How to Visit the Olympic National Park Beaches

The Pacific Northwest is a region known for its lush forests, towering mountains, and pristine coastline. One of the best ways to experience this natural beauty is by visiting one of the many beaches in Olympic National Park, or hiking one of the best hikes in Olympic National Park!

Olympic National Park includes over 73 miles of coastline. As one of the most diverse parks in the National Park System, there is no shortage of new things to discover and explore.

Choosing the “best beach in Olympic National Park” is impossible so, we will form this list as the beaches are located along Highway 101 heading North. If you are starting from the North, you can reverse the order.

Let me just say one more thing before we dive in, the beaches are named Beach 1, Beach 2, Beach 3, etc, there are also beaches named First Beach, Second Beach, etc. Beach 1 and First beach are NOT the same.

Beach 2 and Second Beach are NOT the same. Beach 3 and Third Beach are NOT the same. Also, there is a Beach 4 and a Beach 6, but not a Beach 5… sigh… aaaanyway, read on for the Best Beaches in Olympic National Park.

Olympic National Park Beaches- Kalaloch Area

Beach 1

About Beach 1

Kalaloch Beach 1 is one of the least visited beaches in Olympic National Park. It’s known for its stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged coastline.

Beach 1 has huge piles of driftwood that you must climb over to access the beach. There are a few feet of large pebbles, and then a sandy beach. As with most of the beaches in this area, there are rugged cliffs and gorgeous scenery.

How to get to Beach 1

Heading North on HWY 101 watch for a pull-out about one mile North of Southbeach Campground. There is a sign that says “Beach 1”. Park on the side of the road and walk across the street to the trail leading to the beach.

Be sure and take the short spur on your right that says “Spruce Burl Trail” to see some incredible Spruce Trees with gigantic burls on them.

No one knows exactly what has caused these burls, but scientists think it has something to do with the ocean air sweeping through the area, nonetheless, they are interesting to look at and the trail is short.

Is there a Pass or Fee needed for Beach 1

No fees or permits are needed to visit Beach 1

How accessible is Beach 1

Beach 1 has a fairly easy, short hike on a wide-groomed path. There are also a series of easy-to-navigate stairs. The hardest part of getting to Beach 1 is climbing over a large pile of driftwood that blocks the beach from the trail. Beach 1 may not be accessible for those with mobility issues or small children.

Is Beach 1 Dog Friendly

Yes! Bring your dog, but keep them on a leash and pick up after them!

Beach 2

About Beach 2

Beach 2 is a wide, long beach with sand. The upper portion of the beach has large pebbles and some of the biggest driftwood I’ve ever seen. These aren’t little pieces of wood, but entire trees seem to be washed up here. We visited on a sunny weekend in July, and still had this entire beach to ourselves!

How to get to Beach 2

One mile from Beach 1 you will see the sign for Beach 2. Again, you’ll just park on the side of the Hwy 101 to access beach 2.

Is there a Pass or Fee needed for Beach 2

No fees or pass is needed for Beach 2.

How accessible is Beach 2

There is a short walk from the road to Beach 2 but it’s one of the easiest beaches in Olympic National Park to get down to.

Is Beach 2 Dog Friendly

Yes, leashed dogs are allowed on Beach 2. Be sure and pick up their waste.

Kalaloch Beach

About Kalaloch Beach

I bet you thought Beach 3 was next, right? Nope. That would be too easy. Next up on your drive is Kalaloch Beach. You say it like Ka-lay-lock. This is a great spot to grab a drink or some snacks for the rest of your adventures.

Kalaloch Beach is one of the most visited beaches in Olympic National Park. This is likely because it’s close to great accommodations at Kalaloch lodge and campgrounds has a large sandy beach, and is where the famous Washington Tree of Life is located.

How to get to Kalaloch Beach

About another mile North on Highway 101 from Beach 2, you’ll see Kalaloch Beach. This will be marked by a large parking lot. There is a lodge, cabins, and a little grocery store. You can park here, and then walk down to the beach.

Is there a Pass or Fee needed for Kalaloch Beach

Nope! Parking is free and the only charge would be if you were using the campground.

