Mocrocks Beach stretches from the Copalis River to the southern boundary of the Quinault Indian Reservation. These two endpoints give the coastal stretch a clear geographic frame. Moclips is also associated with outdoor activities and the region’s history: possible activities include camping, hiking, kayaking, surfing, and birdwatching; the Museum of the North Beach covers topics including fishing, logging, and early tourism. For your trip planning, this offers two distinct areas of interest: the coast and outdoor activities, or a closer look at the historical development of Moclips and the region.
The Coast and Seasonal Opportunities
A time-limited vehicle rule applies to the North Beach area. From April 15 through the day after Labor Day of the same year, motor vehicles are not allowed on the stretch from the Moclips beach access at Second Street to the southern boundary of the Quinault Indian Reservation. If you are planning to drive on the beach, take this restriction into account and check the current rules in advance; regulations can change.
Moclips is also among the coastal towns where visitors can reach their catch limits during the seasonal coastal harvest. The harvest is seasonal and regulated. So check the current opening dates with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife if you want to include this activity in your itinerary. This lets you plan the harvest as a separate, date-dependent part of your trip.
Outdoor Activities
The activities differ mainly in the conditions on which they depend. Hiking route conditions can change seasonally. For kayaking, water conditions and the availability of outfitters vary; surf conditions and safety requirements can also vary. Birdwatching is seasonal and variable. Camping is possible in Moclips, although conditions and availability vary by site and season. This presents land-based activities, experiences on the water, and camping as distinct planning considerations: depending on your choice, trails, seasonal wildlife viewing, water conditions, or campsite availability may be key.
History of Moclips and the Region
The Moclips-by-the-Sea Historical Society and the Museum of the North Beach were established in 2001 to preserve and share the history of the region. At the museum, you can learn more about regional fishing, logging, and the early tourism industry.
Moclips was once a center for producing cedar shingles and shakes. Products from the M.R. Shingle Mill can still be seen on shingle-clad houses along Railroad Ave. and the numbered streets, although the mill itself no longer exists. The streetscape adds a tangible trace of past production to the museum’s themes: the shingle siding points to the importance of woodworking to the town.
The original Moclips Beach Hotel was built in 1905 and had 150 rooms. Moclips is also considered the westernmost terminus of the Northern Pacific Railway in transportation history. Industry, tourism, early hotels, and the railroad offer distinct ways to explore the history of the town and region.
Explore more destinations: Ocean Shores, Quinault, Copalis Beach, Elma, Hoquiam, Westport, Montesano, Ocean City
For the broader travel overview: Grays Harbor County.
