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Shi Shi Beach and Point of the Arches

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.4 (39)
  1. Areas
  2. WA
  3. …Olympic Peninsula
  4. Olympic National Park
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“A lovely though sometimes muddy trail leading to Shi Shi Beach and the Point of Arches. ”

Nessa Goldman
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Map Key

9.4

Miles

15.2

KM

Out and Back

275' 84 m

High

2' 1 m

Low

530' 162 m

Up

530' 162 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

16%

Max Grade (9°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Swimming · Views · Wildlife

Family Friendly Easy to follow wide trails.

Overview

This mostly gentle path is somewhat unremarkable, though the viewpoints that the trail reaches are breathtaking. Heading out from the Shi Shi Beach Trailhead, it won't take long to reach the highlight of the trail, Point of the Arches, where spectacular geologic formations can be seen.

Description

The trail leading visitors through the boardwalks and marshy areas isn't too remarkable, but the coast is amazing. The route is well marked, and weaves by Makah land. Please stick to the public trails, as the surrounding land is private.

Once out on the coast there are two main camping areas by the beach, some are right as you arrive, the rest are at the far end of the beach, about another mile closer to the point of the arches.

The picturesque sea stacks are worth the trip down the beach. If you really want to capture the vista at its best, make the trip out to the ocean for sunset and stay the night at the nearby campsite. It's especially worth while to check it out at low tide when you can make your way right up to the stacks and explore the tide pools.

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Olympic National Park

Shared By:

Nessa Goldman
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 39 votes

#7

in Olympic National Park

#342

Overall
  4.4 from 39 votes
5 Star
64%
4 Star
18%
3 Star
10%
2 Star
8%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#7

in Olympic National Park

#30

in Washington

#342

Overall
2 Views Last Month
5,793 Since Jan 9, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate
3%
9%
70%
3%
15%
0%
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Photos

Rays of light make their way to Shi Shi Beach.
Feb 18, 2016 near Forks, WA
Point of Arches area.
Jun 19, 2023 near Forks, WA
Shi Shi Beach Point of the Arches
Sep 2, 2017 near Forks, WA
Shi Shi Beach
Jun 19, 2023 near Forks, WA
Shi Shi Beach
Jun 19, 2023 near Forks, WA
Looking towards Point of Arches
Jun 19, 2023 near Forks, WA

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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