The best walks and hikes around Ocean Shores
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Hiking around Ocean Shores, Washington, offers diverse coastal and wetland environments. The region is characterized by expansive sandy beaches, dynamic dune systems, and temperate coastal forests. Hikers can explore trails that wind through shore pines, skirt freshwater lakes, and provide views of the Pacific Ocean and Grays Harbor. This unique landscape provides varied terrain for outdoor activities.
Best hiking trails around Ocean Shores
- The most popular hiking route is Westport Light Loop — Westport Light State Park, an easy 4.9 miles (7.9 km) trail that takes 1 hour 58 minutes to complete. This route offers coastal views and opportunities for beachcombing.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Weatherwax Trail, an easy 1.5 miles (2.3 km) path. This trail winds through mature wetlands and temperate coastal forest, skirting Duck Lake.
- Local hikers also love the Ocean City State Park loop, a 2.2 miles (3.6 km) trail leading through dune grasses and shore pines, often completed in about 53 minutes.
- Hiking around Ocean Shores is defined by expansive beaches, dune systems, and coastal forests. The network offers options for different ability levels, primarily featuring easy routes.
- The guide includes highly-rated routes that showcase the best of the region's landscape. More than 13 hikers have used komoot to explore Ocean Shores's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
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If you're after a truly relaxing coastal experience, the Westport Light Loop delivers with its gentle 4.9-mile (7.9 km) path. This easy hiking route, which takes about 1 hour and 58 minutes, offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean as it winds through coastal dunes and grasses. You'll enjoy a flat journey with only 34 feet (10 metres) of elevation gain, making it accessible for nearly everyone.
To plan your visit, remember that the trail is within Westport Light State Park, so a Discover Pass is needed for parking. The route is well-maintained with both paved and gravel sections, and you'll find amenities like picnic areas and restrooms at the park. It's a great option year-round, and you might want to check tide tables as the scenery shifts with the Grays Harbor tides.
This trail is also known as the "Dunes Trail" and is a popular spot for families, birdwatchers, and those looking for an easy outing. You'll pass interpretive panels that share insights into the local ecosystem and maritime history, and you can even spot marine life like seals from the shore. Don't miss the Westport Viewing Tower for panoramic vistas.
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Embark on an easy 1.5-mile (2.3 km) hike along the Weatherwax Trail, a peaceful route that takes about 35 minutes to complete. You will gain only 6 feet (2 metres) in elevation as you wander through a lush coastal forest. Look for ancient Sitka spruce trees, some over four feet wide, and abundant giant ferns. The path also offers scenic views of Duck Lake, where you might spot ducks and geese, making it a great spot for birdwatching.
The Weatherwax Trail is generally flat and well-maintained, making it suitable for most hikers. While the terrain is mostly gentle, be aware of uneven spots caused by tree roots, which could pose a slight challenge if you are pushing a stroller. Parking is usually available right at the trailhead. You will easily spot the start, marked by a hand-built wooden arch.
This trail offers a tranquil escape into nature, feeling a world away from the nearby town. Located within the Weatherwax Nature Preserve, it is often described as an incredible little slice of nature. Many consider it a true hidden gem within the Ocean Shores area, perfect for a quiet outdoor experience.
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The Ocean City State Park loop offers a delightful coastal ramble, guiding you through a unique Pacific Northwest ecosystem of rolling dune grasses and thickets of shore pines. You'll hear the constant rhythm of the Pacific Ocean as you navigate the sandy, sometimes spongy terrain, making it an easy 2.2-mile (3.6 km) hike with a mere 16 feet (5 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 53 minutes.
This accessible trail is well-suited for a quick natural escape, with readily available parking at the trailhead. While generally gentle, be mindful that the sandy ground and wetlands can lead to standing water or swampy conditions, particularly after heavy rains or in winter. The coastal location also means you should be prepared for sudden weather shifts, including unexpected summer fog.
As one of the ten parks within the Seashore Conservation Area, this loop stands out for its diverse coastal flora and fauna, making it a popular spot for birdwatching. It provides a peaceful, scenic outdoor activity, perfect for experiencing a memorable sunset over the Pacific Ocean, and offers a refreshing change from more strenuous inland trails.
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The Shifting Sands Natural Trail offers a wonderfully easy and accessible walk near Westport, Washington. This 1.7-mile (2.7 km) route is rated easy, with a mere 15 feet (5 metres) of elevation gain, making it a perfect choice for a casual 41-minute stroll. You'll find the terrain flat and straightforward, ideal for those seeking a brief outdoor escape without any strenuous effort, especially if you're looking for family friendly hikes near Twin Harbors State Park.
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
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Tips from the Community
The Westport Viewing Tower provides a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. On a clear day, visitors can even catch a glimpse of the Olympic Range to the north. This observation deck offers a unique vantage point to appreciate the area's natural beauty and scenic vistas.
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Twin Harbors State Park offers stunning coastal scenery with sandy beaches, picturesque dunes, and lush forested areas. Ideal for camping, hiking, and beachcombing, this park is a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers in Grayland.
