Where To Drive On The Beach Around Seabrook, Washington
- Pacific Edge Adventures
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Driving on the beach is something very unique to Washington State. We often throw paddleboards on top of our car and go on an adventure down the Washington Coast. Vehicle access to the beach is just a few minutes away from Seabrook, at the Mocrocks and Copalis beach stretches and we have more helpful information for you below.
The Historical Perspective: Why is it Allowed?
To understand why you can drive a truck onto a Washington beach today, you have to look back to the late 1800s and early 1900s.
The Original Coastal "Interstate"
Before the modern Highway 101 was carved through the thick forests of the Olympic Peninsula, the dense timber and rugged terrain made overland travel nearly impossible. For early settlers, loggers, and mail carriers, the wide, flat, hard-packed sand of the Pacific coast was the most efficient "road" available.
In 1901, the Washington State Legislature officially designated the ocean beaches as a public highway.
This wasn't a symbolic gesture; it was a practical one. It ensured that the primary transportation route for coastal communities remained open to everyone, preventing private landowners from blocking travel along the shore.
The Seashore Conservation Area
In the 1960s, a legal battle emerged over the ownership of "accreted" lands (land created by the ocean depositing sand). To protect public access against encroaching private development, the state established the Seashore Conservation Area (SCA) in 1967.
This act reaffirmed that the beaches between the high and low tide lines would remain forever open to the public for recreation. Today, while most of the state's highways are managed by the Department of Transportation, these "sand highways" are managed by Washington State Parks.
Where to drive on the beach around Seabrook?
Seabrook itself is a walkable, perched community, but vehicle access to the beach is just a few minutes away at the Mocrocks and Copalis beach stretches.
Where to Access the Beach
Roosevelt Beach: Located just a few miles south of Seabrook, this is the most popular vehicle entry point for the area. It offers a wide approach onto the sand.
Analyde Gap Road: Found in the neighboring town of Pacific Beach, this access point is another reliable way to get onto the Mocrocks stretch.
2nd Street (Moclips): A bit further north, providing access to the northern end of the drivable area.
What are the rules of driving on the beach in Washington State?
Because the beach is a highway, the Washington State Rules of the Road apply just as they would on any street:
Speed Limit: The speed limit is 25 mph unless otherwise posted.
Right of Way: Pedestrians and clam-diggers always have the right of way.
Hard Sand Only: You are legally required to drive on the upper portion of the hard-packed sand. Driving in the soft sand or in the surf is prohibited (and a great way to get stuck).
Licensing: All vehicles must be street-legal and drivers must have a valid license. Off-road vehicles (ATVs/UTVs) are generally prohibited on these specific beaches.
Safety and Preparation
Check the Tides: Never drive onto the beach without knowing the tide schedule. A rising tide can move incredibly fast, and vehicles are lost to the Pacific every year because drivers were caught off guard.
4WD is Highly Recommended: While some sections are hard enough for a front-wheel-drive car, the entrance and exit points often have deep, soft sand. A high-clearance 4WD or AWD vehicle is the safest choice.
Tire Pressure: If you plan on doing extensive driving, "airing down" your tires to around 15–20 psi can provide better floatation over soft patches, but remember to reinflate them before hitting the pavement.
Protect the Dunes: It is strictly illegal to drive on the beach dunes or through the dune grass. These are fragile ecosystems that protect the inland from erosion.
Environmental Stewardship
Driving on the beach is a privilege that depends on the respect of visitors and we want to ensure our beaches stay beautiful. With that being said here are some great things to keep in mind as you drive along the beach.
Avoid Clam Beds: During razor clam seasons, avoid driving over the "show" areas where clams are located.
Wildlife Buffer: Stay at least 100 yards away from seals or sea lions resting on the shore.
Pack it Out: The wind on the Washington coast can carry trash miles away in seconds. Ensure all your gear is secured in your vehicle.
What To Do On Your Washington Beach Driving Adventure?
One of the best activities for a Washington Coast Beach Drive is paddleboarding! You can paddle along the shoreline or along one of the river mouths.
If you would like to give it a try yourself you are in luck because have a variety of paddleboard options for your next waterway adventure.
Our collection boasts the latest in paddleboard technology and style, with options for every skill level and preference. Each item is meticulously maintained and ready to hit the water when you are here.
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