Olympic National Park, nestled on the picturesque Olympic Peninsula in Washington state, is a haven for nature enthusiasts seeking breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventures. While mostly known for its lush rainforests and rugged mountains, this national park also boasts some of the most stunning beaches along the entire Pacific Northwest coastline. In this blog post, I’ll share a round-up of the best beaches in Olympic National Park and how to explore each of them for an unparalleled outdoor experience!

Plus, I’ll answer some commonly asked questions about visiting the beaches in Olympic National Park, let you know my favorite spots, and give you the inside scoop on how to maximize your time there! 

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Best Beaches in Olympic National Park

Ruby Beach

Known for its stunning sea stacks and rugged coastline, Ruby Beach is a must-visit beach in Olympic National Park. It’s one of the most popular beaches in all of the Pacific Northwest. Keep in mind that because of this there might be crowds during certain portions of the year (most especially during the summer months).

The most prominent feature of Ruby Beach is the towering sea stacks that rise out of the water along the shoreline. It’s an incredibly dramatic scene to witness, and it’s a great spot for photography lovers! 

The beach itself provides a plethora of tidepooling and beachcombing opportunities for visitors of all ages. Plus, you can bring your dog!

Insider tip: Visit Ruby Beach at sunset for the most dramatic photo opps!

Rialto Beach

One of the closest beaches to Forks, Washington—yes, THAT Forks, Washington!— is Rialto Beach. Personally, it’s my favorite beach on the list because of how moody the landscape feels–especially as the morning fog rolls in. Rialto Beach is another iconic must-visit beach along the Olympic Peninsula coastline. It’s truly one of the best beaches in Olympic National Park, if not THE best beach in the park!

If you enjoy beach hiking, you’ll love Rialto Beach. The most iconic and popular trail is the hike to Hole in the Wall, a unique rock formation with a hole eroded through it. This hike offers incredible coastal views and tons of opportunities to see wildlife like pelicans, seagulls, sea lions, and more! 

We did this hike in mid-September during our Olympic Peninsula camping trip and it was gorgeous. Bear in mind that you should check the tide report before embarking on this hike, as the water can sneak up on you pretty quickly. This can put you in a really dangerous situation if you’re not careful. 

You can consider camping at Hole in the Wall, but you’ll need a backcountry permit and backpacking gear as the hike out to Hole in the Wall is about 2 miles one-way. You’ll need to pack-in your camping gear, as it’s a bit too far to make trips back to the car once you arrive at the camping area. 

You can browse some of my all-time favorite camping gear here!

Second Beach 

Only 20 minutes away from the town of Forks, Second Beach is a super popular spot for casual beachcombing. Similar to many of the beaches on this list, Second Beach features towering sea stacks and coastal driftwood washed up along the shore. Total PNW vibes.

One feature that distinguishes Second Beach from some of the other beaches in Olympic National Park is that it’s nice and quiet most days! This beach tends to be less crowded compared to some of the more popular beaches like Ruby Beach or Rialto Beach. It’s conveniently connected to Third Beach, too, so you can easily make a visit to both in one trip.

Also, did you know that visitors can camp on Second Beach? You must obtain a backcountry permit online at recreation.gov, but it’s a pretty easy process. Plus, unlike backpacking out to Rialto Beach, it’s a much shorter, less strenuous journey to camp on Second Beach! 

 

Third Beach

Third Beach, as mentioned above, is located next to Second Beach. Both beaches are very similar but Third Beach has a couple key differences compared to Second Beach.

Third Beach is usually slightly less populated than Second Beach. This is likely because the hike out to Third Beach is a bit steeper and muddier compared to the hike out to Second Beach, which is pretty easy and well-maintained. Neither hike is too challenging but it’s important to keep this in mind when thinking about which beaches would best fit your travel needs.

You can also camp at Third Beach with a backcountry permit using the same website as mentioned above for Second Beach (recreation.gov). 

Shi Shi Beach

Accessible only by hiking through the dense rainforest and across muddy terrain, Shi Shi Beach rewards visitors with pristine sandy shores and dramatic cliffs. It’s about a 2-mile hike from the parking area out to the beach. 

You must have a Makah Recreation Pass to park at the trailhead because the trail to Shi Shi Beach begins on the tribal lands of the Makah Reservation. A Makah Recreation Pass costs $20 (it’s good through the calendar year!) and must be purchased in Neah Bay before arriving at any Makah Reservation trailheads. 

The beach itself is part of Olympic National Park, meaning you must obtain a wilderness camping permit to camp on the beach overnight. Day visitors do not need a permit to enjoy the beach (aside from the Makah Recreation Pass if you’re planning to park at the trailhead). 

Part of what makes Shi Shi Beach so unique is that overnight campers can set up anywhere along the beach! You can camp at the first part of the beach, or continue down another 2-ish miles toward Point of Arches! Or settle anywhere in between!

Kalaloch Beach

This long stretch of sandy beach is perfect for leisurely walks along the shore or watching stunning sunsets over the Pacific Ocean. 

One of the things I like most about Kalaloch Beach (aside from the gorgeous scenery) is that the path from the parking lot to the beach itself is easily accessible. 

