Leadbetter Point State Park

Long Beach, WA

Available Activities

Hiking
Camping
Fishing
Bird Watching
Beachcombing

By Sarah MitchellOutdoor Editor & Trail ExpertFebruary 5, 2026 · Updated May 15, 2026

🏆 Official Guide: Leadbetter Point State Park — A premier birdwatching destination at the northern tip of Washington’s Long Beach Peninsula — positioned on the Pacific Flyway between the Pacific Ocean and Willapa Bay, supporting 200+ bird species, including nesting habitat for the threatened Snowy Plover.

Leadbetter Point State Park occupies the wild, windswept northern tip of the Long Beach Peninsula in Pacific County, Washington. Flanked by the Pacific Ocean to the west and Willapa Bay to the east, the park’s unique geography creates a natural funnel for migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway — making it one of the Northwest’s most important birding destinations.

Visitor Information

Detail	Information
Location	Northern tip of Long Beach Peninsula, WA
Type	Day-use only
Pass Required	Washington Discover Pass
Bird Species	200+
Trails	~7 mi (0.5 mi ADA-accessible)
Access	Via Stackpole Road, ~3 mi N of Oysterville

⚠️ Seasonal Closure: To protect the threatened Snowy Plover, specific dune areas are closed to all entry from April through August. Stay on marked trails and follow posted boundaries. Many trails are also prone to seasonal flooding — waterproof boots recommended.

Activities

Activity	Details
Bird Watching	200+ species — Pacific Flyway migration corridor
Hiking	~7 mi — forest, salt marsh, dunes, beach
Beach	Remote Pacific beach — beachcombing
Crabbing	Willapa Bay side — seasonal
Fishing	Surf and bay fishing
Kayaking	Willapa Bay — tides and weather permitting

Birding Highlights

Species / Group	Season
Snowy Plover (threatened)	Nesting: April – August (area closures)
Trumpeter Swans	Winter — Hines Marsh
Eagles, Peregrine Falcons	Year-round
Black Brant (sea goose)	Spring migration
Shorebirds (sandpipers, etc.)	Migration peaks
Brown Pelicans	Summer

💡 Pro Tip: The Martha Jordan Birding Trail through Hines Marsh is the must-do trail for birders — bring binoculars and patience. Bring plenty of drinking water as facilities are limited. The road leading to the park can be bumpy. This is a wilderness environment — bear encounters have been reported. Check trail flooding conditions before visiting, especially in winter and spring.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time for birdwatching?

Birdwatching is excellent year-round, but the best times depend on what you want to see. Spring and fall migration peaks bring the highest diversity of shorebirds and raptors. Winter offers trumpeter swans at Hines Marsh and large flocks of waterfowl. Summer brings nesting activity, though some dune areas are closed to protect Snowy Plovers.

Can I camp at Leadbetter Point?

No — Leadbetter Point is a day-use-only park. For camping on the Long Beach Peninsula, consider nearby options like Cape Disappointment State Park, which offers developed campsites, cabins, and yurts.

About the Author

Sarah Mitchell

Outdoor Editor & Trail Expert

Sarah Mitchell is an outdoor writer and trail researcher with over 8 years of experience exploring state parks across America. As the lead editor at AmericasStateParks.org, she has personally visited more than 200 parks in 42 states, logging thousands of trail miles and hundreds of campground nights. Sarah specializes in detailed park guides, accessibility information, and family-friendly outdoor planning. Her work focuses on helping first-time visitors feel confident and well-prepared for their state park adventures.

200+ state parks visited across 42 states | 8+ years of outdoor writing

Last updated: May 15, 2026