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Ocean Shores is a 6,000 acre peninsula located on Washington's central Pacific coast approximately 75 miles west of Olympia, the state capitol. The peninsula's western shoreline extends southward approximately six miles with sandy public beaches and five different beach access roads. The southern shoreline (approximately two miles) runs easterly along the entrance to Grays Harbor with views of Westport, two miles across the entrance to the harbor. The southern tip of the peninsula is home to the Ocean Shores marina and seasonal passenger ferry to Westport. The eastern shoreline is primarily a residential area offering eastern and northern views of Bowerman Basin, the Olympic Mountain range and Mt. Rainier. Ocean Shores was originally developed in 1960 and continues to be Washington's most visited seaside destination, hosting nearly three million visitors annually.
The peninsula is also home to more than 23 miles of interconnecting fresh water lakes and canals, which offer year round boating, wildlife viewing, and exceptional fishing opportunities.
Non-Indian settling of the North Shore, between the southern end of the peninsula and the Quinault Indian Nation, was a slow process. The Oyehut Tribe had lived close to the harbor for centuries. The first white settler was a Mr. Armstrong, followed by John Connor. In 1858 the Hatch family settled near the mouth of the Humptulips, but soon drowned.
Sam and William James worked hard on their homestead beginning in 1858, but soon left for Hoquiam. The first resort in the area was opened north of Copalis at Iron Springs by 1890. In 1924 the Minard family started a cattle ranch on what today is Ocean Shores. In 1960 they sold their ranch for $1 million to visionary entrepreneurs who dug 26 miles of canals, built a golf course, and put in roads and utilities for vacationers and retirees dream location. It is now being "re-discovered."
POINTS OF INTEREST
- PGA Rated Golf - The Ocean Shores municipal golf course is a PGA rated 6,152 yard championship course. The course features multiple tees and is located only two or three minutes from the Convention Center.
- Swimming - While swimming in the surf is not recommended, there are plenty of other options available. Nearly every lodging facility in Ocean Shores has a pool, and there are excellent parks with swimming areas around Duck Lake.
- Boat Charters and Whale Watching - Charters are available at the Ocean Shores marina and include whale watching excursions (March through June), deep sea fishing, sport fishing, dinner cruises and scenic trips around Grays Harbor and along the Pacific coastline.
- Oyehut Wildlife Area - The Oyehut Wildlife area includes 682 acres of wildlife habitat, wetlands, tidal flats and world-class bird watching.
- Damon Point State Park - Damon Point State Park, also commonly known as Protection Island, is adjacent to the Wildlife Area and extends nearly a mile into Grays Harbor's entrance. The state park offers excellent views of the shipping lanes and Westport just across the bay. The park includes a natural area for walking, beach combing, and bird watching. There is abundant wildlife. Parking and restroom facilities are also available.
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