunset experiences | April-September | Easy |
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 parkโs 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 parkโs day-use focus allows visitors to enjoy coastal recreation while staying in the Long Beach Peninsulaโs 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 parkโs 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 parkโs 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 Peninsulaโs 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 worldโs longest continuous peninsula beach for perfect northwest coastal day trips.
This park is part of the Explore Washington State Parks Directoryโshowcasing 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 heritageโall year long.
Map
Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.
Sorry, unable to load the Maps API.

