Put these dates in your calendar! (Or if you’re like me, agonize over which trip to pick since they all sound amazing!)

I’ve got Washington backpacking reservation dates for you for 4 different areas in Washington including the Enchantments, Mount Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park, an Olympic National Park.

Plus I’ve also got details on how to reserve, which trails I recommend, and my top tips for getting those hard-to-get reservations.

Quick Calendar

Enchantments Backpacking Reservations for 2024

What: The Enchantments are a high alpine area in Washington’s Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Most people do a 19 mile (30km) thru-hike to see the whole area, but numerous side trips are also possible. For a full guide to the area check out Clever Hiker’s Enchantment Lakes Backpacking Guide.

When to Reserve: Enchantments reservations work on a lottery system. You can apply for the lottery between February 15 and 29, 2024. Then, you check back on March 14, 2024 to see if you “won” the lottery and got a reservation. You have until the end of March to convert your lottery win to a reservation.

Where to Reserve: Online on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest website.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: There is a $6 application fee plus a $5/person/night fee if your application is accepted.

Do You Have to Reserve? No. In 2024 they have resumed the walk-up lottery. There is one permit per zone available for walk-ups each day. To get a walk-up permit, you must go to the Leavenworth Ranger Station at 8:15 a.m. on the day you start your trip and enter the walk-up lottery. Your designated group leader must have a recreation.gov account already set-up.

Tips and Tricks For Getting a Reservation: The Enchantments are one of the most difficult Washington backpacking reservations to get.

• Pick a start date in the middle of the week.
• Consider applying for the Snow Zone or the Colchuck Zone and then day hiking into the Core Zone, instead of applying for a difficult-to-get Core Zone permit.
• Get everyone in your group to submit an application to increase your chances.
• If you don’t win a permit in the original lottery, check back at the end of March – sometimes people who win the lottery forget to convert their win to a reservation. And then keep checking every few days to see if the walk-up quota is released for booking.
• If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

Mount Rainier National Park Backpacking Reservations for 2024

What: The crown jewel of Mount Rainier National Park is the 93 mile/105km Wonderland Trail which circumnavigates the mountain. If you aren’t up to the entire Wonderland Trail, you can tackle shorter sections of it or backpack on some of the parks other trails. Find out more on the Mount Rainier National Park website.

When to Reserve: Mount Rainier permits work on a lottery system. In 2024 you can enter your reservation requests between February 12, 2024 and March 4, 2024. All reservation requests during this period go into a lottery for priority. If you donn’t enter the lottery, you can make reservation applications starting April 25, 2025.

Where to Reserve: Online via Recreation.gov. You will receive an email on March 14 if you “won” the lottery. It will include information on how to confirm your reservation.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: There is a non-refundable $6 lottery fee, and a $20 reservation fee.

Do You Need to Reserve? It’s a good idea. Approximately 2/3 of backpacking and climbing permits are made available for advance reservation for trips between May 26 and September 9. The remainder are first-come, first-served.

Tips and Tricks For Getting a Reservation: 

• Submit several alternative itineraries.
• You can only submit one reservation request per person so consider having everyone in your group submit requests.
• If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

Olympic National Park Backpacking Reservations for 2024

What: Olympic National Park is a huge park with a variety of rainforest, alpine and beach backpacking trips. For beach backpacking trip ideas, check out my guides to the beautiful coastal backcountry areas of Ozette Loop, Toleak Point, and Shi Shi Beach. For a complete list of trails, see the Olympic National Park website.

When to Reserve: Advance reservations open on April 15, 2024 at 7 a.m. PST.

Where to Reserve: Reserve online via recreation.gov.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations are $6/trip. You will also need to pay wilderness fees of $8/person/night.

Do You Need to Reserve? Yes. While in the past walk-up permits were available, as of 2021 all backcountry camping is 100% reservable.

Tips and Tricks For Getting a Reservation:

• You need an account on recreation.gov to make a reservation so set one up in advance to save time on the day.
• Consider going on coastal trips in the off-season (before May 1 or after September 30th) when reservations aren’t required but the weather can often be good.
• If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

North Cascades National Park Backpacking Reservations for 2024

What: North Cascades National Park is a huge park with tons of backpacking options, most of them high in the mountains. Reservations are not required for the more remote corners of the park. But if you want to visit the most popular areas, a reservation is a must. You can find info on all the trails on the North Cascades National Park website. Looking for trip ideas? Check out my trail guide for the East Bank Trail on Ross Lake.

When to Reserve: Early access lottery is open March 4-15, 2024. On March 22, lottery applicants will find out if they “won” a chance to make a reservation. If you won, you will be assigned a time between March 25 and April 23 to go to log-in to the site and make a reservation. On April 29, all reservable sites that weren’t allocated as part of the lottery will be available.

Where to Reserve: Online via recreation.gov

How Much Do Reservations Cost: There is a $6 non-refundable transaction fee and a refundable $20 fee to complete a permit reservation.

Do You Need to Reserve? No. About 40% permits are available for walk-ups. To get a walk-up permit you need to go to a ranger station either the first day of your trip or the day before your trip.

Tips and Tricks For Getting a Reservation:

• Come up with lots of alternative itineraries.
• You can only submit one reservation request per person so if cost isn’t an issue, consider having a few people in your group submit requests.
• If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

So there you have it: 2024 Washington backpacking reservation dates for 4 different parks. How many of these parks have you done already? Tell me in the comments. I’ve been backpacking in all of them except Mount Rainier National Park. But the real question should be: which of these parks do you want to visit next? (My answer might be all of them. Eep.)

READ NEXT:

I’ve got trail guides for a few hikes in Washington’s parks

• Shi Shi Beach Hiking and Camping Guide
• Ozette Loop Backpacking Trip Guide
• How to Hike and Camp at Toleak Point in Olympic National Park
• The East Bank Trail in North Cascades National Park

MORE BACKPACKING POSTS:

• BC Backpacking Reservation Dates You Need to Know
• Backpacking Checklist: Gear You Need To Go Backpacking
• 9 Best Washington Road Trips
• Coastal Hiking Tips: Advice for Beach Backpacking
• How to Leave No Trace (And Why it’s Important!)
• 16 Things to do Before a Hike
• The 10 Essentials: Things You Should Bring on Every Hike

The post 2024 Washington Backpacking Reservation Dates appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

With opportunities to explore some of the nation’s most beautiful national parks, view incredible wildlife, and see some of the coolest and most unique natural features, driving your own car or taking a rental gives you plenty of chances to experience new places.

Dawn Outdoors Contributor Kassidy lived in Washington for six months. She spent nearly every weekend out exploring so she has visited almost all of these places! In this post, she will share her favorites so you can plan your own road trip through Washington.

This list of the best Washington road trips includes:

• 9 Washington road trip ideas from all over the state
• The best time to visit Washington: What months are best?
• How many days do you need for a Washington road trip?
• Tips for road trips in Washington including info on driving, cell phones, hotel booking, and more.

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Best Washington Road Trip Ideas

1. Olympic Peninsula

Starting Point: Seattle

Time Needed: 7+ days

As one of the most diverse areas of Washington, taking a road trip around the Olympic Peninsula will have you feeling like you’ve been transported from one state to another.

Olympic National Park makes up the peninsula that sits in the far northwestern corner of Washington. It’s home to the only temperate rainforest in the United States, endless miles of ocean coastline, and a snow-capped mountain range.

With parks of the park at sea level and others high up in the mountains, the best time to visit Olympic National Park is… year-round. (The season will influence which part of the park you can visit.)

Starting in Seattle, loop down towards Olympia and begin to make your way up towards Port Angeles. This is where you’ll really start to get into the park.

Start your visit to the Olympic Peninsula at Hurricane Ridge, where you can enjoy views of the Olympic Mountain Range. The Hurricane Hill hike leaves from the visitor center and is a paved trail that leads to a phenomenal viewpoint.

Next, spend some time by Lake Crescent, and if you’re brave enough, make the tough climb to Mount Storm King. I love packing up a hiking lunch and enjoying it at the top of Mount Storm King. Then visit Sol Duc Falls and the Sol Duc Hot Springs for a relaxing evening.

On your next day, stop into the small town of Forks, which was the inspiration for the famous Twilight movie series. Then make your way to the many beaches that line the western edge of the Olympic Peninsula. Ruby and Rialto Beaches are some of the best, as are the Kalaloch Beaches, where you’ll find the Tree of Life. You can also take a backpacking trip to the Ozette Triangle, Shi Shi Beach, or Toleak Point.

Lastly, visit the Hoh Rainforest, which is one of the only rainforests in the country. It’s very beautiful, and there are several trails that you can hike to get up close and personal to the unique environment.

Where to Stay on the Olympic Peninsula

Port Angeles: Book a stay at the Olympic Lodge by Ayres. It’s a modern hotel with decor that hearkens back to the classic National Park lodge style. It’s an easy drive to Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent from here. Check rates.

Lake Crescent: Built in 1916, the historic Lake Crescent Lodge includes cabins and hotel rooms. Most have an incredible view of the lake and surrounding mountains. Check rates.

Sol Duc Hot Springs: The best way to experience the springs is to stay at the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort. They have cute cabins on the same property as the hot springs. Check rates.

Forks: Stay in the heart of the rainforest at the Misty Valley Inn. This cute B&B has a great deck for soaking up the sun. Check rates.

2. North Cascades Highway

Starting Point: Seattle

Time Needed: 4+ days

One of the most beautiful and underrated national parks in the entire country can be found right in Washington state. And with a road trip along the North Cascades Highway, you can experience the entire thing!

Starting in Seattle, make your way north towards Highway 20. This highway closes regularly in the winter months due to heavy snowfall, so be sure to squeeze this road trip in during the summer or fall! Once you’ve made it onto the highway, you’ll drive for a bit before you start to see the views. But once you start to see them, they’ll never end!

The small town of Marblemount marks the real entrance into the park and where you’ll start getting into some windier roads. From here, there will be plenty of stops to pull off and enjoy the views of embark on a hike.

Diablo Lake is one of the best stopping points, as well as the Washington Pass Overlook. Both of these can be reached right off Highway 20.

As for hiking trails, Blue Lake and Maple Pass Loop are two of the best. Blue Lake is one of the best beginner friendly hikes in Washington, so it’s great for all skill levels! Other great options include Thunder Knob, Sahale Arm, Cutthroat Pass, and the East Bank Trail along Ross Lake.