How accessible is Kalaloch Beach

Kalaloch Beach is easy to get to. There are a few stairs, but it is not as steep as some of the other Olympic National Park beaches.

Is Kalaloch Dog Friendly

Dogs on leashes are allowed on Kalaloch Beach.

Beach 3

About Beach 3

Beach 3 is a fun surprise! The beach itself is small pebbles and not as sandy as Kalaloch. The beauty of Beach 3 is the enormous rocks that dot the beach. They are fun to climb on, and through and I even found one that made a little chair where I sat and watched the water.

These huge boulders reminded me of visiting the Virgin Gorda Baths (minus the warm Caribbean water). It’s fun to spend time exploring here but be very aware of the tide, and the waves while in the rocky caverns.

How to get to Beach 3

A bit further North from Kalaloch Beach ( a mile or less) is Olympic National Parks beach 3. You’ll see the brown sign alerting you to the beach location. You’ll park along the side of the road to access Beach 3.

Is there a Pass or Fee needed for Beach 3

No passes or Fees are needed at Beach 3.

How accessible is Beach 3

There is a short walk to get down to beach 3. There are some moderately steep sections, but it is an easy walk for the most part. There are a few stairs at the end.

Is Beach 3 Dog Friendly

Yes, like all beaches south of the Hoh River, Beach 3 is dog friendly.

Beach 4

About Beach 4

Beach 4 is the best beach in Olympic National Park to explore tidepools. When the tide is out, there are many areas to climb over and have a look at the beautiful sea life that lives here. You will see many anemones in different colors, small schools of fish, crab, mussels, and starfish.

You can touch, but never pry anything off a rock or bring it out of the water. You’ll need to watch your step, because as the tide goes out, your chances of stepping on a living creature, go up.

This is a great opportunity to teach kids to enjoy nature while respecting it. I’ve seen way too many parents letting (or even helping) their kids rip starfish, mussels, and anemones from the rocks for a photo op. Please don’t.

You can check the tide charts as you enter the trail to the beach, or you can check ahead on the NOAA Tide and Current Website.

How to get to Beach 4

Beach 4 is about one mile from Kalaloch. This beach has a large parking lot with portable restrooms. You’ll see a trail heading down to the beach. The trail forks at the very beginning.

Taking the trail to the right will lead you a short walk to an overlook of the beach. Taking the trail to the left is the way down to the beach.

Is there a Pass or Fee needed for Beach 4

No passes or fees are needed to visit Beach 4.

How accessible is Beach 4

The walk down is a gentle slope and is not too far. You will cross a wooden bridge and then there is a pretty steep area to get to the beach. There is a rope in place to use to climb down the rocks. You can also sit down and scoot down the rocks that way. Remember, you’ll have to come back up this way too, although I think getting up was easier than getting down.

Is Beach 4 Dog Friendly

Yes! Leashed dogs are welcome on Beach 4.

Secret Beach

About Secret Beach (Beach 6)

This is the top secret beach (ok, it’s not that secret, but there’s no sign, and I’ve had it all to myself every time I’ve gone!) You’ll really have to look for this one, but it is worth it for the solitude.

This is technically called Beach 6 (Why is there no Beach 5? Someone please tell me!)

Beach 6 is wide and quiet, and super pretty! It is a bit rocky, and not as sandy as Kalaloch or Beach 2.

How to get to Beach 6

Exactly 1 mile from Beach 4, you’ll see a very small pull-out on the ocean side of the road. Park there and look for the small thin trail heading down to the beach.

It is a bit overgrown, but you should still be able to make it out. Head down the trail to the beach. If you put Beach 6 in your GPS it won’t take you to the right spot.

Is there a Pass or Fee needed for Beach 6

Nope, no fees or passes for Secret Beach 6.

How accessible is Beach 6

It is not a long walk, but it’s definitely the least maintained trail of the Olympic National Park Beaches. There are a lot of roots you’ll have to walk over, and the ground is uneven. There are some pretty big steps up and down (dirt or roots you have to get over) but it’s still manageable for most people.

Is Beach 6 Dog Friendly

Beach 6 is dog friendly to pets on leashes.

