The best walks and hikes 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.