Westport Light State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Westport Light State Park |
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The Westport Light sits next to the park on U.S. Coast Guard land
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 Westport Light State Park
Location in Washington (state)
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| Location | Grays Harbor, Washington, United States |
| Area | 560 acres (230 ha) |
| Elevation | 13 ft (4.0 m) |
| Established | Unspecified |
| Operator | Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission |
| Website | Westport Light State Park |
Westport Light State Park is a fun public park located right on the Pacific Ocean in Grays Harbor County, Washington. It covers about 560 acres, which is like 425 football fields! This park is a great place to explore the coast and enjoy nature.
Right next to the park, you'll find the famous Grays Harbor Light. This lighthouse is the tallest one in all of Washington state. It's a historic landmark that has guided ships for many years.
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Discover Westport Light State Park
Westport Light State Park offers many exciting activities for visitors. It's a perfect spot for families and friends to spend time outdoors. You can enjoy the fresh ocean air and beautiful views.
Park Activities and Fun
There are lots of things to do at Westport Light State Park. Whether you like active adventures or just relaxing, there's something for everyone.
Hiking and Exploring Trails
The park has trails that are great for hiking. You can walk along the coast and enjoy the ocean breeze. These trails are usually easy to walk, making them perfect for all ages. As you hike, you might see different kinds of plants and animals.
Fishing and Crabbing
If you enjoy fishing, this park is a good place to try your luck. You can fish from the shore or a nearby pier. Many people also enjoy crabbing here. Crabbing is when you try to catch crabs, often using special traps. It's a fun way to get some fresh seafood!
Beachcombing for Treasures
The long sandy beaches at Westport Light State Park are perfect for beachcombing. This means walking along the shore to find interesting things. You might discover unique seashells, cool pieces of driftwood, or even glass floats. Every walk on the beach can be a new adventure.
Birdwatching and Wildlife
Westport Light State Park is a fantastic place for birdwatching. Many different types of birds live here or stop by during their migrations. You might see seabirds, shorebirds, and even some birds of prey. Keep an eye out for other wildlife too, like small mammals or marine animals in the distance.
History of the Park
Westport Light State Park wasn't always one big park. It became what it is today in 2016. Before that, it was two separate areas that were combined.
Combining Park Lands
In 2016, the park grew much larger. It joined with another park called Westhaven State Park. On top of that, an extra 270 acres were added. This extra land was originally planned to be a golf course. By combining these areas, Westport Light State Park became a much bigger and better place for public recreation. This expansion helped protect more of the beautiful coastline for everyone to enjoy.
The Grays Harbor Lighthouse
The Grays Harbor Light is a very important landmark next to the park. It's not part of the park itself, but it's a key feature of the area.
Tallest Lighthouse in Washington
The Grays Harbor Light is special because it's the tallest lighthouse in Washington state. Lighthouses are like giant beacons that help guide ships safely. They shine a bright light to warn ships about land and help them find their way, especially at night or in foggy weather. This lighthouse has been a crucial guide for boats entering Grays Harbor.
