Griffiths-Priday State Park
Copalis Beach, WA
Griffiths-Priday State Park sits where the Copalis River meets the ocean, a short nature trail from the lot out to a wide, quiet beach and dune spit. It's calmer than the drive-on beaches to the south, the kind of place locals go for scenery and a chance at eagles or otters without the traffic.
A legitimately calmer, more scenic stop than the nearby drive-on beaches, valued by locals for that reason, though modest facilities keep it from ranking higher.
How we score beachesSkip the Discover Pass fee by parking on the road shoulder across the street and walking in instead of using the official lot.
A Discover Pass is required for the parking lot. Free street parking is available across the road for those willing to walk a short distance in.
A short, mostly flat nature trail connects the lot to the beach, unpaved but easy walking.
Calm summer mornings are best for wildlife viewing at the river mouth. Fall brings good fishing as salmon move through.
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