It’s worth continuing past the eastern boundary of North Cascades National Park to the tiny town of Winthrop. It has a fun Western theme along with lots of cute shops, restaurants, and hotels.

Overall, the North Cascades Highway road trip is the perfect trip for those who love hiking and are looking for a way to disconnect from the outside world on their road trip in Washington.

Where to Stay on the North Cascades Highway

Marblemount: Stay at the historic North Cascades Inn, opened in 1889. It’s an easy jumping-off point for drives into North Cascades National Park. Check rates.

Diablo Lake: Camp in the heart of the National Park at Colonial Creek Campground, situated on the shores of Diablo Lake. You can hike right from your campsite. Check rates.

Winthrop: The Methow River Lodge gives you the best of both worlds: You get a cute cabin along the river with a wilderness feel, and the shops and restaurants of “downtown” Winthrop are just a 10-minute walk away. Check rates.

3. Mount Baker Highway

Starting Point: Seattle

Time Needed: 3+ days

If you’ve already visited North Cascades National Park or are looking for somewhere even less visited, then planning a trip to the Mount Baker Highway is a must. This is my favorite area in all of Washington.

You’ll drive north of Seattle towards Bellingham and almost into Canada. If you have extra time, drop into Bellingham. The quaint downtown has several great craft breweries. If you visit on a Saturday, be sure to stop at the farmer’s market.

After Bellingham, your route turns inland towards the Deming area. From here, you’ll head east on Mount Baker Highway to start exploring this beautiful stretch of land.

Most of this road trip is in Mount Baker National Forest. But it’s worth a stop in the town of Glacier before you get into the forest. It has a great brewery as well as a few restaurants and hotels.

There’s a lot to explore along this highway, and you’ll start to see views of the Cascade Range and Mount Baker not too long after you start the drive. But the closer you get to the end of the road, the better the views get.

This road trip could be great year-round, as long as you keep an eye on the road conditions. You won’t be able to do hikes in the winter, but Mount Baker does have a popular ski area.

In summer, check out all of the amazing hikes including Artist Point, Chain Lakes Loop, Lake Ann, and Bagley Lakes. I highly recommend walking to Artist Point, even if that means walking on the road for a short time. It’s so beautiful and a one-of-a-kind view!

You’ll also want to make a stop at Picture Lake, one of the most picturesque lakes you’ll ever see. The Mount Baker Highway dead-ends at Artist Point, so retrace your route back to Seattle once you’ve finished admiring the views.

Where to Stay on the Mount Baker Highway

Bellingham: Stay within walking distance of everything at Hotel Leo. Most of the rooms are pretty big and while the hotel is older, the decor and amenities are very modern. Check rates.

Glacier: This time town is full of adorable rental cabins. The Charming Cedar Chalet is nestled into the rainforest. The best part? The wooden outdoor hot tub! Check rates.

Mount Baker National Forest: Immerse yourself in the wilderness by reserving a campsite at the Silver Fir or Douglas Fir Campgrounds. Check rates.

4. Eastern Washington

Starting Point: Spokane

Time Needed: 4+ days

When people think of road-tripping Washington, they often forget about the eastern half of the state. But there is so much to see here that is overlooked and forgotten about!

Starting in Spokane, plan your trip to explore Eastern Washington. Head south towards Palouse Falls to start. This massive waterfall is one worth seeing. It’s Washington’s state waterfall, which is saying a lot being that there are so many of them!

As you head north, check to see if any events are happening at The Gorge Amphitheater in Quincy. This unique concert venue has hosted hundreds of shows and has a stunning backdrop for music.

As you head north, it’s worth making a detour to Lake Chelan. Take the foot-passenger ferry down the lake to Stehekin, a unique town surrounded by North Cascades National Park. It makes a fun day trip or a longer excursion to access some incredible hiking.

Then make your way up to Coulee City to visit Steamboat Rock State Park. This unique and beautiful park is a must-see. I loved it more than I thought I would because it’s such an interesting area. I also really loved that it’s so much less busy than Western Washington.

You can also then visit the Grand Coulee Dam before finishing your loop road trip back to Spokane. The dam is the largest producer of hydroelectricity in the United States!

Where to Stay in Eastern Washington

The Gorge: The gorgeous Sagecliffe Resort & Spa has incredible views from both the main hotel building and the private cliffhouse cottages. Check rates.

Lake Chelan: Stay in wine country near the shores of Lake Chelan at the Lakeside Lodge and Suites. Check rates.

Steamboat Rock State Park: Book a rustic cabin or campsite at Steamboat Rock State Park. You can hike right from your site or walk over to Banks Lake for a swim. Check rates.

5. Mount Rainier National Park

Starting Point: Seattle or Portland

Time Needed: 5+ days

Perhaps the most popular national park in Washington is Mount Rainier. This could be because it’s the tallest mountain in the state and it dominates the Seattle skyline for everyone to see.

A road trip to Mount Rainier National Park is a great way to explore Washington’s natural beauty. Starting from either Seattle or Portland, Oregon, head towards the national park.

Starting with Paradise, which is on the southern side of the mountain, you’ll explore the area around Paradise Inn. This is also the perfect place to stay for your visit.

From the inn, you can visit Myrtle Falls and take the ever-popular Skyline Loop Trail for some of the most amazing views of the mountain. Be sure to check the weather before going to Paradise, because when we went, it was so foggy we couldn’t even see the mountain.

After spending time in Paradise, follow Stevens Canyon Road through Ohanapecosh towards Sunrise. Stop at Reflection Lake and the many overlooks on the way. If you need supplies or a place to stay, take a detour down Highway 123 and then Highway 12 to the town of Packwood.

At Sunrise, embark on the Mount Fremont Fire Lookout Trail. This hike gives you incredible, unobstructed views of Mount Rainier.

For a few more added days in a less busy area, head to Carbon River and Mowich Lake. You’ll find far fewer people on this side of the park, but the Tolmie Peak Fire Lookout is a must and will complete your trip to Mount Rainier. 

Where to Stay at Mount Rainier

Paradise Area: The historic Paradise Inn is over 100 years old and lets you stay right in the heart of the park. The log-beamed atrium is stunning! Check rates.

Ohanapecosh Area: Located roughly halfway between Paradise and Sunrise, the Ohanapecosh Campground is a great base for exploring the park. Check rates.

Packwood: Choose from hotel-style rooms or self-contained cabins with kitchens at the Packwood Lodge and Cabins. They have an on-site restaurant too. Check rates.

6. I-90 and Highway 2 Loop

Starting Point: Seattle

Time Needed: 5+ days

There’s a lot to explore in Northern Washington, and by putting together a loop by combining the I-90 and Highway 2 drives, you’ll create one epic road trip.

Start in Seattle and begin by driving east on I-90. You’ll quickly start coming across places to stop, beginning with North Bend. Here you’ll find trailheads for some of the most popular hikes near Seattle; Rattlesnake Ledge, Twin Falls, and Mount Si. If you’re looking for a short hike, walk the 1.4-mile trail to Snoqualmie Falls. (You might recognize it from the TV show Twin Peaks!)

As you continue along the road, you’ll drive by Snoqualmie Pass. This is a ski resort in the winter, and a great place to do some hiking throughout the rest of the year.

Even if you aren’t a hiker, the views along this route are beautiful, and you’ll find that it’s still worth it! Plus, the many short trails and parks allow for easy walks to viewpoints. The 2-mile hike to Franklin Falls is one of the most popular.

Continue along past Cle Elum and you’ll come to the small town of Thorp, which is where you’ll turn onto Highway 97 towards Leavenworth. Once you’ve made it to the Bavarian village of Leavenworth, turn west onto Highway 2 and spend some time in the small town.

Leavenworth is a gateway to some of the best hiking in the state, including the challenging trek to the Enchantments or the family-friendly Icicle Gorge Trail.

As you continue on the road, you’ll come across another ski resort, Stevens Pass, and many more trailheads for popular hiking trails. You can stop at any of them along your way before making it back to Seattle. Try the Iron Goat Trail, which takes you along an old railroad grade and through several abandoned tunnels.

Where to Stay on the I-90 and Highway 2 Loop

North Bend: There are tons of adorable cabins near North Bend. The Riverbend Retreat A-Frame has indoor and outdoor fireplaces, a sunroom with river views, and cute rustic-meets-modern decor. Check rates.

Cle Elum: Located just a few minutes away from Snoqualmie Pass, the Best Western Snowcap Lodge is a hiker’s favourite thanks to the included breakfast. Check rates.

Leavenworth: Immerse yourself in the town’s German theme at the Bavarian Lodge. The hotel’s decor and food (including the free breakfast) will transport you to the Bavarian Alps. Check rates.

Stevens Pass: Stay at a ski cabin in Skykomish, a few minutes from Stevens Pass. Foss Haus A-Frame has huge windows that look out on the surrounding forest. There’s also an outdoor hot tub on the huge deck. Check rates.

7. Columbia River Gorge

Starting Point: Portland

Time Needed: 3+ days

Although many people think of the Columbia River Gorge being more so in Oregon, there is plenty to explore on the Washington side as well.

Starting from the Vancouver area just outside of Portland, you can make your way down the shore of the Columbia River and stop off at all of the best hiking trails and scenic viewpoints.

Cape Horn Lookout is one of the first viewpoints to stop off at, and you can also complete the hike here. But it is a pretty long hike.

Beacon Rock and Hamilton Mountain come next, followed shortly by Dog Mountain. This hike is one of the most popular, particularly in the springtime with the alpine wildflowers begin to bloom and create a sea of yellow and purple.

Continue up the Gorge past the Bridge of the Gods and the town of Stevenson. Spirit Falls is one of my favorite hidden gems along this Washington road trip, and Coyote Wall is another beautiful option that is lesser known. These are two of my favorite spots near Portland, and there are often fewer visitors on both of them!

If you have extra time, you can cross the Hood River Bridge that leads from White Salmon to Hood River and spend some time exploring the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge.

Where to Stay in the Columbia River Gorge

Stevenson: The recently renovated Hotel Stevenson is a family-run boutique hotel. It gets great reviews for its quaint and cozy rooms. Check rates.

Beacon Rock State Park: Book a campsite at Beacon Rock State Park in the heart of the gorge. It’s a great base for lots of hiking trails. Check rates.

