Benson Beach
Historic "Graveyard of the Pacific" beach with dramatic lighthouse views and unique black sand. Dog-friendly and perfect for exploration.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Calm and serene atmosphere
Benson Beach
Best Time
Calm and serene atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic "Graveyard of the Pacific" beach with dramatic lighthouse views and unique black sand. Dog-friendly and perfect for exploration.
"A beautiful, large beach with an awesome view of North Head and the lighthouse."
🐾 Dogs Welcome Off-Leash!
Your furry friends will love sprinting on this beach! Confirmed dogs can be off-leash. :dog:
🚗 Discover Pass Needed
Remember to get your Discover Pass for entry into Cape Disappointment State Park. :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
North Head Lighthouse Views
Northern end of Benson Beach
Towering lighthouse offering dramatic views of the beach and the Pacific Ocean. A must-see landmark.
The "Graveyard of the Pacific"
Stretches from North Head to Columbia River Jetty
Explore the historic site of many shipwrecks, including the SS Admiral Benson.
Black Sand Beach
Near North Head
Witness the striking contrast of dark basalt sand as it erodes from the cliffs. Eerie and beautiful.
Low Tide Exploration
Various points along the beach
Discover shallow pools and creeks perfect for exploring with kids during low tide.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Discover the "Graveyard of the Pacific"
Timing Your Visit for Serenity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Dogs Welcome Off-Leash!
Your furry friends will love sprinting on this beach! Confirmed dogs can be off-leash. :dog:
🚗 Discover Pass Needed
Remember to get your Discover Pass for entry into Cape Disappointment State Park. :ticket:
👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
The trail to the beach can be sandy and slightly uphill. Wear comfortable shoes. :athletic_shoe:
🌊 Check Tide Charts
Low tide reveals fascinating tide pools and creeks, perfect for exploration. :ocean:
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Dogs Welcome Off-Leash!
Your furry friends will love sprinting on this beach! Confirmed dogs can be off-leash. :dog:
🚗 Discover Pass Needed
Remember to get your Discover Pass for entry into Cape Disappointment State Park. :ticket:
👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
The trail to the beach can be sandy and slightly uphill. Wear comfortable shoes. :athletic_shoe:
🌊 Check Tide Charts
Low tide reveals fascinating tide pools and creeks, perfect for exploration. :ocean:
🌬️ Be Prepared for Wind
It can get quite windy here, especially with incoming weather systems. Dress in layers. :cloud:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Benson Beach is lauded for its dramatic scenery, historical significance as the "Graveyard of the Pacific," and its unique black sand formations. Visitors appreciate the off-leash dog policy and the stunning views of North Head Lighthouse. Some find the beach can be quite windy and the SS Admiral Benson shipwreck is not always visible.
"Benson beach has seen many a shipwreck over the years.
This is ground zero for what is called, "the graveyard of the Pacific". Named for the SS Admiral Benson shipwreck that occurred on the beach in 1930, the beach stretches from North Head to the north Jetty of the Columbia river. One can walkout the jetty for some nice views of both the ocean, the river and 2 lighthouses.
I enjoy walking the beach as there is no vehicle access. As you approach North Head the beach sand darkens until it is black. This is due the erosion of the black basalt cliffs. I find it eerie myself. This stretch of beach is named, Deadman's hollow, for the many dead seamen that washed up on this shore.
At some very low tides, I have tried to see the Benson shipwreck without luck. Newspaper articles have noted that it is visible as late as 2016, but I have not seen it myself. The Benson still appears on navigational maps as a hazard to be avoided."
George Scott
"My dog had a blast! Confirmed with front kiosk that dogs can be off leash on this beach, so she had a great time sprinting all over. It was super windy when we visited, with an incoming rain system, so we had the place basically to ourselves. I will definitely return!"
Liesl Olson
"If you look at Waikiki Beach early in the morning and walk the trail here, you will get a different feeling.
If you walk while looking at the straight road, the sand beach will come out and the tide will come up, and the painting of the waves drawn on the sand will give a calm impression.
The reason why it's good to park on the left side of the driveway is that if you leave the e-trail road and walk to the left side of the sea breakwater, it's connected to the parking lot.
If you walk the whole road like that, it will be a loop trail of about 2 miles. I highly recommend you to visit this place early in the morning."
Kai Dwd
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Benson Beach is located within Cape Disappointment State Park. You'll typically access it via a trail from a parking area off Jetty Road. The main trail is about 0.45 miles, leading to the beach access.
Yes, there are parking areas available, often described as circle gravel parking lots, accessible from Jetty Road. From there, you'll take a trail to reach the beach.
