We are devotees of Washington’s waters and shorelines and active users/appreciators of the State Parks, and thus are excited to share an excellent opportunity to get out and help this weekend!

As a proud member of the Washington Clean Coast Alliance, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will co-host the annual Washington Coast Cleanup on April 19. 

This year’s event will take place at 10 state parks: Cape Disappointment, Fort Flagler, Fort Townsend, Fort Worden, Grayland Beach, Mystery Bay, Ocean City, Pacific Beach, Shine Tidelands, and Twin Harbors.

In partnership with Washington CoastSavers, Parks puts on three beach cleanup volunteer events a year, and there is always more work to be done. In 2024, 2,339 volunteers removed 159,431 pounds of marine and firework debris from Washington’s beaches — that’s the equivalent weight of approximately 13 adult orca whales.  Of that total, 636 volunteers and 16,193 pounds of debris came from the Washington Coast Cleanup.

During the Washington Coast Cleanup, Parks also works with the Port Townsend Marine Science Center, Washington Surfrider and the Grassroots Garbage Gang to bring in volunteers to support this effort.

On arrival, participants volunteering at a Washington state park will check in at one of these locations:

  • Long Beach: Bolstad Ocean Beach Approach (OBA), Seaview OBA
  • Central Coast: Ocean City OBA, Chance A La Mer OBA, Bonge Ave OBA
  • Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca: Shine Tidelands
    • Chimacum Corner Farmstand: Fort Flagler, Mystery Bay
    • Port Townsend Marine Science Center: Fort Townsend, Fort Worden

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.

Visit CoastSavers.org to learn more about the Washington Coast Cleanup, view a list of all participating beaches and pre-register for the event.  A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access on state-managed lands on April 19.

Feature image courtesy of Washington CoastSaver. 

Washington State Parks