Carson Hot Springs Resort: Take a short detour up into the mountains and step back in time. The same family has run the bathhouse and hotel at Carson Hot Springs Resort for generations. Check rates.

White Salmon: There are tons of great vacation rentals in the Columbia River Gorge. The Perched on the Edge of the Gorge House has incredible views and a private hot tub. Check rates.

8. Highway 2 and the North Cascades Highway

Starting Point: Seattle

Time Needed: 5+ days

Another way to experience Highway 2 and the North Cascades Highway is to put them together as one long road trip in Washington. Starting in Seattle, begin the trip by driving east on Highway 2 towards Leavenworth.

Make stops along the way as you see fit at places like Heybrook Lookout, Lake Serene, and Wallace Falls. Be sure to spend some time in Leavenworth before continuing to the small towns of Orondo and Chelan. From here, head north until you’ve made it to Highway 20.

Once you’ve made it onto Highway 20, you’ll quickly make your way into North Cascades National Park. You’ll be going the opposite way that most people do, which is nice because there will typically be less traffic!

Stop and explore the hundreds of hiking trails throughout the park and add on some of the hikes that I mentioned above.

This is a great way to experience two of Washington’s best scenic drives, all in one trip.

Where to Stay on Highway 2 and the North Cascades Highway

Leavenworth: Immerse yourself in the town’s German theme at the Bavarian Lodge. The hotel’s decor and food (including the free breakfast) will transport you to the Bavarian Alps. Check rates.

Lake Chelan: Stay in wine country near the shores of Lake Chelan at the Lakeside Lodge and Suites. Check rates.

Winthrop: The Methow River Lodge gives you the best of both worlds: You get a cute cabin along the river with a wilderness feel, and the shops and restaurants of “downtown” Winthrop are just a 10-minute walk away. Check rates.

Diablo Lake: Camp in the heart of the National Park at Colonial Creek Campground, situated on the shores of Diablo Lake. You can hike right from your campsite. Check rates.

9. Mount St. Helens and Mount Rainer

Starting Point: Seattle or Portland

Time Needed: 5+ days

Washington has many mountains that bring in visitors from all over, but two of the most popular are Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens. By taking this road trip, you can see both of them in one go!

Plan to start in either Seattle or Portland and head out for your first day of exploring. 

For Mount St. Helens, visit the Johnston Ridge Observatory to learn more about the 1980 eruption of the active volcano. Many hikes from here lead you into the blast zone to see the devastating damage.

Mount St. Helens is my favorite mountain in Washington, and I find that many people forget about it. So if you want fewer crowds, I would plan a trip here!

Another must-see near Mount St. Helens is Ape Cave, which is one of the country’s longest lava tubes. You can walk underground through the cave, which is quite unique.

Then head to Mount Rainier to see Washington’s tallest mountain. Here you can check out more hikes, like the Skyline Loop and Tolmie Peak Lookout.

Where to Stay at Mount St. Helens and Mount Rainier

Longview: The town of Longview is a great base for trips to Mount St. Helen’s. Book a room at the top-rated Best Western Aladdin Inn which has a great breakfast and friendly staff. Check rates.

Mount Rainier: The historic Paradise Inn is over 100 years old and lets you stay right in the heart of the park. The log-beamed atrium is stunning! Check rates.

Best Time to Visit Washington State

While Washington is beautiful year-round, there is a best time to visit to ensure that you avoid being met with closed roads and snow-covered trails.

It’s best to plan your visit to Washinton between June and September. This is when there is the least chance for snow and road closures. It’s also when the weather is the warmest.

However, no mountains are immune to snow in the summer, so always check road conditions before traveling to avoid disappointment!

How Many Days Do I Need For a Washington Road Trip?

How many days you’ll need to complete these trips will depend on which route you’re choosing to take. Some only need 3 days, while others might need a full week.

I’d personally recommend having a full week to explore almost all of them so you can fully experience the most, but if you only have a few days, select one of the routes that requires less time.

Tips for Road Trips in Washington State

• The easiest places to rent a car for your Washington road trip are Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac), downtown Seattle, Portland International Airport, and downtown Portland. I use Discover Cars because it lets me compare prices across different rental companies.
• If you like exploring, I recommend renting an SUV so you can drive on bumpy forest service roads. But you can drive any of these road trips in Washington in a regular car.
• In the summer, hotels in popular locations get booked up. Make reservations in advance.
• Washington’s mountains make it tough to get cell phone reception in some places. Expect to lose reception in parts of the Olympic Peninsula, the North Cascades, and near Mount Rainier.
• Keep in mind that Washington has strict cell phone laws for drivers. It is illegal to use a phone to talk or text while driving including when you are stopped in traffic or at a red light. You can use your phone in hands-free mode via Bluetooth though.
• Washington has a great network of highway rest areas. You will never have to drive too far without passing one. They all have free (and usually clean) restrooms). Some have free coffee supplied by local volunteers (who welcome donations).
• Seattle weekend traffic is real! If you can, avoid driving out of the city on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings. And avoid driving back into the city on Sunday afternoons.

From towering mountains to rugged coastline and beautiful views, Washington State is the perfect place to plan a road trip. Pack up the campervan, your own car, or a rental car and embark on some of the best Washington road trips to truly appreciate this beautiful state.

Thanks to Kassidy for sharing this gorgeous guide to the best Washington road trips. You can read more about Kassidy’s adventures on her website, the Hiking Helper.

READ NEXT:

• 2023 Washington Backpacking Reservation Dates
• Ozette Loop Hiking and Backpacking Guide
• Shi Shi Beach Hiking and Camping Guide
• How to Hike and Camp at Toleak Point in Olympic National Park
• Hike the East Bank Trail in North Cascades National Park

The post 9 Best Washington Road Trips appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

The Ozette Loop is gorgeous! I like this area so much I’ve backpacked here twice. It has great tide pools, and beautiful sunset views. And about 1/3 of the hike is directly along the coast. As day hike, it’s moderate. But if you split it up into 2 or 3 days as a backpacking trip, it’s ridiculously easy, which makes it great for kids and beginners.

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Ozette Loop Trail Overview

The Ozette Loop trail has an equilateral triangle shape with the parking lot at it’s apex (in fact it is also known as the Ozette Triangle Trail). Two sides of the triangle are trails through the woods out to the coast, and the third side where the campsites are is along the coast.

The loop is only 9.2 miles (15km) long so you can definitely hike it in one day. But given how long it takes to get there (and how beautiful the area is) I recommend camping and spending a few days on the trail. It’s an easy trip that is perfect for beginner backpackers or kids.

The coastal section is also part of the much longer North Coast Route in Olympic National Park so there are lots of options for extending your trip. (You can hike from Cape Alava all the way to Shi Shi Beach.)

Ozette Loop Trail Fees, Permits and Reservations

Olympic National Park Entrance Fee

You need to buy a Park Entrance pass for your car to hike or camp in the park. It’s $30 per vehicle and is good for 7 days. You can buy your pass online at Recreation.gov or in the park. Leave it on the dash any time you park your car inside the National Park.

If you are day hiking, this is the only fee you need to pay.

Camping Permits and Fees

You must obtain a backcountry permit to camp at any of the campsites on the Ozette Loop Trail or any other backcountry location in Olympic National Park.

You can obtain a permit online via Recreation.gov. This is a very popular area and it does get fully booked up. Your best bet is to come before Memorial Day (the last Monday in May) or after Labour Day (the first Monday in September) or plan a trip that avoids weekends.

The earliest you can make a reservation for a permit is six months before your trip. Reservations cost $6 per trip. You will also need to pay a wilderness fee of $8 per person per night.

READ NEXT: 2022 Washington Backpacking Reservation Dates

Ozette Loop Trail Description

Unlike some loop hikes, there is no recommended direction of travel on the Ozette Loop. However, I like to start with the southern section and then hike north as the sun as it at your back rather than in your eyes.

From the parking area, follow the trail across the bridge. A few minutes later, arrive at a junction, where you go left. The trail on the right is your return route.

For the next three miles the trail heads southwest towards the ocean on a mix of gravel trail and boardwalks. In general, it’s very easy hiking, unless the boardwalks are slippery.

The trail emerges on the beach at Sand Point. Take some time to explore the area including a collapsed sea stack hill you can climb for great views. If you are camping and want to extend your trip you can turn left here and hike south down the beach to Yellow Banks.

But if you just want to complete the Ozette Loop hike, turn right and follow the coast. The next three miles will be along the beach. Sometimes it is easy walking on sand, but in other places, you may have to pick your way across slippery rocks. Try to time your trip for low tide for the easiest passage.

READ NEXT: Coastal Hiking Tips: Advice for Beach Hiking and Backpacking

About four miles from the start (and one mile from Sand Point) you will arrive at a tidal obstacle. If the tide is below 5.5 feet, you can walk on the beach. If it is not, you will need to take a short and rough overland trail. Look for the red and black circular markers to find the bypass trail.

Continue along the beach. About five miles from the start you will arrive at Wedding Rocks. If you look carefully here, you will discover some Indigenous petroglyphs.

Wedding Rocks is another tidal obstacle. You can remain on the beach if the tide is 5 feet or lower. If not, you can scramble around on the rocks or use a network of trails that cross over the bluff.

Keep hiking down the beach until you reach the camping area at Cape Alava. It has great views of Ozette Island just offshore as well as Tskawahyah Island to the north. You may also be able to spot sea otters in the kelp forests just offshore.

The land just to the north of the campground (including Cape Alava proper and Tskawahyah Island) are part of the Ozette Indian reservation so you can’t camp there and you should not climb on the island as it is sacred to the Indigenous Makah people (although you can walk the beach around it at low tide).

The area was the site of an archeological dig in the 1980s as historically it was an important village. Today, the only thing that remains now is a falling down shack that was once a ranger station and a little hut with a memorial plaque and some pieces of whale bone.

Once you have finished exploring Cape Alava, find the start of the inland trail in the campground near the creek. Follow the trail for three miles as it heads back to the parking lot on a mix of boardwalk and gravel trail. It is mostly in the forest, but does pass through some sections of interesting coastal bog.

Arrive back at the junction and go left and over the bridge to return to the parking lot.

How to Get to the Ozette Loop Trail

There is no public transportation to the trailhead so you’ll have to drive yourself. However, there may be hiker shuttle companies operating in the area – call the Wilderness Information Center to ask.