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The Westport Light Loop, is a scenic 2.5-mile trail in Westport. This easy loop offers stunning ocean views, access to sandy beaches, and a historic lighthouse, perfect for a family hike or a serene coastal stroll.
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Along the midpoint of the Westport Light Loop, you're treated to stunning and sweeping coastal views at the West Haven State Park beach area
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Weatherwax Nature Preserve is a small yet serene haven in Ocean Shores featuring lush forests, tranquil trails, and diverse wildlife.
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Ocean City State Park in Washington offers a serene coastal retreat with sandy beaches, lush dunes, and scenic picnic areas. Ideal for hiking, birdwatching, beachcombing, and camping, this park provides a perfect blend of nature and tranquillity.
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"Jungle" between holiday infrastructure, nice place
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on hiking trails around Ocean Shores?
Hiking around Ocean Shores offers a diverse mix of coastal and wetland environments. You'll find expansive sandy beaches, dynamic dune systems, and temperate coastal forests. Trails often wind through shore pines, skirt freshwater lakes, and provide views of the Pacific Ocean and Grays Harbor. Many routes are relatively flat, making them accessible for various ability levels.
Are there any easy or family-friendly hiking options in Ocean Shores?
Yes, Ocean Shores is well-suited for easy and family-friendly hikes. The Weatherwax Trail, for example, is an easy 1.5-mile path winding through mature wetlands and temperate coastal forest, skirting Duck Lake. The Ocean City State Park loop is another easy option, leading through dune grasses and shore pines. The newer High Dunes Trail is also ADA-accessible, offering ocean views via asphalt paving and an amber boardwalk.
What are some notable natural features or landmarks to see while hiking in Ocean Shores?
Ocean Shores offers several unique natural features. Damon Point, at the confluence of ocean and harbor currents, is excellent for wildlife viewing and offers distant mountain views. The Weatherwax Nature Preserve features a 1.2-mile looping trail along Duck Lake, showcasing wetlands and moss-draped trees. You can also explore the expansive beaches at Ocean City State Park or the windswept stretch at Griffiths-Priday State Park, which is a haven for migratory birds.
Are there any dog-friendly trails or beaches in Ocean Shores?
Many of the expansive beaches in Ocean Shores are dog-friendly, offering great opportunities for walks with your canine companion. It's always a good idea to keep dogs on a leash and clean up after them. Specific trail regulations can vary, so check local signage, but generally, the open beach areas are welcoming for dogs.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Ocean Shores?
Ocean Shores offers hiking opportunities year-round, with each season providing a different experience. Summer brings warmer, sunnier weather ideal for beach walks and exploring. Spring and fall are excellent for bird migrations, especially in areas like Griffiths-Priday State Park and the Oyhut Wildlife Recreation Area. Even winter offers a dramatic landscape with powerful storms and unique visual interest for hikers and photographers.
Where can I find parking for trail access in Ocean Shores?
Parking is generally available at state parks and nature preserves. For example, Ocean City State Park and Griffiths-Priday State Park offer designated parking areas. For beach access, there are various points along the coastline with parking. The High Dunes Trail, Ocean Shores' newest pathway, also has accessible parking. Always look for official parking lots or designated street parking to ensure proper access.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on the trails?
Ocean Shores is rich in wildlife. Damon Point is renowned as one of the best wildlife-viewing locations, with unique flora and fauna. Birdwatchers will enjoy the area, with eagles, herons, and various shorebirds common along the jetty, canals, and state parks. Deer are also frequently seen roaming the peninsula and even through town. The Weatherwax Nature Preserve is particularly good for observing local wildlife during spring and fall bird migrations.
Are there any trails that are wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Ocean Shores offers an accessible hiking experience with the High Dunes Trail. Opened in October 2023, this three-quarter-mile pathway is ADA-accessible, combining asphalt paving with an amber boardwalk over sensitive wetland areas. It winds through the secondary dune system from Chance A La Mer beach, offering ocean views, benches, and interpretive signs.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Ocean Shores?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse coastal and wetland environments, the opportunities for beachcombing, and the peaceful atmosphere. Hikers appreciate the varied terrain, from expansive beaches to serene forest paths, and the chance to observe local wildlife.
Are there any places to eat or stay near the hiking areas?
Ocean Shores offers a variety of cafes, pubs, and accommodation options. The town itself has numerous restaurants and places to stay, many of which are conveniently located near beach access points and trailheads. For more information on local amenities, you can visit visitoceanshores.com.
How many hiking trails are available in the Ocean Shores area?
Komoot features over 3 hiking routes in the Ocean Shores area, primarily consisting of easy trails. These routes showcase the region's unique coastal and wetland landscapes, offering options for various preferences and abilities.
Can I find trails that offer ocean views?
Absolutely. Many trails and walks in Ocean Shores provide stunning ocean views. The Westport Light Loop — Westport Light State Park offers coastal vistas and beachcombing opportunities. The High Dunes Trail, Ocean City State Park, and the expansive beaches themselves are excellent for enjoying the Pacific Ocean scenery.
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