Leadbetter Point State Park
Ocean Park, WA
Leadbetter Point State Park sits at the very tip of the Long Beach Peninsula, where the ocean beach and Willapa Bay nearly meet across a mile of dune and forest. It's one of the few beaches on this coast built around birdwatching first, next to a wildlife refuge that's a major stopover for migrating shorebirds.
A genuinely distinctive birding destination for people who know what they're looking at, but the long walk in and seasonal closures make it a special-trip beach rather than an everyday one.
How we score beachesThe first half mile from the day-use lot is paved and easy. Past that it's a real walk through dunes and forest to reach open beach, so budget an hour round trip if you're going all the way to the water.
A Discover Pass is required at the day-use lot. The lot is small and rarely full outside peak shorebird migration weekends.
A half mile of ADA-compliant trail leaves from the day-use area. Beyond that the trail turns to sand and forest floor, not wheelchair or stroller friendly.
Dogs are allowed on leash, but the point closes seasonally, typically spring through summer, to protect nesting snowy plovers and shorebirds, so check current signage before bringing one.
Spring migration season draws the serious birders; check for active closures before visiting then. Fall and winter are quieter and fully open, good for a long walk without crowds.
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