Travel time to the trailhead is time consuming: about 6.5 hours from Vancouver or about 4.5 hours from Seattle both of which involve a trip on a Washington State ferry.

If you need a car, the best places to rent a car are Vancouver or Seattle. You can also rent cars in Port Angeles. I use Discover Cars since it lets you compare prices from lots of different companies. That way you can be sure you are getting the best deal.

There is a big gravel parking lot at the trailhead. You must display proof of National Park entry fees on your dashboard.

Where to Stay Near the Ozette Loop Trail

Given the driving distance to the trailhead, you may want to stay in the area the night before you start the trail.

Hotels Near the Ozette Loop Trail

There are several good hotels in Port Angeles, the closest city to the trailhead at 2 hours away. The Aircrest Motel gets great reviews and is budget priced. The Red Lion Hotel is right on the harbor and has great views.

There aren’t a lot of places to stay closer to the trailhead since it is such a rural area. One of the closest places is Curley’s Resort in the town of Sekiu, which is 40 minutes away.

Camping Near the Ozette Loop Trail

There are several campgrounds in between Port Angeles and the trailhead.

• Lake Ozette campground in Olympic National Park:$20/night, first come first served, 15 sites, right at the trail head.
• Olympic National Forest Klahowya Campground along the Sol Duc River on highway 101: $17/night, first come first served, 50 sites, 1.25 hours from the trailhead.
• Fairholme campground in Olympic National Park on Lake Crescent: $24/night, 88 sites, reserve at Recreation.gov, 1.5 hours from the trailhead.

Tides on the Ozette Loop Trail

Unlike the rest of the Olympic coast routes, you aren’t entirely dependent on the tides on the Ozette Loop since there are rough bypass trails around both of the tidal obstacles. Large red and black circular markers show all the places where the main trail or a tidal obstacle bypass trail hits the beach. You’ll want to print out and carry the La Push tide table with you along with a wristwatch.

There are two places on the loop where you need to be aware of the tides: one mile north of Sand Banks and at Wedding Rocks. Find details on both in the trail description above.

Backcountry Camping on the Ozette Loop Trail

The main camping areas on the Ozette Loop are the two locations where the inland trail hits the beach: Sand Point and Cape Alava. There are also several other sites along the trail or nearby.

Camping at Sand Point

The Sand Point campsite has a pit toilet and numerous campsites in the forest. With a few exceptions, the campsites at Sand Point do not have views as they are set back in the trees. You can also camp on the beach above the high tide line but in some places there may not be much beach left when the tide comes in. Right at the point, there are two grassy collapsed sea stack hills that you can climb for a great view.

The main water source at this campsite is Wish Creek, located about 400 meters down the beach to the south of the point. You may have to walk up into the forest along the creek bed to find a place where it is flowing deep enough.

Campfires are not permitted at Sand Point.

Camping at Cape Alava

Cape Alava has quite a few very nice campsites that are off the sand but have a view of the water or you can camp on the beach above the high tide line.

This campsite has two pit toilets. One is easily visible from the main trail through the campsites. The other one is hidden a bit behind some trees directly behind a campsite at the northern end of the campground (I didn’t even know it was there until my third visit to the area!)

The water source at Cape Alava is located right near where the inland trail hits the beach and there is a log bridge over the creek so it’s hard to miss. However, the creek often has very low flow so you will have to climb down into the creek bed and follow it inland for a bit. Alternately you can walk out to Cape Alava, then about 400m down the beach to the north to find a better water source hidden back in the trees next to a couple (illegal) campsites.

Campfires are permitted at Cape Alava but you can only use driftwood (not wood from the forest) and there isn’t that much of it.

Other Camping Options on the Ozette Loop

If you want to beat the crowds at Sand Point and Cape Alava you have a few other options for camping.

Camping at South Sand Point

On my last trip we made a reservation for the campsite at South Sand Point, about a mile south of the main Sand Point camping area and had it all to ourselves. This campsite has 4 or 5 level tent sites in the trees on a bluff above the beach, a throne style pit toilet and a creek for water. Despite what is marked on some maps, you can find the campsite right where the South Sand Point Trail to Lake Ozette meets the beach. Campfires are not permitted at South Sand Point.

Camping at Wedding Rocks

You can also make reservations to camp at Wedding Rocks, a rock outcropping with some Indigenous petroglyphs. The camping here is not actually right at the rocks but at a few locations just to the south or north up the bank in the trees. The sites aren’t marked.

There are no pit toilets so you will need to dig a cat hole and go to the bathroom the Leave No Trace way. There are also no water source so you will have to haul water in from one of the sources near Cape Alava or Sand Point. Campfires are not permitted at Wedding Rocks.

READ NEXT: Backpacking Checklist: Gear You Need To Go Backpacking

Ozette Loop Trail Backpacking Itineraries

One Night: Break the trip up into one 3 mile day and one 6 mile day, staying overnight at either Sand Point or Cape Alava. camp about halfway through the loop at Wedding Rocks to make two 4.5 mile days.

Two Nights: For a very relaxed trip, stay one night at Cape Alava and one night at Sand Point, hiking 3 miles each day. Or stay one night at South Sand Point and another at Cape Alava. Staying at South Sand Point will add 2 miles to your trip.

READ NEXT: Backpacking for Beginners: Tips for Getting Started

Food Storage on the Ozette Loop Trail

Bear Canisters Required

Apparently the racoons on the Olympic Coast are particularly intelligent and have figured out how to eat hiker’s food if it is hung in a tree (which usually works to keep bears out if it).

The National Park’s Wilderness Food Storage Policy now requires that all backcountry campers on the entire coast store their food in bear canisters.

You can borrow canisters from the Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center (WIC) in Port Angeles. There is no charge as long as you have a wilderness permit. They even have a handy drop slot if you need to return your canister after they have closed for the night.

Bear Canister Packing Tips

Travelling with a bear canister requires a bit of advance planning. Store all of your scented items (toiletries, etc.), garbage and food in the canister at night or if you aren’t right next to it (for example if you are off on a day hike).

Plan lightweight and compact meals and bring minimal toiletries. If you pack efficiently you can usually share one canister between two people for a two night trip. Planning for one canister per person (or perhaps two canisters between three people) is a bit more prudent.

Most people choose to put the canister inside their pack as they are difficult (though not impossible) to strap to the outside. In camp, store your canisters away from your tent and kitchen area. Make sure they can’t be rolled away (or into the water!) Here are more tips about using a bear canister.

If you plan to do multiple trips in areas where bear canisters are required, it’s easier to just buy your own instead of renting one. I own both the Garcia Machine Backpackers Cache and the Bear Vault. I prefer the Bear Vault since it has straight sides so it’s easier to pack, and it’s clear so you can see whats at the bottom. Check prices: MEC | REI | Amazon.

Water Sources and Water Treatment on the Ozette Loop Trail

There are few water sources on the trail: just the ones already mentioned at South Sand Point, Sand Point and Cape Alava. The water sources are coastal swamps and can be quite tea-colored. Some people prefer to add drink powder to their water to disguise the color.  

Later in the season the streams can be dry so inquire with the WIC before your trip.  As well, reports show that there are parasites (cryptosporidium and giardia) in the streams. Iodine is not an effective treatment for parasites so filter or boil your water before drinking.

I use the Platypus Gravity Works filter. You can fill up the dirty water reservoir at the creek, carry it back to the campsite, then let gravity do the work of filtering your water. We have the 2L size, but our friends have the 4L size which is great for groups. Buy: MEC | REI | Amazon.

Further Reading and Maps for the Ozette Loop Trail

You can find more information about the Ozette Loop on the Olympic National Park website. It has a good overview map of the park with campsites and trails marked. For actual travel on the trail you should purchase the North Olympic Coast topographic map by Custom Correct maps as it has trails, distances, and tidal obstacles marked. You can buy it online from REI. You can also buy it at the Wilderness Information Center in Port Angeles

Before you hike the trail check the trail conditions page on Olympic National Park website. You can also read trip reports on the Washington Trails Association website.

READ NEXT:

• Coastal Hiking Tips: Advice for Beach Backpacking
• Backpacking Checklist: Gear You Need To Go Backpacking
• 20+ Ways to Reduce Your Backpack Weight
• Washington Backpacking Reservation Dates
• 9 Best Washington Road Trips
• Shi Shi Beach Hiking and Camping Guide
• How to Hike and Camp at Toleak Point in Olympic National Park
• Backpacking for Beginners: Tips for Getting Started
• Backpacking with Kids: Tips from a Tween and His Mom

The post Ozette Loop Hiking and Backpacking Guide appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado

I was surprised to hear that North America’s tallest sand dunes aren’t near an ocean. They are in Colorado’s Great Sand Dunes National Park! The park protects 30 square miles of sand dunes, including 755 foot-tall Star Dune, the tallest dune on the continent. The strenuous hike to the top of the dune takes 5 hours. If you’re looking for something a bit more fast-paced, rent a sandboard in the nearby town of Alamosa and sled on the dunes. This lesser unknown American National Park is also a popular spot for hiking, camping, four-wheel-drive exploring, and star-gazing.

Lassen Volcanic National Park, California

When I think of geothermal areas with boiling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and hot springs, Yellowstone National Park comes to mind. But Northern California’s Lassen Volcanic National Park has thermal features too, without all the crowds. (And omg the crowds on my visit to Yellowstone!) The park’s Lassen Peak is an active volcano that last erupted in 1921. Hardy hikers can make the 5-hour trek to the summit. The volcano’s underground heat causes all kinds of interesting activity at Bumpass Hell, Sulphur Works, and Boiling Springs Lake thermal areas.

Isle Royale National Park, Michigan

The only way to reach Isle Royale National Park is by boat or floatplane from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula or northern Minnesota. The island sits in the middle of Lake Superior near the Canadian border and is actually the least visited US National Park in the Lower 48. It’s a wild and roadless place known for excellent hiking, camping, and paddling. Isle Royale has a healthy wildlife population, but the stars of the show are the wolves and moose. The island’s isolation and lack of human population have allowed researchers to study the interactions between these two species for over 50 years. 

Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky

Kentucky has the world’s longest known cave system and it is protected inside Mammoth Cave National Park. It has over 400 miles of mapped caverns, but more are being discovered every year. The only way to go underground is on a guided ranger tour. The easiest and most accessible option is the Frozen Niagara tour that passes waterfall-like rock formations. More adventurous cavers can take challenging routes that include lots of stairs, steep hills, and squeezing through narrow passageways. You can explore in the off-season too because it’s always the same temperature underground: about 54F (12C). 

Congaree National Park, South Carolina

Although it’s been open since 2003, South Carolina’s Congaree National Park is a lesser known National Park. The park protects one of the tallest temperate deciduous forests in the world. You’ll find the tallest known examples of 15 different tree species here including a 167-foot loblolly pine, a 157-foot sweetgum, and a 154-foot cherrybark oak. The easiest way to see the trees is to follow the 2.4-mile Boardwalk Loop Trail as it meanders through the old-growth hardwood forest. You can also explore the park by canoe on the marked Cedar Creek Canoe Trail. Try to time your visit for early summer to catch the fireflies lighting up the sky each evening. 

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

North Dakota’s Theodore Roosevelt National Park includes three separate areas of eroded rock badlands. The park is named for America’s 26th president who had a ranch in the area and became enamoured with the western lifestyle. The best way to see it is to take a drive on one of the scenic parkways. There are lots of viewpoints to stop and admire the unique rock formations. Don’t miss Painted Canyon Overlook. As you drive, keep an eye out for wildlife including bison, pronghorns, wild horses, coyotes, elk, bighorn sheep, and deer. For extra cuteness, visit one of the prairie dog colonies in the southern part of the park. (The wildlife spotting here can be as good as in Yellowstone, but with a fraction of the crowds.)

Pinnacles National Park, California

As one of America’s newest National Parks, central California’s Pinnacles National Park is still under-the-radar even though it’s just 2 hours south of San Francisco. Upgraded from a National Monument to a National Park in 2013, it’s named for a series of rocky pinnacles that are actually the eroded remains of an extinct volcano. Rock climbers love to scale the pointy spires. You can see the rock formations up close from several hiking trails. One of the park’s signature hikes is Bear Gulch Cave Trail, a talus cave that is Other trails lead to hidden talus caves, home to colonies of Townsend’s big-eared bats. It’s also a great place to spot endangered California condors soaring overhead. Be sure to visit in the spring when the wildflowers erupt in a carpet of blooms.

North Cascades National Park, Washington

Washington’s North Cascades National Park is a rugged mountain paradise and includes the largest glacier system in the Lower 48. It definitely deserves its nickname: “The American Alps.” Even though it is only 2.5 hours from Seattle, it’s still an under-the-radar National Park.  Most of the park is a remote wilderness, accessible only by hiking, boating, or horseback riding and the only way to reach most summits is by mountaineering or rock climbing. If you aren’t up for a hike, you can still get great views of the peaks from the scenic pullouts along Route 20. Stop at Diablo Lake Overlook for great photo ops of the turquoise lake surrounded by mountains. (This is the only park on this list that I’ve actually been to. I spent three days there a few years ago backpacking on the East Bank Trail on Ross Lake. I’d love to go back and hike up into the mountains as they look spectacular.)

Saguaro National Park, Arizona

If you’ve seen classic cowboy films, you’re familiar with the saguaro cactus. Pronounced “suh-WAHR-oh”, these prickly plants can grow up to 40 feet tall and live for 200 years! Saguaro National Park protects two parcels of the Sonoran Desert. It’s an important habitat for this giant cactus as well as many desert plants and animals. Both parts of the park are a short distance from Tucson and are easy to explore on several different scenic roads.

Get out into nature on one of the park’s easy hikes or explore the petroglyphs at Signal Hill. If you’re up for a challenge, there are lots of challenging hikes in Saguro National Park. Be sure to stay later in the day to catch the spectacular sunset colours at Gates Pass or Javelina Rocks. I’ve heard the scenery is a bit like Joshua Tree National Park, but waaay less busy. 

Psst! Heading to Arizona? Check out this epic Arizona road trip itinerary.

Katmai National Park, Alaska

The only way to get to Alaska’s Katmai National Park is by plane or boat, which explains why it is one of the least visited National Parks. The park is named for Mount Katmai, one of 18 volcanoes in the park, many of which have erupted in the last 100 years. To explore the volcanic backcountry you’ll need to hike or take a scenic flight. However, the volcanoes aren’t the only attraction at Katmai. The park’s huge Alaskan brown bears are world-famous. Every year dozens of bears come to Brooks Camp to feast on spawning Sockeye salmon. The park has dedicated viewing platforms for visitors to watch the bears from a safe distance. 

Have you visited any of these under-the-radar US National Parks? Are there other uncrowded US National Parks you recommend? Let me know in the comments!

Read More National Parks Posts:

• 25 Things to do in Grand Teton National Park
• 70 Things to do in Yellowstone National Park
• 15 Awesome Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park
• Things to Do in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
• How to Cycle Tour the Natchez Trace Parkway
• How to Take an Epic Canadian National Parks Road Trip
• Hike the Bear Gulch Cave Trail in Pinnacles National Park
• Take an Epic Outdoors Arizona Road Trip

The post 10 Under-the-Radar US National Parks to Add to Your Bucket List appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

However, you will have to work a bit harder for that solitude by climbing up ropes and carefully planning for the tides. I’ve done quite a few trips to the Olympic Coast so far, and I think Toleak might just be my favourite. There’s enough challenging terrain to make it a bit of an adventure, without it being too hard to be enjoyable. And the scenery… oh the scenery. If you are planning your own hiking or camping trip to Toleak Point, I’ve got all the info you need to make your trip incredible.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. Thanks for supporting my website! -Taryn

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Third Beach to Toleak Point Hike Basics

Pronunciation: It’s “toe-lee-ack”. If you say “too-leek” the Rangers will giggle.

Indigenous Land: This route is on the traditional territories of the Quileute and Hob people’s. Toleak means “hole in the rock” in the Quileute language and is likely a reference to the large window in the sea stack just north of Toleak Point.

Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5km) one way

Difficulty: Moderate. There are some challenging ladders and rope-assisted bluffs to climb.

Time: Depends on the tides. One overnight or at least 3.5 hours each way.

What to Bring: Everything you need to be self-sufficient. Use my simple backpacking checklist to ensure you have the gear you need.

Permits: Olympic National Park pass required. Overnight visitors require a camping permit.

Tide Info: La Push Tide Table. You will want to look into the tides when planning your trip as they can make a BIG difference.

Toleak Point is on the coast in Olympic National Park. It’s actually part way along the South Coast Wilderness Trail, which is a longer and more difficult route from La Push in the north to Oil City in the south. The scenery on the northern section up to Toleak Point is just SO good. I think it’s worth heading into Toleak Point for a day trip or an overnight backpacking trip.

The trip starts at the Third Beach trailhead on La Push Road. Along the way, you’ll walk on sandy beaches, pass by sea stacks, climb up headlands and walk through gorgeous coastal rainforest. You’ll have to time your trip with the tides since there are some areas that require a low tide to pass. As well, there are several headland bypass trails that you can only access by hauling yourself up steep slopes with a rope. Since the wild Pacific North West weather keeps changing the landscape, the ladders and ropes are often not in very good condition.

Even though this seems like a fairly short hike, the tides and the ropes make it much more challenging. (And I think they make it much more rewarding too!) I did the trip with a group that included kids and people who are afraid of heights. Everyone made it through just fine. However, this might not be a good trail to pick for very young children or people with a severe fear of heights.

Getting There

The easiest way to get to the Third Beach trailhead is to drive yourself. However, it is possible (but VERY) time-consuming to take public transit. From Seattle, take the Bainbridge Island Ferry. Then take Clallam County bus 123 to Port Angeles, and switch to the 14 from to Forks. In Forks, transfer to bus 15 that goes to La Push. Get off at the Third Beach stop before La Push. Have a look at the Clallam County Transit schedules to plan your route. It may also be possible to book a shuttle van to the trailhead – call the Wilderness Information Center at Olympic National Park for more info.

Part of the appeal of the Olympic coast is its remoteness. But that means it takes a long time to get there. It’s about 4 hours from Seattle or 6 hours from Vancouver, BC. Keep in mind that you’ll need to take a ferry across Puget Sound at either Bainbridge Island, Edmonds or Coupeville on Whidbey Island. Book ahead for the ferry if possible.

Since it’s a long way out to the coast, you may want to consider staying overnight before or after your hike. I stayed in Olympic National Park’s Mora campground before my trip. It’s first-come, first-served. The campground is in gorgeous mossy rainforest and is a 10-minute drive from the Third Beach trailhead.

If you’d rather stay indoors, book a hotel in nearby Forks. Forks is actually where the Twilight books and films were set (although they weren’t shot here). The town has really embraced the theme with lots of fun Twilight themed sights. The closest hotel to the trailhead is the Quillayute River Resort, which also has the best reviews.

Toleak Point Fees and Permits

Unlike some of the other popular coastal areas in Olympic National Park, you don’t need a reservation to camp at Toleak Point. There is no cap on the number of permits available. However, you do need to register for a backcountry permit at the Wilderness Information Center in Port Angeles.  Camping fees are $8 per person per night plus a flat $6 permit fee per group. Kids under 15 are free. You will also need to rent a bear canister at the WIC (see the food storage section below for more info).

You’ll also need to buy a Park Entrance pass for your car. It’s $30 per vehicle for 7 days. You can buy your pass at the WIC at the same time as you pick up your permit. Leave it on the dash at the trailhead and any time you park your car inside the National Park.

Toleak Point Trail Description

Trailhead

The trail starts at the Third Beach trailhead on Highway 110/La Push Road. There is a long gravel pull out on the side of the road for parking but it does fill up on summer weekends. There are “No Parking” signs along the highway for a mile on either side of the parking lot, so get there early to get a spot. Unfortunately, there are also signs warning about theft from cars. Don’t leave anything of value in your car. I saw broken glass on the ground, but we left two cars parked there for two nights and didn’t have any problems.

There is a pit toilet at the trailhead. Use it as it’s the nicest toilet anywhere on the trail. There are also a few info boards with a map of the trail and some educational info about the local ecosystem.

