Go to the Beach

Feel the sand between your toes. Marvel at amazing rock formations. Watch fascinating tidepool creatures. Have a seat on a driftwood log and watch the waves roll in. A trip to the Olympic Coast is sure to be memorable! Olympic National Park contains several beach areas along the coast, each with something to offer. The recommendations in this article are for "frontcountry" beach experiences. If you are interested in backcountry or wilderness hiking along the Pacific Coast, click here. Beach Safety Before you learn about the beaches of Olympic National Park and choose your destination, be sure to read through these beach safety rules! Don't get trapped by a rising tide! Several points along the coast are only passable at lower tides. Always carry a tide chart. Tide charts are available at visitor centers and ranger stations. Information on tides from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration can be found here. Know when the tides will occur (don't guess!) and plan your hike accordingly. Strong winds and storms can significantly elevate tides and create hazardous conditions. Pay attention to your surroundings and never underestimate the power of the Pacific Ocean! Powerful waves can roll and tumble driftwood logs. Do not play on beach logs, especially when the tide is high. Rip currents are dangerous! Swim at your own risk. Learn more about how to spot rip currents and what to do if you're caught in one here. Kalaloch and Ruby Beach Looking for a mellow, accessible, or pet-friendly trip to the beach? Kalaloch and Ruby Beach are great picks! Kalaloch is located along US Highway 101. A ranger station is open in summer months. Overnight visitors can camp at the year-round Kalaloch Campground or stay at the concessioner-operated Kalaloch Lodge. The Kalaloch Creek Nature Trail begins near the entrance to the campground and offers an easy loop through a coastal forest. Trails from the lodge and campground lead to a sandy beach below a bluff. The beach near Kalaloch is a fantastic place to birdwatch, watch the sunset, and take a look at the Tree of Life - a truly epic tree balanced on the bluff that can be a great spot for photos! If you visit the Tree of Life, or any Kalaloch beaches, please be sure to Leave No Trace and use caution when walking around areas with lots of driftwood. Ruby Beach is located just 7.5 miles north of Kalaloch and has an accessible viewpoint, parking lot, and restrooms. At this point along the coast, Cedar Creek feeds into the Pacific Ocean. Explore fascinating geology and tide pools on this beach - but watch your step for driftwood, which can sometimes cover parts of this beach! Pets are allowed on Kalaloch area beaches and at Ruby Beach. Pets must be on a leash at all times. Pet waste must be picked up and disposed of properly. Learn more about bringing pets to Olympic National Park here. Learn more about visiting Kalaloch and Ruby Beach here. Rialto Beach Rocky Rialto Beach features giant drift logs, pounding waves, and views of offshore islands known as "seastacks." Get to Rialto Beach from Highway 101 by traveling east on State Route 110 (also known as La Push Road), then turning right on Mora Road to cross the Quillayute River. On the way to Rialto Beach, you'll pass through the Mora area, which includes a seasonally-operated ranger station, nature trails, restrooms, and a campground. At the end of Mora Road, you'll reach the beach! A 200-foot path to the beach is made accessible by a temporary ramp in summer months. Feeling adventurous? Hike 1.5 miles north along Rialto Beach to Hole-in-the-Wall, an arching rock formation. Be sure to check tide tables before you hike! If you're planning to continue north along the North Coast Trail, you'll need a wilderness permit and a bear can. Pets are allowed at Rialto Beach, but only from the parking lot to Ellen Creek. Pets must be on a leash at all times. Pet waste must be picked up and disposed of properly. Learn more about bringing pets to Olympic National Park here. Learn more about visiting Rialto Beach and the Mora area here. Second and Third Beaches Looking for both a forest hike and a day at the beach? Second and Third Beaches are great spots to see the interplay between coastal forests and sandy beaches. Trailheads to Second and Third Beaches can be found along State Route 110 (also known as La Push Road). As you drive along this road, you will first come to the trailhead for Third Beach. The trail to Third Beach takes you through a forested area for 1.4 miles before descending 270 feet to a sandy beach. If you're planning to continue south on the South Coast Trail to Oil City, you'll need a wilderness permit and a bear can. The trail to Second Beach begins at a parking lot located on the Quileute Indian Reservation. Please be respectful and Leave No Trace during your visit to the reservation. Travel south along the .7-mile trail into the national park, winding through a coastal forest before descending 200 feet to a sandy beach with seastacks and tidepools. Pets are not allowed on the trails to Second and Third Beaches, or on the beaches themselves. Ozette Can't decide if you want to visit the ocean or a lake? Take a trip to Ozette! The Ozette area of Olympic National Park is reached via the Hoko-Ozette Road off Highway 112. A parking lot is located near a seasonally-operated ranger station, accessible restrooms, picnic areas, and a campground. From here, get a look at beautiful Lake Ozette, then embark on one of two trails leading to the beach: the 3.1-mile Cape Alava Trail or the 2.8-mile Sandpoint Trail. The two trails connect via the Ozette Loop to create a 9-mile loop. Only have time to pick one trail? Pick your beach preference! The Cape Alava Trail leads through prairies and forests and ends at a rocky beach. The Sandpoint Trail leads through the coastal forest to a wide, sandy beach. Both the Cape Alava and Sandpoint Trails are mostly covered by boardwalks. In frosty or wet conditions, watch your step! Boardwalks can become slippery. Pets are not allowed on the Ozette area trails or on the beach itself. Learn more about visiting Ozette here. Start planning your trip! Find more information to start planning your trip to Olympic National Park here.