There is also a lodge nearby, as well as a campground. The Kalaloch Lodge has a restaurant and visitor center, making it a great place to stay if you’re hoping to explore Kalaloch Beach and nearby areas like Ruby Beach and Lake Quinault. 

If you’re in the Kalaloch area in May (or October/November), you might get lucky and spot whales from the Kalaloch Lodge during the annual gray whale migration! 

And if you love hiking, you definitely need to plan a visit to Kalaloch Beach! Kalaloch Beach is a starting point for several coastal hikes, including the Kalaloch Beach Trail and the Brown Creek Trail. You can also see the Tree of Life from Kalaloch Beach!

 

Sand Point

Located near Lake Ozette, Sand Point offers both coastal beauty and tranquility with its sandy shoreline, driftwood-laden beaches, and abundant wildlife. 

Sand Point is a more remote beach, accessible primarily by hiking or backpacking. There is no road access to this beach, making it a quieter and less-visited option compared to some of the more easily accessible beaches in Olympic National Park.

The primary way to reach Sand Point is by hiking the Sand Point Trail. This trail is approximately 3-miles (one way) and begins near the Ozette Lake area.

Because of its remote location and the effort required to reach it, Sand Point Beach offers a more secluded and serene coastal experience. This is a great beach to visit if you’re seeking solitude and a deeper connection with the natural beauty of Olympic National Park’s coastline. You likely won’t find too many crowds at Sand Point most days throughout the year.

La Push (First Beach, Second Beach, and Third Beach)

Known for its natural beauty and strong cultural significance to the local Quileute Tribe, the beaches at La Push offer incredibly scenic vistas and gorgeous sunsets. 

Surfing is a popular activity at La Push beach (First Beach), though the water can be pretty rough and inexperienced swimmers should not attempt to go in the water.

La Push is actually comprised of three main beaches, each with its own unique characteristics:

1. First Beach (Commonly known as La Push Beach): This is the most easily accessible beach and is located near the town of La Push on the Quileute Reservation. It features sea stacks and ample amounts of driftwood washed up along the shore. It’s a popular spot for beachcombing, family picnicking, and sunset viewing. You are able to walk directly to the beach from the parking area.
2. Second Beach: Located just a bit south of First Beach, Second Beach is accessible via a short hike. It’s famous for its iconic sea stacks and tide pools. The hike and coastal views make it a favorite among hikers and photographers. 
3. Third Beach: Further south from Second Beach and La Push, Third Beach is also only accessible via a short hike. 

 

Mora Beach

Mora Beach is located near the Mora Campground. The campground offers tent and RV sites and is managed by the National Park Service. You’ll need to check online at recreation.gov to secure a reservation (especially in peak season!). 

Mora Beach itself is easily accessible by car, with a parking area located near the beach. 

Like many beaches in Olympic National Park, Mora Beach has tide pools that are rich in marine life. Make sure to check the tide report before your visit if you’re aiming to go tidepooling. 

While Mora Beach itself is a relatively flat and easy destination, there are nearby hiking trails, including the Quillayute River Loop Trail, for those interested in hiking!

 

Ozette Beach

Ozette Beach is known for its unique geological formations, including Wedding Rocks, which feature ancient petroglyphs carved into the rock surfaces. These petroglyphs provide insights into the cultural history of the Makah Tribe, who have inhabited the area for thousands of years. 

To get to Ozette Beach, you’ll have to hike 3 miles along the Ozette Triangle loop trail, which starts and ends near the Ozette Lake area.

 

Yellow Banks Beach

Yellow Banks Beach is a lesser-known beach located near Ozette Lake. This beach offers a quieter coastal experience and is also part of the Ozette Triangle loop trail.

While Yellow Banks Beach does not have prominent geological formations or towering sea stacks like some other beaches in Olympic National Park, it offers a quieter and more secluded experience. It’s a gorgeous spot for relaxing and listening to the waves crashing against the shore.

Yellow Banks Beach is usually only frequented by backpackers and campers hiking in from other nearby beaches. There is no direct access to the beach from a parking lot or trailhead, so the beach is significantly less crowded compared to other beaches in Olympic National Park.

 

Map of the Best Beaches in Olympic National Park

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Olympic National Park worth visiting?

Absolutely! There is no doubt that Olympic National Park and the Olympic Peninsula are worth visiting. Whether you’re visiting for a day or a week, there is so much to do and see while you’re here. From incredible wildlife viewing (did I mention sea lions and whales?!) to scenic sea stack views, the beaches in Olympic National Park are some of the best in the entire country. 

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with how much there is to see while touring around the Olympic Peninsula, but my best recommendation is to take it easy and enjoy each moment as it comes! You don’t need to push yourself to see it all in one trip. In fact, I advise against trying to do too much in one trip! It’s better to take it slow and immerse yourself in the beauty and grandeur of your surroundings. Olympic National Park is breathtaking and there is no shortage of incredible views to soak up!

 

Are Olympic National Parks beaches free to visit?