Trailhead to Third Beach

Distance: 1.4 miles

Elevation Change: Descend 260 feet

The first mile of the trail towards Third Beach is quite flat. It meanders through beautiful mossy forest on a trail that looks like it was a road long ago. The final section of trail loses 260 feet of elevation as it descends towards Third Beach. Some parts are a bit steep with stairs to help you climb down. The trail emerges in the middle of sandy Third Beach. Cross the log jam over Newbert Creek to get to the beach. There’s a campsite here, but pushing onwards to Toleak Point is worth it. (See camping section below for more info on where to camp.)

Third Beach to Taylor Point Overland Trail

Distance: 1.6 miles

Elevation Change: Ascend 180 feet, descend 60 feet, ascend 140 feet, descend 260 feet

From Third Beach, turn left and walk along the beach for 0.4 miles. About halfway along there is a persistent landslide of rocks and trees that may block the beach at tides over 5 feet. However, you can easily scramble up the bank and over it on a very short unofficial trail.

Towards the end of the bay, there is a beautiful waterfall cascading down the cliffs. Look for the tidal bypass trail marker leaving the beach towards the end of the sign. There’s a fixed rope here to help you climb up the steep bank. This is the first of several ropes you’ll need to use along the trail to climb up steep slopes about 50 feet high.

After the rope, you’ll continue climbing steeply through the forest using a hanging ladder and another rope. After about 0.2 miles, the worst of the steep climbing is over.

At about 0.3 miles you’ll descend gently to the banks of a stream. This is creek feeds the waterfall you saw on the beach earlier. There is a clearing here that is large enough to hold two tents if you need to camp in an emergency.

From the stream, the trail continues for another mile through lush, green coastal rainforest. Most of the trail is flat, but there are a few short climbs. The last 0.1 miles is a steep descend down to a rocky cove. There is another emergency campsite on a flat bluff just before you make the final descent into the cove.

Taylor Point Overland Trail to Scott Creek

Distance: 1 mile

Elevation Change: Ascend 50 feet, descend 50 feet, ascend 60 feet, descend 60 feet.

From the rocky cove at the end of the Taylor Point Overland Trail, you’ll need to consult the tides. If the tide is below 4.5 feet, you can continue on the rocks around the point to get out of the cove.

However, at higher tides, you’ll need to go up the bank on a very short overland trail. It’s a short walk up to the top with a rope to help if you need it. At the top, you plunge steeply down the other side. There’s a rope for assistance. It looks dauntingly steep from the top, but once you are on the slope it’s not so bad.

Once you are out of the cove, continue for 0.6 miles along the sandy beach. Look for the steep overland trail ascending into the forest at Scott’s Bluff. If the tide is over below 1 foot, you can continue on the beach. If it’s over 1 foot you’ll need to go up into the forest.  The forest route is 0.4 miles long and the beach route is 0.3 miles long. However, the beach route requires a lot of scrambling and climbing over slippery boulders. Having done it both ways, I don’t know if the beach is any faster.

The forest route starts with a long and steep rope-assisted climb off the beach. It then continues through coastal rainforest before descending much more gently to the sand at Scott Creek. There’s a campsite here and a creek with good water.

Scott Creek to Toleak Point

Distance: 2.4 miles

Elevation Change: none

Past Scott Creek the trail is all on the beach. You’ll round Graveyard Point and Strawberry Point before arriving at Toleak Point. Just before Graveyard Point, the bluff comes right up against the beach. You’ll need a tide of 4 feet or lower to get past this point. Unfortunately, there is no overland trail so at high tide you’ll just have to wait it out.

This section of coast is the most beautiful part of the trail. There are lots of small islands and sea stacks offshore. You’ll pass by a small campsite at Strawberry Point. As you get closer to Toleak Point, watch for campsites up the bank in the trees.

Camping Options from Third Beach to Toleak Point

There are a few different options for camping in between Third Beach and Toleak Point. When you pick up your permit at the Wilderness Information Centre you’ll need to say which campsite you’ll be staying at. Here are your options:

Third Beach

Basics: 1.4 miles from the trailhead, creek for water, pit toilet

Campsite at Third Beach is a good option for people who want an easy walk into camp. Since it is very close to the trailhead, it can get busy and sometimes people party here. As well, at very high tides it will be difficult to find much beach to camp on. Reportedly, there is a basic toilet hidden back in the trees on the south side of the creek. It’s near where the trail meets the beach, but I couldn’t find it.

Scott Creek

Basics: 4 miles from the trailhead, creek for water, pit toilet

Scott Creek is not a popular campsite so its good if you want solitude. There is room for a tent or two on the bank above the sand. At very high tides, the entire beach may be covered so read your tide table carefully before you set up your tent on the sand. There’s a basic pit toilet back in the trees.

Strawberry Point

Basics: 5.2 miles from the trailhead, no water, no toilet

There’s one small site in the trees, right at the point. It has incredible views across to the sea stacks offshore. If the tide is not super high, you could also camp on the sand. There is no water at this campsite, but in the spring there may be a seeping stream just south of the point. The rest of the year you’ll have to haul water in from Scott Creek or the creek just beyond Toleak Point.

Toleak Point

Basics: 6.5 miles from the trailhead, creek for water, toilet

By far the best camping on the route between Third Beach and Toleak Point is right at Toleak Point. There are campsites spread out on both sides of the point. Many of the best ones are up the bank in the trees on the north side of the point. We stayed at a great one just inland from a sea stack that is joined to the beach at low tide. Some of them have hammocks, swings or tables that people have built out of driftwood.

There is a very basic toilet on the north side of the point just behind some of the campsites and also one on the south side of the point. Get water from Jackson Creek on the south side of the point. It reaches the beach at a huge log jam. You’ll need to scramble over the log jam and head into the forest to collect water.

Toleak Point Camping Rules and Tips

Food Storage

The raccoons on the Olympic Coast are pretty smart and have figured out that hikers have tasty food. Olympic National Park now has a Wilderness Food Storage Policy. All backcountry campers must store their food in bear canisters. You can rent canisters from the WIC when you pick up your permit. The WIC even has a handy drop slot if you need to return your canister after they have closed for the night.

Travelling with a bear canister requires a bit of advance planning.  All of your scented items (toiletries, etc.), garbage and food need to be stored in the canister at night or if you aren’t right next to it. (For example, if you are off on a day hike).  Plan lightweight and compact meals and bring minimal toiletries. If you pack efficiently you can usually share one canister between two people for a two-night trip.

Most people choose to put the canister inside their pack as they are difficult (though not impossible) to strap to the outside. In camp, store your canisters away from your tent and kitchen area in a place where they can’t be rolled away (or into the water!) You can find more info about using a bear canister on REI’s site.

I recommend: If you plan to do multiple trips in areas where bear canisters are required or recommended, it’s easier to just buy your own. That way you don’t have to rely on renting one. I own both the Garcia Machine Backpackers Cache and the Bear Vault versions and recommend them both. If I had to pick one, I’d say the Bear Vault since it has straight sides so it’s easier to pack, and it’s clear so you can see what’s at the bottom. Shop: REI| Amazon.

Toilets

There are a few toilets on this route at Third Beach, Scott Creek, and Toleak Point. However, they are VERY basic. Just a toilet and partial wall to shield you from view. They are NOT very private. As well, some of them can be hard to find or are very far from the places you’ll actually want to camp. And on my trip, the ranger actually warned us that the toilet at Toleak Point was full so we couldn’t use it.

Due to all of that, you should be prepared to go without a toilet if you are hiking and camping between Third Beach and Toleak Point. Practice Leave No Trace when going to the bathroom. Unfortunately, many campers don’t know the best way to do this and have left literal piles of poop near the campsites. Don’t let this be you! Go 70 big steps away from trails, water sources, and campsites. Dig a hole 6-8 inches deep and fully bury your waste. (I pack an ultralight trowel to make digging a hole easier. But you can use a stick, tent peg or the heel of your boot.) Pack out your toilet paper in a plastic bag. New to pooping in the woods? Read more about Leave No Trace and why it’s important.

Water Sources and Water Treatment

There are a few creeks along the way, as I mentioned in the hike overview above. Most of the smaller ones will dry up later in the summer. The most reliable ones are Newbert Creek at Third Beach, the stream above the waterfall on Taylor Point, Scott Creek and Jackson Creek at Toleak Point. The water drains coastal swamps and can be quite tea coloured.  Some people prefer to add drink powder to their water to disguise the colour. As well, streams in the area have been known to harbour the parasites cryptosporidium and giardia. Iodine is not an effective treatment for parasites so filter or boil your water before drinking.

I recommend: For coastal camping I use the Platypus Gravity Works filter. You can fill up the dirty water reservoir at the creek, carry it back to the campsite, then let gravity do the work of filtering your water. We have the 2L size, but our friends have the 4L size which is great for groups. Buy REI | Platypus | Amazon.

Having good water treatment for the bad water on the coast is one of my top tips for beach backpacking.

Tides

Knowing the tides is really important on the hike from Third Beach to Toleak Point. You will want to know the tides for a few reasons. First, so you can get around the tidal obstacles on the trail and don’t get caught by the waves. Second, so that you can be sure your tent is up above the high tide line. And third, so that you know when low tide is so that you can explore the sea stacks and arches. You should print out and bring the La Push tide table along with a watch. I recommend consulting the tides when planning your trip to see if you can time them to avoid using some of the overland trails.

Campfires

Campfires are permitted in this portion of Olympic National Park. However, you may only collect driftwood and can’t collect wood from the forest. (The driftwood burns better anyway.) Build your campfire in an existing fire ring or make one below the high tide line. Make a small fire and don’t burn big driftwood logs so that there is lots of wood left for everyone. Recently I learned that burning driftwood can create toxic smoke from the salt build up in the logs. So you may want to skip the campfire entirely.

Dogs

Dogs are not permitted in Olympic National Park so you can’t bring your dog on this trip.

More Resources

You can find more information about the Third Beach to Toleak Point Route on the Olympic National Park website.

The National Park also has a good overview map of the park with campsites and trails marked.

For actual travel on the trail, you should buy the North Olympic Coast topographic map by Custom Correct maps. It has trails, distances, and tidal obstacles marked. You can buy it at the WIC in Port Angeles.

Before you hike the trail check the trail conditions page on Olympic National Park website.

Read my coastal hiking tips to get prepped for the terrain.

Now you have all the info you need to plan your trip to Toleak Point. If you have any questions about hiking and camping on the south Olympic Coast, let me know in the comments. I’m always happy to help!

