Griffiths-Priday: All Content
Park overview:
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.Want to support Washington State Parks? Get involved by joining a friends' group. For more information, visit the Friends' Group web page.
Park hours/updates:
Summer: 6:30 a.m. to dusk.
Winter: 8 a.m. to dusk.
The park is open year round for day use.
Current alerts:
Japanese tsunami debris: Visit the Dept. of Ecology’s website for information on tsunami debris found on Washington’s beaches, what to do if you find debris and how to report it.
Agency information:
Don't move firewood: Please protect the Pacific Northwest from invasive species by obtaining or purchasing your firewood at or near your camping destination (within 50 miles). Firewood can carry insects and diseases that threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by buying and burning your firewood locally. For more information, visit online at www.dontmovefirewood.org or the Washington Invasive Species Council website.
The Discover Pass now can be used on either of two vehicles!Annual pass: $30
One-day pass: $10
(Transaction and dealer fees may apply)
A Discover Pass is required for motor-vehicle access to state parks and recreation lands managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.
Exemptions: Your purchase of the Discover Pass supports recreation on state lands. However, the Discover Pass is not required if you are camping or renting overnight accommodations, for the duration of your stay at that state park. For additional exemptions and more information, please visit the Discover Pass website.
Campsite Information:
The park has no camping.
Driving Directions
Located 21 miles northwest of Hoquiam, Wash., on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Grays Harbor County.From Hoquiam:
Go north on SR 109 for 21 miles. At Copalis Beach, at the sign for Benner Rd., turn left (west).
Park Maps
Griffiths-Priday downloadable pdf map #1List of all downloadable Washington State Park PDF maps.
Park Features
This oceanside beach day-use park extends through walkable low dunes to a river. The park is the northern border of the National Marine Sanctuary, and the Copalis Spit natural area is a designated wildlife refuge, particularly for birds.
History
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.Interpretive opportunities
There are currently no interpretive opportunities at this park.Services/Supplies
| Available in the area | |
| • Auto repair • Camping • Fishing/hunting • Gasoline • Gifts • Groceries • Hardware • Overnight Accommodations • Pay phone • Postal service • Propane • Recreational equipment • White gas • Wood |
Activities
| Trails | Water Activities | Other |
| • Fishing (freshwater) • Fishing (saltwater) • Clamming | • Beach Exploration • Bird Watching • Mountain Biking • Wildlife Viewing | |
A boardwalk connects the dunes with the beach. Vehicle access to the beach is closed, due to road erosion. A recreational license is required for fishing and shellfish harvesting at Washington state parks. For regulations, fishing season information or to purchase a recreational license, visit the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife website. | ||
Events
Free days at state parks: Visit Washington state parks for free. The Discover Pass is not required to visit a state park on ten designated free days in 2013.
The 2013 State Parks free days are as follows:
Jan. 21 – In honor of Martin Luther King Day
March 30 – In honor of Washington State Parks' 100th birthday on March 19
April 27 and 28 – National Parks Week
June 1 – National Trails Day
June 8 and 9 – National Get Outdoors Day and Department of Fish and Wildlife Free Fishing weekend
Aug. 4 – Peak season free day
Sept. 28 – National Public Lands Day
Nov. 9 through 11 – Veteran's Day weekend
Please note: A Discover Pass is still required to access lands managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife during State Parks free days. For more information, please visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
The 2013 State Parks free days are as follows:
Jan. 21 – In honor of Martin Luther King Day
March 30 – In honor of Washington State Parks' 100th birthday on March 19
April 27 and 28 – National Parks Week
June 1 – National Trails Day
June 8 and 9 – National Get Outdoors Day and Department of Fish and Wildlife Free Fishing weekend
Aug. 4 – Peak season free day
Sept. 28 – National Public Lands Day
Nov. 9 through 11 – Veteran's Day weekend
Please note: A Discover Pass is still required to access lands managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife during State Parks free days. For more information, please visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
Find other events at Washington State Parks
Picnic and Day-use Facilities
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.
Wildlife
| Mammals | Birds | Fish & Sea Life |
| • Chipmunks • Coyotes • Deer or Elk • Rabbits | • Crows or Ravens • Ducks • Eagles • Geese • Gulls • Hawks • Herons • Hummingbirds • Jays • Ospreys • Owls • Pheasants • Wrens | • Clams • Sea Birds • Seals • Shellfish • Whales • Perch • Salmon |
Environmental Features
| Physical Features | Plant Life | ||
| • Alder • Lupines • Rose • Berries • Ferns • Moss or Lichens • Seaweed |
Park photo gallery
