KOPACHUCK STATE PARK
Kopachuck State Park is a 109-acre marine and camping park with 5,600 feet of saltwater shoreline on Henderson Bay. One portion of the park, Cutts Island (or "Deadman's Island") is a half mile from shore and reachable only by boat. The park provides scenic views of sunsets, the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. 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.
Park hours/updates:
Summer: 8 a.m. to dusk.Winter: 8 a.m. to dusk; day use only.
Camping:Check-in time, 2:30 p.m.Check-out time, 1 p.m.Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.
Wildlife Mammals Birds Fish & Sea Life? Chipmunks? Deer or Elk? Foxes? Raccoons? Squirrels? Crows or Ravens? Ducks? Eagles? Geese? Gulls? Hawks? Herons? Ospreys? Owls? Snipes? Woodpeckers? Wrens? Clams? Crabs? Mussels? Oysters? Sea Birds? Sea Cucumbers? Seals? Shellfish? Shrimp? Starfish? Salmon
Environmental Features Physical Features Plant Life ? Cedar? Douglas Fir? Hemlock? Alder? Maple? Foxglove? Lupines? Rhododendron? Ferns? Moss or Lichens? Seaweed
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.
Available in the park Available in the area? Camping? Pay phone? Fire wood? Auto repair? Airport? Camping? Fishing/hunting? Gasoline? Gifts? Golf? Groceries? Hardware? Marine supplies? Overnight Accommodations? Pay phone? Postal service? Propane? Recreational equipment? Wood? Swimming
There is a small store one mile from the park that sells groceries.
The park offers 41 tent spaces, one dump site, one restroom (ADA) and and two showers.
The park has one camping loop, which is nestled in a forest of Douglas firs. Each campsite is quiet and private.
Tent campsites vary in size. Most will accommodate large RVs (without hookups). Some sites are smaller and are suitable only for smaller RVs or tents. Maximum site length is 35 feet (may have limited availability).
All campsites are first-come, first-served.
Group Accommodations:
The park has two reservable group camps suitable for tent campers only. One group camp accommodates approximately 35 people and the other approximately 20. Fees vary with size of the group. To reserve, call the park office at (253) 265-3606.
Check-in time is 2:30 p.m., and check-out time is 1 p.m.Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.Engine-driven electric generators may be operated only between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.Length of stay: You may stay up to ten consecutive days in any one park during the summer; the stay limit is extended to 20 days between Oct. 1 and March 31.
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.