Westport Light State Park
Region
Olympic Peninsula
Westport Light State Park: Pacific Coast Surfing and Lighthouse Haven
Westport Light State Park delivers the ultimate Pacific Ocean experience with 560 acres of pristine coastal terrain adjacent to Washington’s tallest lighthouse, creating the state’s premier surfing destination alongside comprehensive beach recreation opportunities. This expanded oceanfront park combines dramatic shoreline access with the historic Grays Harbor Lighthouse, offering everything from world-class surfing breaks to accessible boardwalk exploration along 1,215 feet of Pacific coastline.
Westport Light State Park Fast Facts
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Westport, Grays Harbor County, Washington |
| Address | 1595 Ocean Avenue, Westport, WA 98595 |
| Size | 560 acres |
| Established | 2016 (expanded with Westhaven State Park consolidation) |
| Key Features | Grays Harbor Lighthouse adjacent, premier surfing beach |
| Activities | Surfing, beach exploration, fishing, crabbing, hiking |
| Trail System | 1.3-mile ADA-accessible dune trail with viewing platforms |
| Shoreline | 1,215 feet of Pacific Ocean coastline |
| Special Features | Surf instruction programs, boardwalk, outdoor showers |
| Hours | 8 AM to dusk year-round |
Park Overview
Westport Light State Park occupies a spectacular Pacific Ocean setting adjacent to the historic Grays Harbor Light, Washington’s tallest lighthouse, which serves as both a navigational beacon and iconic coastal landmark. The park gained its current expansive form in 2016 through consolidation with the former Westhaven State Park and an additional 270-acre parcel previously under golf course development, creating a comprehensive 560-acre coastal recreation destination.
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Get the Free ChecklistThe park is renowned for its extremely popular surfing spot featuring rolling breakers from the Pacific Ocean, making it accessible to surfers of all skill levels. Beyond surfing, the park offers panoramic ocean views through its 1.3-mile dune trail system featuring viewing platforms and interpretive displays that provide educational context about coastal ecosystems and maritime heritage.
Activities & Recreation
| Activity | Details | Season | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surfing | Rolling Pacific Ocean breakers, instruction available | May-September | Easy to Advanced |
| Beach Exploration | 1,215 feet of accessible Pacific coastline | Year-round | Easy |
| Fishing | Saltwater fishing opportunities | Year-round | Easy |
| Crabbing | Half Moon Bay crabbing access | Year-round | Easy |
| Hiking | 1.3-mile ADA-accessible dune trail | Year-round | Easy |
| Bird Watching | Coastal bird species observation | Year-round | Easy |
Facilities & Amenities
Westport Light State Park provides specialized facilities designed to support Pacific Ocean recreation with particular emphasis on surfing activities. The park features three shower facilities including one outdoor shower specifically for surfers to rinse off saltwater, plus two indoor showers that meet ADA accessibility standards. Eight picnic tables with eight braziers are available on a first-come, first-served basis for day-use recreation.
The park’s signature feature is its ADA-accessible concrete boardwalk that runs along the beach, providing safe and accessible viewing opportunities for visitors unable to navigate sandy terrain. This boardwalk incorporates viewing platforms and interpretive displays that explain coastal processes, lighthouse history, and marine ecosystem dynamics.
Camping & Accommodations
Westport Light State Park operates as a day-use only facility and does not offer camping accommodations. Visitors seeking overnight stays can access nearby camping at Twin Harbors State Park and other coastal parks in the Grayland Beach area.
Planning Your Visit
A Discover Pass is required for day visits, with annual passes available for $45 and daily passes for $10. The park operates year-round with 8 AM to dusk hours. Swimming in the ocean is not advised due to variable currents and dangerous rip tides common along the Pacific Coast. All-terrain vehicles are strictly prohibited on beach areas and dunes.
Professional surf instruction is available through Bigfoot Surf from May through September, requiring no previous surf experience and providing an ideal introduction to Pacific Coast surfing. The park’s location within minutes of Westport city provides access to marina facilities, boat launches, maritime history museums, and other coastal attractions.
What to Bring & Know
- Surfboard or surf lesson reservations for optimal Pacific Ocean wave conditions
- Beach safety awareness regarding rip tides and variable ocean currents that make swimming dangerous
- Access to beach only through designated trails, as cliffs and dunes present safety hazards
- Metal detecting equipment for beach exploration activities
- Awareness that ATV use is illegal on beach and dune areas
Final Word
Westport Light State Park stands as Washington’s premier Pacific Coast surfing destination, where the historic Grays Harbor Lighthouse oversees endless ocean recreation opportunities along one of the state’s most accessible and dramatic coastlines.
What to Do
Activities
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there camping at Westport Light State Park?
No, Westport Light State Park is day use only. There are no campsites or overnight accommodations at the park. For camping near Westport, Twin Harbors State Park just to the south offers full facility campsites.
Does Westport Light State Park require a Discover Pass?
Yes, a Discover Pass is required to park at Westport Light State Park. You can purchase one online through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, at many retailers across the state, or at the trailhead if a vendor is present.
Is Westport Light State Park good for surfing?
Yes, Westport Light is one of the top surf spots on the Washington coast. The beach breaks off the point produce consistent waves and the park anchors the Westport surf scene. Board and wetsuit rentals are available at shops in downtown Westport.
What is the lighthouse next to Westport Light State Park?
The Grays Harbor Lighthouse stands adjacent to the park and is the tallest lighthouse on the Washington coast at 107 feet. Built in 1898 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it offers seasonal tours through the Westport South Beach Historical Society.
What is the dune trail at Westport Light State Park?
The park features a 1.3 mile ADA accessible boardwalk trail through coastal dunes. The trail winds through shore pines and beach grass to viewing platforms overlooking the Pacific Ocean, making it one of the few fully accessible coastal walks on the Washington coast.
Trip Planning
What to Pack
Required Pass
Required for parking at all Washington State Parks. One pass covers your vehicle for a full year.
$46.99
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Washington State Parks Directory
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