Kopachuck
Beach State Park
This beautiful park has a western exposure with spectacular
sunsets, sandy beaches and a panoramic view of the snow-capped Olympic
Mountains. Cutts Island, a portion of the park located half a mile from
the park proper, is reachable only by private boat.
Location:
Located five miles west of Gig Harbor, Wash.
Coming from either the east or the west, take the second Gig Harbor
exit off Hwy. 16. Look for the Kopachuck State Park sign. Take that
exit and follow signs five miles to the park.
Acreage:
109 acres with 5,600 feet of saltwater shoreline.
Acquired:
The park was acquired in three parcels; the first in 1955 and the last
in 1972, for a total cost of $641,500.
Historical Background:
The name "Kopachuck" originated from "Chinook Jargon,"
the trade language of the Pacific Coastal Indians. Kopachuck is a merging
of two words: "Kopa" meaning "at," and "chuck"
meaning "water." This scenic park was once a seasonal fishing
and clamming site of the Puyallup and Nisqually tribes.
Cutts Island, which sets in the water a half mile away from the park
proper, is also known as "Deadman's Island." The latter name
derives from the belief that the island was used by saltwater tribes
who buried their dead in canoes placed in the forks of trees. It is
unknown how the island acquired the name "Cutts Island." Prior
to its current popular names, the place was called "Crow Island,"
for the large quantity of crows explorer Peter Puget discovered there
in 1792, and later "Scotts Island," in honor of Thomas Scott,
quartermaster of the 1841 Wilkes expedition.
Facilities:
The park has 41 campsites with no hookups, 79 picnic sites, 3 comfort
stations, 5 kitchen shelters, 1,500 feet of unguarded beach, underwater
marine park, approximately 1 mile of hiking trails, 2 unorganized group
camps, 12 mooring buoys, and a trailer dump station.
Of Special Interest:
The park offers Junior Ranger beach walks for kids aged 12
and under during the spring and summer only. Rangers lead the walks,
explaining marine habitat and environmental features. Walks are by appointment
through the park ranger office. Call 253-265-3606.
Activities:
Trails
2 mi. Hiking Trails
Water Activities
Boating (saltwater)
Diving
Fishing (saltwater)
Personal Watercraft (saltwater)
Swimming (saltwater)
Water Skiing (saltwater)
Clamming
Crabbing
Oysters
Other
Beachcombing
Bird Watching
2 Fire Circles
Interpretive Activities
Wildlife Viewing
There is a large field suitable for volleyball, but equipment is not
provided.
Most of the activities at Kopachuck center around the beach. During
low tide, the sun warms the sand, which in turn warms the water brought
in by the tide. The sandy beach is ideal for wading, sand-castle building,
and exploring the marine habitat. The most popular day-use area is the
beach. Getting there requires a short 1/8-mile walk down a hill. People
with limited mobility may drive or be driven to the beach. Contact park
staff to make such transportation arrangements.
Driving Directions:
Coming from either the east or the west, take the second Gig Harbor
exit off Hwy. 16. Look for the Kopachuck State Park sign. Take that
exit and follow signs five miles to the park.
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Comment Submission
Courtesy of Washington
State Park and Recreation Commission