More Olympic Coast Hiking Info:

• Shi Shi Beach Hiking and Camping Guide
• Ozette Loop Backpacking Trip Guide
• Coastal Hiking Tips: Advice for Beach Backpacking
• Washington Backpacking Reservation Dates

Coastal Hikes in British Columbia:

• Your Guide to the West Coast Trail in British Columbia
• Wild Side Trail: Hiking and Camping Guide
• Sunshine on the Edge of the World: Nootka Trail Trip Report
• Coastal Hiking in Vancouver
• Cape Scott Trail Guide: Hiking and Camping on Northern Vancouver Island
• North Coast Trail Guide: Backpacking on Vancouver Island

The post How to Hike and Camp at Toleak Point in Olympic National Park appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Shi Shi Beach Overview

Shi Shi Beach is a beautiful remote beach in the northern part of Washington State. It’s one of the best beaches on the Olympic Peninsula. The beach is two miles of sand bracketed by huge sea stacks and rocky cliffs at either end. At the south end of the beach you will find the dramatic Point of the Arches, a collection of giant sea stacks riddled with arched openings that you can explore at low tide.  

The trail to Shi Shi Beach begins on the tribal lands of the Makah Indian Reservation but the beach is in Olympic National Park. Fun fact: it’s pronounced “shy-shy”. I said it wrong for a couple of years before someone told me 🙂

Getting to Shi Shi Beach

The easiest way to get to Shi Shi Beach is in your own vehicle. Clallam County Transit does have limited bus service to Neah Bay. And once you get to Neah Bay the Makah Tribe does have a bus service on the reservation but there isn’t any service that goes all the way to the trailhead 7 miles (11km) away. However, there may be hiker shuttle companies operating in the area – call the Wilderness Information Center at Olympic National Park for more info.

Travel time to the trailhead is time consuming: about 7 hours from Vancouver or about 4.5 hours from Seattle both of which involve a trip on a Washington State ferry. (Click the links for google maps directions.) You might want to stay overnight in the area before your hike. There are lots of hotels in Port Angeles and a few in Neah Bay, but the ones in Port Angeles are much nicer.

Shi Shi Beach Fees, Permits and Reservations

Unlike some of the other popular coastal areas in Olympic National Park, reservations are not required to camp on Shi Shi Beach. (However if you plan to continue your trip past Shi Shi Beach and camp south of Point of the Arches or elsewhere on the North Coast in Olympic National Park you need a reservation May through September.) Since reservations aren’t required the beach can get quite busy with campers on summer weekends so go early to get a good spot.

The beginning of the trail is on the Makah Reservation. To hike on Makah land you need a Makah Recreation permit. You can purchase a permit at most businesses in Neah Bay. The easiest place to buy a permit is at the museum: it is a big building on your left hand side as you drive into town. You can find a complete listing of businesses that sell the Makah Recreation Permit on the Makah Tribal Council website. Permits cost $10 and are good for the duration of your stay. You must display your permit on your dashboard.

If you are day hiking you can park for free at the trailhead parking lot. If you are staying overnight you will need to park at one of two private parking lots located about half a mile (800m) back down the road. Parking is $10 per car per day and must be paid in cash. These parking lots are located in local residents front yards. You can self-register and pay for parking at a box on the porch.

If you are just day hiking to Shi Shi Beach there are no fees or permits required for the National Park portion of your hike. But if you plan to camp on Shi Shi Beach you will be inside the National Park and therefore will need a backcountry permit. Permits cost $5 per person per night. You can pick up a permit at the Wilderness Information Center in Port Angeles. You will also need to rent a bear canister at the WIC (see the food storage section below for more info).

Since you won’t be leaving your car inside the National Park, you don’t need a National Park entrance pass unless you plan to visit other areas of Olympic National Park.

Shi Shi Beach Trail

The trail to Shi Shi Beach is fairly flat and not very long, so it should be easy right?  Well it is, except for when it’s muddy and that can really slow you down. And oh it gets muddy. It’s about 4 miles one way from the trailhead to the end of the beach at Point of the Arches.

The first mile of the trail is on a recently constructed trail through thick second growth forest. There are a few bridges and boardwalks but no significant mud.  In the second mile the trail meets an old road. You turn right here to follow the road and this is where the mud begins. There are often short trails around the sides of the mud bogs if you don’t want to get your feet wet. However, we found that while there was an inch or two of standing water in the center of the trail, it often wasn’t muddy there, just wet. So if you wear good hiking boots, you can trek through the center of most mud puddles. Just before the 2 mile mark you’ll start to see little side trails that head out towards the cliff edge for views of the ocean.

At about the 2 mile mark the trail heads steeply down a switchbacking trail to the beach. There are ropes along the trail to hang on to. Even though it looks steep and a bit intimidating from above, once you you get on to the slope you’ll realize that the ropes are more there for handrails than for protection and it’s actually not that steep. Once you get to the bottom of the slope you’ll pass through a camping area and on to the beach.

Once you hit the beach, there’s no more trail, just sand. The beach stretches away in a long curve for two miles to your left. At the end of the sand are the spectacular sea stacks of Point of the Arches. You’ll pass three campsites and cross two creeks on your walk down the beach.

Hopefully you’ve timed your hike to reach Point of the Arches at low tide so that you can walk out to them and explore. You can explore the point itself, but give yourself time to walk another half mile around the point to explore the pocket coves, tide pools and off shore rocks that are exposed at low tide. If you are day hiking or camping at Shi Shi Beach, make this your turn around point.

Day Hiking vs. Camping

The hike to Point of the Arches is only 8 miles long and is quite flat so it is a reasonable day hike for most people. However, the drive to the trailhead is quite long so I would only advise you day hike it if you are already in the area. If you are making a special trip to Shi Shi Beach, I think you should camp. If you camp you have more time to enjoy the area (obviously). But you also get to enjoy the sunset and you’ll be on the beach to enjoy some excellent low tide exploring. Since the trail is quite moderate, this a great introductory backpacking trip for kids or beginners.

Shi Shi Beach Campsites

There are three main camping areas on Shi Shi Beach. The first is the area near where the trail first hits the beach. The second is at Petroleum creek about 1 mile (1.5km) down the beach. The last one is near the end of the beach at Willoughby Creek (about 2 miles/ 3.5km down the beach). You can camp anywhere you like along the length of the beach, but most people camp in one of the three previously mentioned places since that’s where you can access drinking water and toilets and easily find sites above the high tide line. Each of the camping areas is marked with a single orange trail marker on a tree that can be seen from the beach. Many of the camping areas also have old fishing floats hanging in the trees as markers.

Forest Trailhead Campsite

When you first descend from the forest to the beach, you will pass right through this campground. There are a few cleared sites in the trees behind the beach and you can camp on the beach itself. A trail runs through the treed campsites, parallel to the beach.

There is a basic toilet along this trail, but it isn’t too private: it’s just a seat with a small privacy barrier on one side – the other three sides are totally open.

The forest trailhead campsite has no water source. There may be a seasonal creek during spring runoff, but at other times of the year you will have to pack water in with you on the trail or hike a mile down the beach to Petroleum Creek to get water.

The forest trailhead campsite is my least favourite of the three campsites as Shi Shi and I have actually never stayed there. I don’t like it because the toilet is not ideal and there is no water and because it is the farthest away from Point of Arches. It also tends to be a bit of a party campsite since it is the closest to the trailhead. Surfers also like this campsite since they don’t have to carry their boards and camping gear all the way down the beach.

Petroleum Creek Campsite

If you want the best view of Point of the Arches, this is the campsite for you. You’ll be about a mile away from the Point but will have great views of the arches and sea stacks. There are a few cleared campsites in the trees on either side of the creek and strung out along the beach for a quarter mile in both directions. You can also camp right on the beach but keep an eye on the high tide line.

There is a toilet with a three sided privacy structure around it located on the south side of the creek. To find it, climb up the bank off the beach into the campground at the orange marker. You might be expecting to find the toilet up a trail straight ahead of you, but no! It’s actually just to your right, practically right in the campground. While it does offer more visual privacy than the Forest Trailhead toilet, you will still be doing your business just feet from someone’s tent.

Water is easy to get at the Petroleum Creek campsite as the creek flows all year round. The water is quite tea coloured, but it is a constant flow.

The Petroleum Creek campsite is a good option if you want easy access to water and incredible views of the arches.

Willoughby Creek campsite

The Willoughby Creek campsite is located at the far end of Shi Shi Beach, almost at the Point of the Arches. It provides a great base for exploring the sea stacks and arches of the point. Since it is the farthest campsite, it also may be a bit less busy.

This campsite has the best toilet on the beach. It is located on the north side of the creek. Climb over the driftwood at the orange marker on a tree. You’ll find a short trail into the bushes that leads to the toilet. It is a basic toilet with a three sided privacy structure but since it is in thick bushes, you get far more privacy.

The water source at this campsite is Willoughby Creek. The water flow of this creek is not as strong as Petroleum Creek so it may not reach the beach all year. To get fresh water at times of lower flow go into the campsite to the north of the creek and follow a short path towards the creek. You may have to walk up the creekbed a little ways to find water before it drains into the sand and gravel.

I have stayed at both the Petroleum Creek and Willoughby Creek campsites and I have to say I prefer Willoughby mostly because it has the better toilet. (But also because it is so close to the arches.)

Food Storage at Shi Shi Beach

Apparently the racoons on the Olympic Coast are particularly intelligent. They have figured out how to eat hiker’s food if it is hung in a tree (which usually works to keep bears out if it). So the National Park’s Wilderness Food Storage Policy now requires that all backcountry campers on the entire coast store their food in bear canisters. You can rent canisters from the WIC for $3 each per trip when you pick up your permit. The WIC even has a handy drop slot if you need to return your canister after they have closed for the night.

Travelling with a bear canister requires a bit of advance planning.  All of your scented items (toiletries, etc.), garbage and food need to be stored in the canister at night or if you aren’t right next to it. (For example if you are off on a day hike).  Plan lightweight and compact meals and bring minimal toiletries. If you pack efficiently you can usually share one canister between two people for a two night trip. (But planning for one canister per person or even two canisters between three people is a bit more prudent.)

Most people choose to put the canister inside their pack as they are difficult (though not impossible) to strap to the outside. In camp, store your canisters away from your tent and kitchen area in a place where they can’t be rolled away (or into the water!) You can find more info about using a bear canister on REI’s site.

