Wander over the grassy dunes in the bottom corner of the Ocean Shores peninsula to reach the North Jetty, a man-made strip of rocks at the entrance to Grays Harbor. Climb over the rocks to reach the tip of the jetty and look for wildlife in the surrounding ocean. Afterward, relax on the beautiful beach of the peninsula.
This jetty took 9 years to build and was completed in 1916. It was made to keep the route into Grays Harbor accessible for boats. The jetty caused an accumulation of sand for several decades, causing the peninsula of Ocean Shores to grow. Since then, erosion has begun to take place and the land has started to disappear.
Walk out along the jetty for views of Ocean Shores beach and Westport, which is just over the water. Look for the lighthouse, one of the tallest on the west coast of the U.S. Observe boats following the old shipping routes along the edge of the Pacific Ocean. Freighters, fishing and crabbing boats all use this waterway to reach the ocean.
Clamber over the rocks to the end of the jetty and look northeast to see the Olympic Mountains spread across the horizon. Watch out for the crashing of the waves as you scramble along the rocks. Caution is advised, particularly when the sea is rough as the rocks can get slippery.
Whales and seals can occasionally be seen swimming in the water. Bring your binoculars to search for pelicans flying over the ocean.
Have fun on Ocean Shores Beach, a long stretch of sand with shallow water ideal for paddling and watersports. Resorts and hotels are dotted along the beachfront, but the peninsula is long enough that quiet spots can still be found along the shore.
Buses run from Seattle to Ocean Shores where you will find the North Jetty at the southwest tip of the peninsula. Visit at any time of year, although take extra precautions during winter, when the weather can make the jetty dangerous.