To visit most of the beaches on this list, you’ll need a National Park Pass. You can purchase a standard entrance pass (valid for 7 consecutive days), an Olympic National Park annual pass, or an Interagency annual pass. These passes can be purchased at visitors centers or entrance stations inside the park.

As of the writing of this blog post, the fees for each type of pass are listed below:

• Standard Entrance Pass
  • Private Vehicle: $30
  • Motorcycle: $25
  • Per Person (Hikers, Pedestrians, Bicyclists): $15
• Olympic National Park Annual Pass
  • $55 per year
• Interagency Pass 
  • $80 per year 

There are also a few days each year that fees are waived and entrance is free at National Parks, including Olympic National Park. The dates for 2024 have not yet been announced, but here is an idea of what this past years’ fee free days were:

• January 16, 2023 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• April 22, 2023 – First Day of National Park Week
• August 4, 2023 – Anniv. of Great American Outdoors Act
• September 24, 2023 – National Public Lands Day
• November 11, 2023 – Veterans Day

Which is better: Rialto Beach or Ruby Beach?

Rialto Beach and Ruby Beach are very similar in terms of driftwood and sea stacks but there are some differences to note that could help you decide which one you’d like to visit more.

Ruby Beach is slightly smaller than Rialto Beach in terms of continuous shoreline, which makes Ruby Beach feel a bit more intimate. Ruby Beach is also closer to Kalaloch, while Rialto Beach is closer to Forks and La Push. 

If you’re looking for a good day hike, I’d likely opt for Rialto Beach over Ruby Beach. The hike to Hole in the Wall is phenomenal and it’s a great workout! 

The views and sea stacks at Rialto Beach can sometimes be concealed by fog, and you might need to hike through the fog for some time before the scenic views appear. Ruby Beach, on the other hand, has gorgeous views that are visible without visitors needing to put in much effort. 

My personal favorite out of the two is Rialto Beach, but you really can’t go wrong with either option. Plus, they’re within an hour of each other so it’s worth visiting both to form your own opinion!

 

Can you swim at the beaches in Olympic National Park?

While technically you can swim at the beaches in Olympic National Park, I wouldn’t recommend it. The waters along the Washington coast, including those at Olympic National Park’s beaches, are known for being cold year-round. Even during the summer months, water temperatures can be quite chilly.

Many of the beaches in Olympic National Park can experience strong currents, rip tides, and unpredictable ocean conditions. Even the strongest swimmers have been swept out unexpectedly from the shores of Olympic Peninsula beaches. It’s essential to be aware of the beach’s conditions and any posted warnings or advisories. Tides can also change unexpectedly, so make sure you check the tide report regularly during your visit. 

Plus, the shores of some of Washington’s beaches can be extremely rocky. It’s usually not recommended to swim in water with sea stacks nearby, as you wouldn’t want to get swept up and pushed into a sharp slab of rock. 

 

How many days do you need in Olympic National Park?

Depending on where you’re coming from, I’d say you can likely visit many of the major sites around Olympic National Park in 3-4 days. It’s a perfect long weekend trip from Seattle, Portland, or British Columbia. 

You can certainly spend more time exploring the National Park over the course of 5-10 days, and I recommend checking out different campsites along the way! 

If you’re visiting from a town near Olympic National Park such as Forks or Port Angeles, you could do a lot within and around the area in 1-3 days. Plus, there are a ton of great restaurants and things to do around the Peninsula!

While it’s possible to visit Olympic National Park as a day trip, I recommend you stay overnight to maximize your time exploring! 

On our most recent visit, we stayed at a HipCamp site in Forks called Wandering Woodlands. It was phenomenal and I highly recommend it! If you’re new to HipCamp, you can get $10 off your first booking! 

Speaking of visiting Olympic National Park, if you’re looking for an organized tour I recommend checking out Viator or GetYourGuide! They often have tours that depart from Seattle or surrounding areas.

 

​​When to visit Olympic National Park beaches?

You can visit beaches in Olympic National Park year round but my favorite time of year to visit the Olympic Peninsula is during the fall and spring. I personally enjoy slightly cooler temps and fewer crowds, so “shoulder season” is my favorite time to visit Olympic National Park. 

Summer obviously has the nicest, warmest weather but this brings out the crowds from across the state and elsewhere. You can expect lodging in and around the National Park to fill up quickly and be reserved well in advance. Similarly, many of the most popular beaches and trails become heavily populated during summer weekends, so make sure to plan accordingly if you visit in May through August. 

Winter is the wettest and coldest season of the year on the Olympic Peninsula. However, this means you’ll likely have the most popular sites largely to yourself most days. You can capture some stunning photographs in the winter months when the beaches are empty and foggy. Make sure to pack your rain gear!

 

Can I fly a drone in Olympic National Park?

No, flying drones in Olympic National Park (or any National Park!) is strictly prohibited. Flying drones on tribal land is also prohibited (contact individual tribe councils for specific regulations). 

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Interested in checking out some other posts from my blog? Here are some of my other articles for you to enjoy while you’re here:

• Things to Do This Fall in Seattle
• Leavenworth, WA: The Best Day Trip From Seattle
• Chena Hot Springs Resort Review: Visiting Alaska in the Winter

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