No, vehicle access is generally not permitted on Benson Beach itself. You'll need to park and walk to the shore.
One common access point is via a 0.45-mile trail from a parking area off Jetty Road. Another option is from the end of Jetty Road if it's open, which is a shorter run down the sand.
While the drive to the park and parking areas is scenic, the beach itself is for walking and enjoying nature, not for driving on.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a Discover Pass is required for entry into Cape Disappointment State Park, which includes Benson Beach.
The cost of a Discover Pass can vary, but it's typically an annual or day-use pass. It's best to check the official Washington State Parks website for current pricing.
Benson Beach is generally accessible during park hours. It's recommended to check Cape Disappointment State Park's official hours for any specific restrictions.
While some parks offer day-use passes on-site, it's often recommended to purchase your Discover Pass in advance online or at an authorized vendor to ensure smooth entry.
The fee is for entering Cape Disappointment State Park, which covers access to Benson Beach and other park amenities.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Yes, dogs are allowed on Benson Beach and can even be off-leash, making it a fantastic spot for pet owners.
The sand varies. As you approach North Head, it darkens to black due to the erosion of basalt cliffs, creating a unique landscape.
Absolutely! During low tide, shallow areas and tide pools emerge, offering a safe and fun environment for children to explore.
You can expect breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, the Columbia River, and two lighthouses, including North Head Lighthouse. +1
Benson Beach is known as the "Graveyard of the Pacific" and is named after the SS Admiral Benson shipwreck. While the wreck is not always visible, its history adds to the beach's unique atmosphere.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of North Head Lighthouse, the dramatic coastline, black sand formations, and the vast Pacific Ocean, especially during sunrise or sunset. 
Early mornings offer serene light and fewer crowds, while sunsets provide dramatic colors. The contrast of the black sand against the ocean is also a great subject.
North Head Lighthouse is a prime subject. The jetty also offers great vantage points for ocean and lighthouse photography.
It's ideal for landscape photography, capturing the rugged coastline, lighthouse, and the unique black sand. It's also great for dog photography if you bring your pet.
While the SS Admiral Benson shipwreck is historically significant, it's not consistently visible. However, the beach's history and dramatic scenery offer plenty of photographic interest.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember that a Discover Pass is required for park entry. Consider bringing sand toys and buckets for tide pool exploration. While the main trail is relatively flat, the beach itself can be sandy and slightly uphill, so sturdy footwear is recommended for everyone. Dogs are also welcome off-leash, making it a great outing for the whole family, including pets!
🐾 Pet Owners
When visiting with your pet, ensure they are well-behaved and under voice control, as other visitors will also be enjoying the beach. It's a great opportunity for some fun dog photography with the lighthouse and ocean as your backdrop.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
The 0.45-mile trail to the beach provides a pleasant walk, and the beach itself offers miles of coastline to explore. Early mornings are particularly recommended for a tranquil experience with minimal crowds. Remember to bring your Discover Pass and be prepared for potentially windy conditions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the "Graveyard of the Pacific"
Walking along Benson Beach, especially towards the northern end known as "Deadman's Hollow," you can feel the weight of this history. The dark, almost black sand, a result of the erosion of basalt cliffs, adds to the eerie atmosphere. It's a place where the raw power of nature is on full display, a constant reminder of the dangers faced by seafarers.
While the SS Admiral Benson shipwreck is not always visible, especially at higher tides, its presence is still marked on navigational charts as a hazard. For those interested in maritime history, Benson Beach offers a tangible connection to the past, a place to reflect on the stories of those who sailed these waters.
Exploring Benson Beach with Your Canine Companion
When visiting with your dog, remember to be mindful of other visitors and wildlife. While off-leash is permitted, ensuring your dog is well-behaved and responsive to commands is always a good practice. The vastness of the beach means there's usually plenty of space for everyone to enjoy their time.
Don't forget to bring water and waste bags for your pet. The wind can sometimes pick up, so consider a light jacket for your dog if they are sensitive to cooler temperatures. It's a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories with your furry best friend against a stunning coastal backdrop.
Photography Opportunities at Benson Beach
+1The unique black sand found towards the northern end of the beach provides a striking contrast and an unusual element for photography. This dark sand, a product of eroded basalt cliffs, creates a dramatic and almost otherworldly feel. Experiment with long exposures to capture the movement of the waves against this dark canvas.
Beyond the lighthouse and sand, the Columbia River Jetty offers elevated perspectives for capturing the confluence of the river and ocean, as well as views of both lighthouses. The beach itself, with its driftwood and the ever-changing patterns of the waves, provides endless opportunities for landscape and nature photography.
+1
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