Moclips Beach is a broad, mostly empty stretch of Pacific coast backed by low dunes and second-growth forest. The beach extends for miles in both directions and at low tide reveals what makes it unusual: ancient Sitka spruce stumps, some enormous, standing in the sand like petrified relics. These are the remains of a forest that was submerged around 1700 when the Washington coast dropped by up to two metres during the great Cascadia subduction zone earthquake. The trees were preserved in the sand for over three centuries before erosion began exposing them.
The beach is excellent for beachcombing — glass floats from Japanese fishing vessels occasionally wash ashore, as do agates and interesting driftwood. Razor clamming is popular in season (check the state's clam season regulations before going, as the season is limited and requires a license). The Moclips River mouth at the north end of the main beach area is a good place to watch shorebirds. Swimming is not recommended due to cold water temperatures (around 12°C even in summer) and occasional rip currents.