A gentle breeze, crashing waves and the rarely seen sunshine created a perfect afternoon on Shi Shi Beach in Olympic National Park.  Many people have told me that this is one of the most beautiful and remote beaches in Washington.  I was curious to check it out for myself.  They may be right, the views were spectacular! 

Our 4 mile trek began in the Makah Indian Reservation.  It was mostly a flat hike with a few mud puddles to navigate around.  At the park border we switch-backed about 200 feet down to the beach.  We found the perfect campsite south of Petroleum Creek with plenty of space between us and other campers. 

Once camp was set up, we strolled down towards Point of the Arches.  Otters swam up onto the beach.  Dungeness crab shells littered the shore as if it hosted a massive crab feast.  Falcons and eagles soared overhead searching for their next prey.  Sea stars and anemones filled the tide pools.  It was such a peaceful setting and I can see why many in the Pacific Northwest make the journey out.

This is one of the most expensive hikes in Olympic National Park when you consider your fuel costs, ferry rides, permits and parking, but it was well worth it.

We woke up before dawn to catch the Edmonds-Kingston Ferry to beat the weekend crowds and time the tides right.  Low tide is needed to get around the Point of the Arches and back safely.  The hike itself is relatively easy compared to all the logistics and paperwork involved in getting to the trailhead.  We stopped in Port Angeles to pick up a permit and bear canister at the Wilderness Information Center.  Don’t let the bear canister scare you.  It was great for packing in all our food and toiletries and to prevent random wildlife from eating our dinner.  After getting the camping permit, we drove to the Makah Indian Reservation to get an access permit and pay for parking at the trailhead.  Our total drive time was about 3.5 hours west of Kingston. 

p.s. Shi Shi is pronounced “Shy-Shy.”