Ruby Beach

**Sadly, Ruby Beach is closed until 11/22 for much-needed parking lot repair.

About Ruby Beach

Ruby Beach is not only the most popular beach in Olympic National Park but also one of the best beaches in Washington State.

Ruby Beach is gorgeous! There are sea stacks, and rock formations and the beach is wide and big. I think Ruby Beach is the poster child for all other PNW Beaches, this is what I envision whenever I think of Washington beaches.

Because of its popularity, you won’t find quiet solitude here, but it’s worth it, and you should still add Ruby Beach to your Olympic National Park itinerary.

How to get to Ruby Beach

If you are starting to notice a pattern here, you won’t be disappointed. Ruby Beach is one mile from Beach 6. There is a large parking lot with restrooms here. Even though the parking lot is big, it is usually full, so come early or be prepared to walk from the road.

Is there a Pass or Fee needed for Ruby Beach

Yes, You will need to have a National Park Pass to visit Ruby Beach.

Olympic National Park Fees are :

• $30 for 7 consecutive days per vehicle
• $25 for 7 consecutive days for a motorcycle
• Free for families with kids in 4th grade (but you’ll still need the pass)
• Free for the Military (but you’ll still need the pass)

I highly recommend purchasing the America The Beautiful Pass every year. This pass is $80 and allows you admission into all 63 US National Park PLUS over 2000 other sites nationwide including National Forests, monuments, and more. This pass pays for itself year after year in our house.

Order your pass before you head out on your trip to Olympic National Park, especially if the beaches are your first stop, there is no a place to buy one at Ruby Beach.

How accessible is Ruby Beach

This may change after construction, so I will update it as soon as they finish and I can get back to the beach. But if it stays the same, the walk is down a fairly steep hill and there are some large logs you need to climb over to access Ruby Beach.

Is Ruby Beach Dog Friendly

Yes, Ruby Beach is dog friendly as long as they are leashed. This is the last beach (heading north) where you will be able to have your dog.

Olympic National Park – La Push and Forks

You may recognize the names La Push and Forks if you were a fan of Twilight (admit it, you loved it ), now is your chance to chase vampires and werewolves on their own turf by visiting La Push and Forks.

The area is small, and just like in the novel, is home to the Quileute Tribe. Be respectful of their culture, history, and traditions while exploring this sacred ground. You can learn more about the Quileute Tribe and what is expected of you by visiting the “Indian Country Etiquette” website.

Third Beach

About Third Beach

Third beach is the first of the La Push beaches you’ll come to if you are heading north on Hwy 101. Third beach is a sandy beach that is great for tide pools and exploring, but the real special feature on Third beach is a waterfall! The sea stack structures you see are called Devils Graveyard.

How to get to Third Beach

From Highway 101,1.5 miles north of Forks, turn west onto Highway 110, and proceed 10 miles to the Third Beach trailhead, on the right-hand side of 110. A parking area for about 20 cars marks the trailhead. Parking can be an issue here, try and carpool if you can.

Is there a Pass or Fee needed for Third Beach

You will need to pay the National Park fee to use Third Beach. See the fee schedule under “Ruby Beach” for Olympic National Park fees.

How accessible is Third Beach

Third Beach is reached from a hike that is just over a mile long. You’ll likely hike through the mud for part of the way so be sure you are prepared. The trail is pretty steep in parts. There are logs you need to climb over as well.

Is Third Beach Dog Friendly

No pets are allowed on Third Beach.

Second Beach

About Second Beach

Second Beach is a beautiful, long, sandy beach. You’ll find numerous sea stacks and at low tide can explore tidepools. Beach Camping is allowed here, so don’t be surprised to see tents and campfires among the driftwood on the beach.

How to get to Second Beach

Second Beach is 1.5 miles from Third Beach. Unlike Third Beach, there should be plenty of parking here. From 101 N, turn west onto Highway 110, and proceed 12.5 miles to the Second Beach trailhead, just outside of the town of La Push.

Is there a Pass or Fee needed for Second Beach

Yes, you will need to pay the Olympic National Park Fee mentioned above to use Second Beach.

