Freshwater Bay County Park
Port Angeles, WA
Freshwater Bay County Park sits about ten miles west of Port Angeles, a small gravel and cobble beach that spreads out considerably once the tide drops. It's built around the boat launch more than the sand, the kind of place locals bring a kayak rather than a beach towel.
Real, free, and pleasant, but it's a boat launch first and a beach second, modest rather than a destination in its own right.
How we score beachesThe upper picnic area, a shaded five acres of cedar and fern, only opens May 15 through September 15. The lower launch and beach stay open year round.
Free parking at the county park, no fee found.
A short walk from the lot to the launch and beach, mostly flat gravel.
Summer brings calmer water, the best window for kayaking or a small boat launch.
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