Rialto Beach

Rialto Beach is the Olympic coast at its most dramatic and approachable. A road ends at a parking lot just north of the Quileute community of La Push, and from there a broad gravel-and-sand beach runs north under steep headlands, strewn with enormous bleached driftwood logs left by winter storms. Offshore, sea stacks rise from the surf like a ruined cathedral, and the Pacific lays down heavy, rolling waves that are beautiful to watch and dangerous to enter. The classic walk is about 1.5 miles north to the Hole-in-the-Wall, a natural arch in the rock where tide pools teem with sea stars, anemones, hermit crabs and mussels at low tide.

Timing is the key to a good visit. The Hole-in-the-Wall can only be reached on foot at low tide, and even then you must watch the water. Check a tide table before you go and aim to arrive about an hour before low tide, which gives you time to walk out, explore and return before the water rises.

Waves can sweep across the rocks, and rogue waves are a real danger on this coast, as are the loose, slippery logs. Never turn your back on the ocean, and do not climb on driftwood piles near the surf.

A guided tide pooling hike adds knowledge and safety. Guides know the tide windows, which pools hold the best life, and how to explain what you are seeing without disturbing it. Look, do not collect: harvesting animals or shells is not permitted in the park, and handling creatures can harm them. The private day hike offered here is priced for a small group or family, and is a good option if you want a flexible pace, though you should compare it with the guided day tour that combines the beach with the Hoh Rain Forest.

Beyond the Hole-in-the-Wall, the beach continues north and the walking is easy only at lower tides. Backpackers camp along this stretch with a wilderness permit and a bear canister, but day visitors will be happy with a few hours of beachcombing. Bring waterproof footwear, layers, and a windbreaker, because even summer afternoons here can be cold and foggy. Wildlife includes bald eagles, harbor seals offshore and, in season, migrating gray whales that can sometimes be spotted from the shore.

Rialto is about 15 miles west of Forks, and a pit stop in town is the easiest way to buy food. There is a day-use area with restrooms and picnic tables near the parking lot, but no services. Summer weekends are busy, so arriving early helps. The beach is a favorite for sunset, when the sea stacks turn black against orange sky, but plan the return walk before dark.

Remember that Rialto sits within the traditional lands of the Quileute people, whose village at La Push is just down the road. The community welcomes visitors, and a stop at the harbor to see the working fleet and the sea stacks off First Beach is worthwhile. Treat the area with respect, observe any posted restrictions, and support local businesses if you buy food or souvenirs. Together with the rain forest and Ruby Beach, Rialto forms one of the most rewarding day-long circuits on the western Olympic Peninsula.