How accessible is Second Beach

There is a hike that is just under a mile to get to Second Beach. The hike (depending on previous weather conditions) can have logs that you need to climb over. There are a lot of steps up and down on this hike to the beach.

Is Second Beach Dog Friendly

No pets are allowed at Second Beach.

Rialto Beach

About Rialto Beach

Rialto Beach is unique in that there is a ton of dead trees lining the beach. It creates a moody, almost spooky vibe if the clouds are low. Rialto Beach is 1.5 miles long, and during low tide, you can hike to “Hole in the Wall” which is a large sea arch. The beach here, like most of the Olympic National Park beaches, is more rocky than sandy.

How to get to Rialto Beach

 If you are heading North on Highway, 101 1.5 miles north of Forks, Go West, onto State Route WA-110/La Push Road. After 7.8 miles, turn right onto WA-110/Mora Road. Rialto Beach is located at the end of the road.

Is there a Pass or Fee needed for Rialto Beach

Yes, you need the Olympic National Park Pass to park and use Rialto Beach.

How accessible is Rialto Beach

Its easy to get to Rialto Beach. While there is a hiking trail from LaPush, you can also just park in the parking lot right there and you can walk right onto the beach.

Is Rialto Beach Dog Friendly

Yes and no. Leashed dogs are allowed from the Rialto Beach parking lot to Ellen Creek, but they cannot go past that and on to hole in the wall.

Shi Shi Beach

About Shi Shi Beach

Shi Shi ( say it like Shy Shy) Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Washington. It is remote and sandy and lined with beautiful sea stacks. Point of Arches, at the end of Shi Shi, is a grouping of more than 30 sea stacks and is one of the most photographed scenes in the Pacific Northwest.

If you are looking for a cool place to stay before visiting Shi Shi, check out this glamping resort near Forks.

How to get to Shi ShiBeach

Shi Shi Beach is located in Neah Bay. These are the directions according to WTA Turn onto SR-112 west for 64 miles to Neah Bay. Continue on Bayview Ave. for 1 mile; left on Fort St; right on Third Street; left on Cape Flattery Road. Drive 2.5 miles, then left on Hobuck Road.

Drive the last 4.3 miles, following signs for the fish hatchery, to the trailhead, and day-use parking. Overnighters must park about 0.6 mile back at a private home. It’s $10 per day, cash, for every day you will be parked there. There is another parking lot for day hikers.

Is there a Pass or Fee needed for Shi Shi Beach

There are actually 2 passes you’ll need to visit Shi Shi Beach. While Shi Shi Beach is in Olympic National Park, the trail is on Makaw Tribal Land.

The Makah Recreation Pass can be purchased in Neah Bay at the General Store, Mini Mart, or Marina. The Pass costs $20 and is valid for a year.

You will also need an Olympic National Park wilderness permit.

How accessible is Shi Shi Beach

Shi Shi Beach requires a 4.4-mile hike in, making the round trip hike 8.8 miles. You can do this as a day hike or you can camp overnight on the beach. It is considered moderately challenging, and will likely be muddy.

Is Shi Shi Beach Dog Friendly

Dogs are not allowed on Shi Shi Beach, but they are allowed on the trail.

First Beach (La Push)

First Beach is not in Olympic National Park, but instead is part of the Quileute Nation. Even though it is not part of the National Park it is near the beaches that are and is a lovely beach. If you are exploring 2nd and 3rd beaches, you should stop by first beach in LaPush as well.

Tips for visiting Olympic National Park Beaches

• Check the tides before visiting
• Wear hiking shoes or tennis shoes you are comfortable in. I wear Chacos in the summer, and they work well too.
• Be prepared for sudden weather changes
• Download the free NPS app before you leave and toggle on the Olympic National Park so that it is available when you do not have service.
• Do not remove any shells, rocks, driftwood, or marine animals from the beaches.
• Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles when visiting the beaches of Olympic National Park.
• Lock your cars and don’t leave valuables.

So, which beach is your favorite in Olympic National Park? We’ve listed all of them for you here and we hope that this gives you some ideas for future trips.

If you haven’t had the chance to visit Olympic National Park yet, make it a priority – the beaches are definitely worth a trip! Be sure and check out this 3 day Olympic National Park itinerary too!