Murdock Beach aka. "fossil beach" or "round rock beach" is a DNR maintained beach 9.2 miles beyond the Camp Hayden Rd. turn right off on hwy 112.
They require a discovery pass for day use of the park. It is a short walk down to the beach from the parking area which includes a bathroom facility and information kiosk. The beach is known for it’s plenteous round rocks and wide variety of fossilized round rocks. These variably sized round formations are called "concretions" by geologists and have formed around plant life or various objects over the ages. You will notice many of these concretions protruding out of the exposed bank as you make your way west on the beach. Agatized fossils may also be found here. Craig Thomas found the agatized clam fossil illustrated below on 1.12.16. The beach is almost covered at high tide and should be most enjoyed at lowered tides when more of the beach is exposed.
They require a discovery pass for day use of the park. It is a short walk down to the beach from the parking area which includes a bathroom facility and information kiosk. The beach is known for it’s plenteous round rocks and wide variety of fossilized round rocks. These variably sized round formations are called "concretions" by geologists and have formed around plant life or various objects over the ages. You will notice many of these concretions protruding out of the exposed bank as you make your way west on the beach. Agatized fossils may also be found here. Craig Thomas found the agatized clam fossil illustrated below on 1.12.16. The beach is almost covered at high tide and should be most enjoyed at lowered tides when more of the beach is exposed.
The youtube video below provides directions to Murdock Beach and hunting tips for agates, fossils and agatized fossil sea shells that can be found in the gravel beds on Murdock Beach.
Directions: Follow hwy 101 to Port Angeles and then 4 miles west take hwy 112 to the west toward Clallam Bay. The turn off to Murdock Beach is exactly 9.2 miles beyond the Camp Hayden Rd. turn off that leads down to the Salt Creek Campground. Follow hwy 112 past Cannon Ball Rd. going .7 of a mile to PA-S-2510 and turn right. There will be a “Murdock Beach” sign about 100 feet in on the road. Follow this road .5 of a mile and then take the right fork, which will lead down hill toward the beach parking area. Drive slowly because there are a few new culverts and one depression that will certainly bottom out your vehicle if driving too fast. | There is a bathroom structure and information kiosk at the parking area. The beach is about a 100 yard walk through the trees to the water’s edge. |
Rocks: If tides are right, you will find a wide expansive beach with many round rocks. The beach immediately off the trail and to the east offers more gravel beds where rocks and agates may be found. Most of the rocks are granite, basalt, quartz and jasper related. There are also a few specimens of orbicular jasper. If you sift through the gravels smaller agates along with agatized sea shells may be found. The round concretion fossils are quite diverse and amazing in their formations.
Sea Glass: the sea glass found here is not plenteous and mostly at a lower craft grade quality.
Sea Glass: the sea glass found here is not plenteous and mostly at a lower craft grade quality.