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Beach Safety & Driving

Evergreen Coast
Beach Safety & Driving

Play it safe at the beach. Follow these important guidelines while exploring the Washington coast.

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No Swimming

Lifeguards do not patrol the beach.

Swimming in the ocean is not recommended on the Long Beach Peninsula, even on calm days. The ocean currents are strong and dangerous, no matter the tide time. You cannot swim against these currents. Our average water temperatures range from the mid-40s to the mid-60s. These temperatures can easily cause hypothermia.

Always make sure to keep a close eye on your children. Even when playing near the water’s edge, wear a life jacket. Never turn your back on the waves. Sneaker waves are powerful waves that come high up on the beach without warning.

Do not attempt to rescue someone in the ocean. You will likely become a victim yourself. Call 911 and stay there!

Beach Safety & Driving
The Pacific Ocean off of the Long Beach Peninsula.

Beach Fires

Beach Safety & Driving
Beach Fire. Photo by Max Loew.

Before building a fire on the beach, you must be 100 feet west of the dune line. Fires and barbecues are not allowed in the flammable dune grass area. Once in an applicable area, all campfires must be smaller than 4 feet on each side and 3 feet in height.

Do not build a fire if it is windy, and do not throw explosive material, including glass, into the fire.

Always make sure to supervise children closely around fires. When done, pack out any and all garbage, and then drench and bury your fire to extinguish it before you go.

Report illegal fires.

Sand Dunes, Rock cliffs, and jetties

Do not dig caves in the sand dunes. Tunnels and caves will collapse and bury you. Be cautious near dune cliffs and vertical dune faces.

Assume all cliff edges and rock jetties are unstable.

Large portions of rocks are known to break away. Cliffs and rocks are not suitable for climbing. Jetties and Fisherman’s Rock in Beards Hollow are susceptible to rising tides. Wear proper footwear and stick to the trails when hiking.

Beach Safety & Driving
Sand dunes.

Wildlife

Beach Safety & Driving
Seal pup heading back to the ocean.

Stay away from wildlife, dead or alive. Leave wildlife alone. Federal law prohibits touching, feeding, and disturbing marine mammals.

Whales (dead or alive) are protected. Dissecting, dismembering or removing parts can spread disease and is against the law. Intentionally running over seabirds or other animals is also against the law.

Stay at least 100 yards away from seal pups so the mother will return.

In case of emergency, the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife can be contacted through 911.

If you see an injured or distressed marine mammal, call the Marine Mammal Stranding Network at 206-526-6733 ext. 1 or local authorities at 360-642-3078.

Sunbathing and Picnics

Do not set up a picnic on the hard-packed sand where the vehicles drive. Do not bury people in the sand or build a sand castle in a high traffic area.

From April 15 until Labor Day, sections of the beach are closed to motor traffic. This includes the section of beach from the Seaview Approach to the Bolstad Approach in Long Beach and the area north of the Oysterville Approach.

Benson Beach and Waikiki Beach in Cape Disappointment State Park are closed to beach driving year-round. These places are ideal for pedestrians, sunbathers and picnickers.

Always pack out your garbage.

Beach Safety & Driving
Kids eating on the beach. Photo by Walter Dorsett.

Emergencies

Dial 911 for emergencies and stay where you are. Do not attempt rescues yourself.

Driving on the Beach

Map for beach driving
  • Driving on the beach is NOT recommended, especially if you have not driven on the beach before. Do so at your own risk.
  • Do not drive in the sand dunes.
  • 4-wheel drive is STRONGLY recommended.
  • Rules of the road apply – no donuts or reckless driving.
  • The speed limit is 25 MPH.
  • You must be licensed and insured.
  • No ATVs on the beach. PERIOD. See Pacific County WATV/ORV use map.
  • Stay ON hard-packed sand.
  • Stay OFF clam beds and soft “sugar” sand.
  • Be aware of tides.
  • Be aware of pedestrians, pets, wildlife, seal pups and debris like large logs.
  • If you become stuck, expect tow fees to be at least $100.

Areas Closed to Vehicles Apr. 15 – Labor Day

  • Seaview to Bolstad beach approach
  • North of Oysterville approach (area north of the point is closed year-round)

Do NOT camp on the beach or at beach approaches. For information on RV parks and camping check out our places to stay page.

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