Outdoor Adventures

Sequim Bay State Park offers a public saltwater boat launch, six first-come moorage buoys, year-round camping and direct Olympic Discovery Trail access east of Sequim. The important 2026 detail is easy to miss: the boat-launch dock is open for brief loading and unloading, while the separate moorage dock is permanently closed. This guide explains the difference, current fees, campground disruptions and practical bay-safety planning.

Sequim Bay State Park quick facts

• Official address: 269035 Highway 101, Sequim, WA 98382
• Hours: 8 a.m. to dusk, year-round
• Park size: 92 acres with 4,909 feet of saltwater shoreline
• Boat launch: Open; the launch dock has a 15-minute limit and cannot be used for moorage
• Moorage: Six buoys are offered first come, first served; the moorage dock is permanently closed
• Launch fee: $7 per watercraft per day
• Day-use parking: Discover Pass required; $10 one-day or $45 annual pass listed by the park
• Camping: Standard and full-utility sites, plus three hiker/biker sites
• Maximum RV combination: 40 feet
• Pets: Allowed on leash

Check the official Washington State Parks page immediately before traveling because construction, burn restrictions and facility status can change.

Current September 10, 2026 alerts

Washington State Parks posted several notices that materially affect a visit on September 10, 2026:

• Lower Loop Campground is closed for restroom construction. The alert currently runs through January 30, 2027, but the reopening date is listed as to be determined.
• Level 3 burn ban: Wood and charcoal fires are prohibited. Self-contained gas or propane camping stoves and portable gas or propane fire pits are allowed under the posted restriction.
• West-side repaving: The park posted a one-day paving notice for the area near the Olympic Discovery Trail on September 10. Avoid active work areas and follow on-site directions.
• Moorage dock closed: The aging moorage dock is permanently closed because of structural deterioration. The boat-launch dock remains open under its separate 15-minute rule.

Do not rely on an older campground map or trip report to override these live notices. Confirm conditions again on the morning of the trip.

Boat launch access and the 15-minute dock rule

The state park provides a public launch into protected Sequim Bay. The dock beside the ramp is intended for active launching and retrieval, with a posted 15-minute limit. It is not an overnight or day-use moorage space. Prepare lines, fenders and equipment before occupying the dock, then move the tow vehicle promptly so other boaters can use the ramp.

Washington State Parks lists a $7 daily watercraft-launch fee. Day-use parking requires a Discover Pass, listed at $10 for one day or $45 annually. Because parking and launching are separate uses, review the current fee instructions at the park rather than assuming one payment covers every requirement. Trailer parking can tighten on fair-weather weekends, and the park recommends carpooling for busy day-use periods.

Six moorage buoys, but no moorage dock

The park lists six moorage buoys available on a first-come, first-served basis. The current buoy rate is $23 per night. Availability is not guaranteed, so boaters should have a legal alternative before arriving.

The park also displays a general dock-moorage rate, but that does not mean Sequim Bay State Park’s closed moorage dock is available. The permanent closure controls local access. Use only an open buoy or another currently authorized facility, and never leave a vessel at the 15-minute launch dock.

Camping reservations and Lower Loop closure

Sequim Bay State Park normally offers standard campsites, full-utility sites and three hiker/biker sites. Reservations are available from May 15 through September 15; sites shift to first come, first served from September 16 through May 14. The park limits RVs and vehicle-trailer combinations to 40 feet.

The current Lower Loop closure reduces the usable campground inventory and may alter walking routes or restroom access. Verify the exact site assignment and open facilities during booking. The park lists restrooms, showers and a trailer-dump station, but construction can change which amenities are convenient from a particular campsite.

Fishing, shellfishing and paddling

Sequim Bay sits within Washington’s Marine Area 6, East Juan de Fuca Strait. Salmon, bottomfish, shellfish and other seasons are species- and area-specific, and emergency rules can change during the year. Before fishing or harvesting, check the current WDFW Marine Area 6 regulations, emergency rules, licensing requirements and any health closures.

Kayakers and paddleboarders gain access to a relatively protected bay, but protected does not mean hazard-free. Wind can build, cold water can disable a swimmer quickly, and tidal currents affect shorelines and launch conditions. Wear a properly fitted life jacket, carry required safety gear, check the marine forecast and tides, and stay within a distance that matches the least experienced paddler.

Olympic Discovery Trail and day-use facilities

The paved Olympic Discovery Trail passes through the park as part of a roughly 120-mile route across the northern Olympic Peninsula. This creates a useful hiker/biker stop with shoreline access, picnic tables and reservable kitchen shelters. Accessible campsites, restrooms and trail facilities are also listed.

Bicyclists should slow through shared park areas and watch for construction detours. Dogs are allowed on leash, but horses are not permitted. Pack out waste, keep pets away from wildlife and respect campsite privacy when the trail passes close to occupied loops.

Launch and cold-water safety

• Check the marine forecast, tide curve and daylight window before leaving the ramp.
• Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket; cold water can impair swimming even on a mild day.
• Keep the launch dock visit within 15 minutes and never treat it as moorage.
• Do not approach the permanently closed moorage dock.
• Carry navigation, communication and emergency equipment suitable for saltwater conditions.
• Inspect the ramp at low water before backing down, especially if launching an unfamiliar trailer.
• Leave a float plan with someone ashore and update it if the trip changes.

Nearby Olympic Peninsula access

For a tide-dependent county launch closer to Dungeness Bay, use the Dungeness Landing guide. The Dungeness Spit Trail guide covers a separate refuge hike and lighthouse route, while the Freshwater Bay launch guide describes another Marine Area 6 option west of Port Angeles.

Plan the practical version of the visit

Use the official Highway 101 address, verify the live alerts, and decide before arrival whether the priority is launching, buoy moorage, camping or trail access. Boat crews should stage before entering the 15-minute dock area. Campers should confirm that their reserved loop and needed facilities remain open. Everyone should treat the current burn ban and construction controls as trip-planning requirements, not optional advisories.