Shipwreck Point Natural Resources Conservation Area
This 472-acre site includes one of the last open stretches of beach on the Strait of Juan de Fuca between Port Angeles and Neah Bay that is easily accessible. The tideland beaches and associated plant communities quickly transition to foothills covered with second growth Douglas-fir, western redcedar, Sitka spruce and western hemlock. Approximately 50 acres of old growth Sitka spruce and western hemlock remain. The parcel is bisected by Highway 112, and offers beautiful views and panoramas of saltwater beaches, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Vancouver Island.
Features Protected: Puget Sound beach, stream and riparian habitat, and coastal forest
Ecoregion: Northwest Coast (Clallam County)
Ecoregion: Northwest Coast (Clallam County)
Science, Research and Monitoring
Public and private universities, other research institutions and individual researchers may contact DNR to propose a research project at the site. If you are interested in pursuing research at Shipwreck Point NRCA, please contact David Wilderman, natural areas ecologist, at david.wilderman@dnr.wa.gov.
Examples of research and monitoring projects
- Squires, R.L. and J.L.Goedert. 1994. A New Species of the Volutid Gastropod Fulgoraria (Musashia) from the Oligocene of Washington. The Veliger 37(4):400-409.
- Squires, R.L., Goedert, J.L., and S. R. Benham. 1990. First Fossil Record of the Pteropod Limacina from the Pacific Coast of North America. Southern California Academy of Sciences Bulletin, 98:80-89.
Environmental Education and Public Access
Currently no formal educational programs are available at Shipwreck Point NRCA. The site is not ADA accessible and facilities, other than highway pull-outs, are not available. Popular activities include hiking along the beach and wildlife viewing, including whales. For more information, contact the DNR South Puget Sound Region natural areas manager.
- Garbage service is not provided. Pack out what you pack in.
- Day use only.
Directions to the Site
From the town of Sekiu, travel west on Highway 112 along the coast to approximately mile post 6. In this area, the beach can be accessed via several small pullouts.
A Washington State Discover Pass is required for parking at this site. This funding helps DNR manage these important natural areas across the state.