As Washington’s beaches and state parks prepare for one of the busiest weekends of the summer, Washington State Parks encourages visitors to celebrate America’s 250th Independence Day responsibly by keeping public lands safe, clean and enjoyable for everyone.
Each year, thousands of people gather at Washington’s beaches and state parks for Fourth of July celebrations. While these outings create lasting memories, they can also leave a lasting impact when trash, fireworks debris and abandoned gear are left behind.
Last year, volunteers picked up more than 141,000 pounds of trash from our state’s beaches – July 5 didn’t get the “Dirtiest Beach Day of the Year” title for no reason.
Even the smallest items such as food wrappers, bottle caps and fishing line can pose serious risks to wildlife, pets and other visitors. Litter can be mistaken for food, become entanglement hazards or wash into waterways, where it can harm marine life and pollute sensitive ecosystems. High tide is at 5 a.m. on July 5, making it imperative that visitors pick up their trash the night before.
State Parks beach safety rules
Fireworks are illegal on all state park lands, including the sections of ocean beaches directly in front of state parks. Discharging fireworks on state park lands can result in a $99 ticket.
However, certain areas along the coast allow fireworks under local regulations. Visitors planning to celebrate on Washington’s ocean beaches should review the Seashore Conservation Area rules and safety information prior to heading to the beach.
Although it is legal to drive onto some areas of the beach, all rules of the road apply. Due to increased traffic and people on the beach during holiday weekends, drivers are encouraged to be hypervigilant, drive slowly and watch out for children and pets.
Please remember:
- The beach speed limit is 25 mph, and pedestrians and horses are always granted the right-of-way. When people gather on the beach, it’s time to slow down.
- Only drive on hard-packed sand. We strongly recommend finding a nearby paved parking lot and walking to the beach to avoid getting stuck in the sand.
- No parking is permitted along the entry to beach access points. Please obey all posted “no parking” signs. Keep beach and beach approach roads clear. Congestion at access points limits the response-ability for emergency vehicles.
- Cars parked below the high tide line may get stuck or washed out to sea. Tow support will be limited or unavailable.
- It is always illegal to use drugs or alcohol and get behind the wheel. Open container laws still apply to Washington beaches. Keep safety belts buckled when moving.
- Off-road vehicles are not permitted on Washington’s beaches, even licensed ones.
Visitors should be mindful and stay out of areas on the beach designated to protect wildlife and marine habitat. Additionally, campfires must be at least 100 feet from the dunes, no more than four feet in diameter and no more than four feet high. No fires are allowed on any shellfish beds.
With large holiday crowds expected at many parks and beaches, visitors should keep a close eye on children and pets at all times. Establish a meeting place in case members of your group become separated, and make sure children know who to contact if they get lost. Pets should remain on leash where required and wear identification tags with current contact information.
Even on warm, sunny days, ocean water in Washington remains cold. Prolonged exposure can quickly lead to hypothermia. Cold water, rip currents and strong waves pose serious risks. Always keep a close eye on children near the surf and never turn your back on the ocean. Life jackets should always be worn, especially by children and anyone not confident in their swimming ability.
Help restore the beaches on July 5
In partnership with Washington CoastSavers, State Parks puts on three beach cleanup volunteer events a year, including a cleanup on July 5.
This year’s cleanup with take place at five state parks, including Cape Disappointment, Grayland Beach, Ocean City, Pacific Beach and Twin Harbors. On arrival, participants volunteering at a Washington state park will check in at one of these locations:
- Cape Disappointment check-in:
- Bolstad Ocean Beach Approach (OBA), Bolstad W, Long Beach, WA 98631
- Grayland Beach/Twin Harbors check-in:
- Bonge Ave OBA, W Bonge Ave, Grayland, WA 98595
- Ocean City/Pacific Beach check-in:
- Chance a la Mer OBA, W Chance a la Mer NW, Ocean Shores, WA 98569
- Ocean City OBA, 37 Second Ave, Ocean City, WA 98569
Visit CoastSavers.org to view a list of participating beaches and where to check in on the day of the event. Pre-registration is not necessary – just show up and help.
Volunteers should dress for variable weather conditions, wear sturdy footwear and pack a lunch with plenty of water. Upon check-in, participants will receive supplies to help them pick up debris; however, volunteers are encouraged to bring reusable gloves. The check-in station also serves as the dumpster location for marine debris after collection. Check for park closures, alerts and burn bans before heading out. For those visiting a state park, a Discover Pass is required for vehicle access.