Griffith-Priday State Park

At Griffiths-Priday State Park you can visit the river and the ocean! In the late 1800s, Judge Griffiths purchased more than 100 acres that he willed at his death be made into a park for all to enjoy. In his will, he stipulated that the park be named Griffiths-Priday which is a combination of his surname and the name of his foster parents who brought him from England to America as a child. The park is set at the mouth of the Copalis River and Connor Creek, set on the Pacific Coast minutes west of Olympia. It extends from the beach through the low dunes and down to the river and the river’s mouth. 

The marine day-use park offers nearly 10,000 feet of freshwater shoreline on the Copalis River and is bordered by the Copalis National Wildlife Refuge as well as the Copalis Spit Natural Area. Bird lovers can count on spying a large number of migratory birds that are drawn to this lovely haven. On the Pacific Ocean side, the saltwater shoreline is more than 8,000 feet and is known for its plethora of razor clams in season. 

On the ocean side the river is sandy and not shaded but on the island side, it is bushy. Activities include bird watching, running with your dog, freshwater and saltwater fishing, digging for shellfish, mountain biking, hiking, beach exploration, and kite flying. Make sure to have your license if you plan to do any fishing or digging for shellfish. Open year round for day use, the park has summer hours of 6:30 am to dusk and winter hours of 8:00 am to dusk. 

The park offers one kitchen shelter that has electricity, but it must be reserved by calling the Ocean City State Park in advance. There are also two windscreens that each have three picnic tables, 10 unsheltered picnic tables, and a playfield. There is limited parking with just 37 spaces for cars and three spots for non-RV campers. 

Vehicles are not allowed on the beach due to erosion. There is a boardwalk that connects the dunes to the beach as well. Dogs are allowed anywhere in the park, but must be on an eight foot leash or less at all times. Owners are asked to clean up after their pets as well.