I recommend: If you plan to do multiple trips in areas where bear canisters are required or recommended, it’s easier to just buy your own so you don’t have to rely on hitting the visitor centre when they are open to rent one. I own both the Garcia Machine Backpackers Cache and the Bear Vault versions and recommend them both. If I had to pick one, I’d say the Bear Vault since it has straight sides so it’s easier to pack, and it’s clear so you can see whats at the bottom. Buy: MEC | REI.

Water Sources and Water Treatment at Shi Shi Beach

The only water sources on Shi Shi Beach are Petroleum Creek and Willoughby Creek. As mentioned above, Petroleum Creek has stronger flow throughout the year. The water drains coastal swamps and can be quite tea coloured.  Some people prefer to add drink powder to their water to disguise the colour. As well, streams in the area have been known to harbour the parasites cryptosporidium and giardia. Iodine is not an effective treatment for parasites so filter or boil your water before drinking.

I recommend: For coastal camping I use the Platypus Gravity Works filter since you can fill up the dirty water reservoir at the creek, carry it back to the campsite, then let gravity do the work of filtering your water. We have the 2L size, but our friends have the 4L size which is great for groups. Buy: MEC | REI.

Tides at Shi Shi Beach

Unlike some of the other popular coastal areas in Olympic National Park, there are no tidal obstacles on Shi Shi Beach. You can walk the length of the beach even at high tide. However, you will want to know the tides for two reasons. First, so that you can be sure your tent is up above the high tide line. And second so that you know when low tide is so that you can explore the sea stacks and arches. You should print out and bring the La Push tide table along with a watch.

Campfires at Shi Shi Beach

Campfires are permitted at Shi Shi Beach. However, you may only collect driftwood and can’t collect wood from the forest. (The driftwood burns better anyway.) The rangers encourage you to build your campfire in an existing fire ring or make one below the high tide line. Make a small fire and don’t burn big driftwood logs so that there is lots of wood left for everyone.

Dogs at Shi Shi Beach

Dogs are not permitted in National Parks, so you can’t bring your dog to Shi Shi Beach.

Car Camping Near Shi Shi Beach

Given the distance and logistics involved in getting to Shi Shi Beach, you may want to car camp the night before you start the trail.

The closest campground to the trailhead is at the Hobuck Beach Resort on the Makah Reservation. It is only 3.5 miles (6km) from the trailhead. It makes sense to stay here if you can pick up your backcountry permit and bear canister at the WIC the day before your hike. You can buy your Makah Recreation Pass at the Hobuck Beach campground rather than buying it in Neah Bay.

If you are arriving too late to go to the WIC the day before, you should camp nearby so you can get there early in the morning. The closest camping is at Olympic National Park’s Heart O’ the Hills Campground just a 10 minute drive up the Hurricane Ridge Road from the WIC. It’s $20 a night, has 102 sites and is first come, first served. Another option is Sequim Bay State Park a 30 min drive from the WIC. It has 45 tent sites that cost $25 to $35 and it is fully reservable. You could also try staying at Clallam County’s Dungeness Recreation Area, but it is a bit of a detour off highway 101 towards the coast. It’s a 30 min drive from the WIC and has 66 sites (half reservable and half first come first served). It’s $23 a night plus a $10 reservation fee.

Further Reading and Maps for Shi Shi Beach

You can find more information about Shi Shi Beach on the Olympic National Park website.

The National Park also has a good overview map of the park with campsites and trails marked.

For actual travel on the trail you should buy the North Olympic Coast topographic map by Custom Correct maps. It has trails, distances, and tidal obstacles marked. Buy: REI. Your permit will also come with a basic hand drawn map of Shi Shi Beach showing campsie and water locations.

Before you hike the trail check the trail conditions page on Olympic National Park website. You can also read trip reports on the Washington Trails Association website.

Hiking on the beach is different than hiking in the forest or mountain. Read my tips for coastal hiking.

Do you have questions about hiking or camping at Shi Shi Beach? Hit me up in the comments.

More Coastal Hiking Trips:

• Coastal Hiking Tips: Advice for Beach Backpacking
• Washington Backpacking Reservation Dates
• Ozette Loop Backpacking Trip Guide
• How to Hike and Camp at Toleak Point in Olympic National Park
• Your Guide to the West Coast Trail in British Columbia
• Wild Side Trail: Hiking and Camping Guide
• Cape Scott Trail Guide: Hiking and Camping on Northern Vancouver Island
• North Coast Trail Guide: Backpacking on Vancouver Island

The post Shi Shi Beach Hiking and Camping Guide appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Our group of seven hikers drove down in a convoy of two cars on the morning of Good Friday with a couple brief stops for groceries and camping permits.  Despite our best intentions, we didn’t get to the trailhead at Ruby Arm at the south end of Ross Lake until the early afternoon.

We had 15 kilometres of hiking ahead of us so we were a bit dismayed to find that the trail was covered in blowdown. We knew this trail was seldom travelled in the winter, but there were countless trees to clamber over, under and around as well as piles of smaller branches. We moved as quickly as we could while still trying to clear as much of the brush as we could.  All with heavy packs on in the intermittent drizzle.

This trail is called the East Bank trail since it follows the east bank of Ross Lake, but we soon discovered that even though the trail follows the shoreline, it is often a few hundred meters inland from the lake.  That meant we we walking through the forest (albeit on a fairly flat trail) for about 11 kilometres before getting our first view of the lake! The only highlights of the hike in were the creek crossings: an unbridged crossing of Roland Creek that required a boots-off ford or creative rock hopping and a log bridge with a missing railing over May Creek.

It was after 7pm when we finally rolled into our campsite at Rainbow Point and we were hungry, tired and a bit damp from the drizzle that came and went all afternoon.  We quickly started cooking dinner and setting up tents as well as a tarp to serve as a windbreak.  It turns out when you camp on a point on a large lake, it gets windy! By the time dinner was done we were all ready for bed.

On Saturday morning we all slept in and then made a huge breakfast of pancakes and bacon around a smoky campfire. At the crack of noon we set out on a day hike to the closest landmark: the suspension bridge over Devil’s Creek.  Not long after leaving camp the trail rounded a corner, passed under a fallen tree and emerged on a ledge next to the lake.

This whole section of trail next to the lake was the reason we had come on this hike. The trail crews that originally built this trail blasted away sections of rock and shored up the footbed of the trail with rocks and timbers to make a ledge right along the lakeshore.  The trail twists and turns with the curves of the lake for over a kilometre.  It is a beautiful trail especially when the sun is shining the the mountains are freshly dusted with snow.  Since the water levels in the lake were low (the lake level is controlled by a dam), the drop off down to the water was quite dramatic.

Before we knew it we had reached Devil’s Creek. The bridge spanning the creek was huge and so was the gorge it crosses.  Instead of pressing on further we decided it would be better to lay in the sun and eat lunch at the bridge.  It was wonderful and relaxing… until we discovered the ticks.  Thankfully no one was actually bitten, but Greg and I did find about a dozen ticks on our clothing!  So gross!

The trip back to camp was quick and soon we were back on the beach at Rainbow Point enjoying the afternoon sun.  Since Ross Lake used to be a river valley before it was dammed, the “beach” was actually a forest of sun bleached stumps exposed at low water.  We spent a pleasant few hours lounging like lizards in the warm sun and gazing up at the snowcapped mountains.  At one point we heard murmuring along the shoreline and were shocked to discover a voyageur canoe with 12 paddlers inside slowly paddling past us.  They waved but didn’t stop.  It turned out those were the only other people we saw the whole three day weekend!

That night we had a more leisurely dinner and a campfire (and some whiskey too) but still headed to bed on the early side since even without the wind of the previous night, it was cold.  On Sunday morning we packed up and headed out on the trail for 15km of forest walking back to the cars.  It was a bit faster than the way in since our packs were a bit lighter and since we had already cleared a lot of the brush.  I made a game of counting the blowdowns that still blocked our way; the grand total was nearly 50!

We were back at the cars by the mid-afternoon and were soon on the road back to Canada via the scenic overlook at Diablo Lake, a convenience store for disgustingly wonderful American Doritos featuring so much red dye and the Boundary Bay Brewery in Bellingham for beer (oh and dinner).  Ross Lake is often considered to be a great boating destination but I think on this trip we discovered its a great shoulder season backpacking destination too.

If You Go:

If you’re coming from Canada it’s best to do pretty much all of your grocery shopping once you are in the US since import of food is tricky.  One of our cars ended up having to go inside for agriculture inspection since they had rice.  It was Minute Rice that they had actually bought in the States on another trip, but that didn’t stop the border guards from inspecting it!

You need to get a permit for this trip and any backpacking trip in the North Cascades.  You can get them at the ranger station in Marblemount.  If you go in the early season like we did the station isn’t actually open but you can fill out a permit at the kiosk on the front porch and drop it in the drop box.

Speaking of early season, if you choose to do this trip in the spring like we did there are a few things to be aware of: The trail receives little (or no) maintenance before Memorial Day in late May so you will have to deal with blowdowns or washouts. We also found that the latches on two of the three bear lockers at the campsite we stayed at were broken (something that the rangers will likely fix once the busy season starts).  Thankfully the last one worked as we didn’t want to mess around with trying to rig up a hang.

The water levels of the lake are lower in the winter and spring (they fill up the lake like a giant bathtub so that everyone can play on the 4th of July). This means that the shoreline looks weird, the docks are out of the water and getting drinking water from the lake is a bit of a trek.

Another issue for early season travellers is that this trail is accessed by highway 20 which is gated in winter at Ross Dam about 5 miles west of the trailhead for this hike.  When the highway is closed (as it usually is until late May) you can walk the highway or the Happy Panther trail from the gate to the trailhead.  We lucked out and the highway opened the day we drove it (low snow years are good for something!)

Finally, I know I already mentioned it, but I gotta talk about it again: the ticks.  In spring and summer the ticks come out.  They are the worst in sunny areas that are brushy.  Tuck your pants into your socks and your shirt into your pants.  You look like a huge dork but then you don’t get gross tick bites.  Check yourself for ticks periodically and remove any ticks that have bitten you with tweezers. You can get more info about tick bite prevention and tick removal from the BC Government.  Ticks gross me out a lot, but with the proper precautions, hiking in an area that has ticks doesn’t have to be stressful.

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