Washington's Beginner-Friendly Trail In Olympia National Park Is A Serene Coastal Hike

Exploring the Pacific Northwest (PNW) is like watching the enchanted realm in your favorite fantasy book come to life. Its beauty is unmatched, from lush forests and serene lakes to stunning mountains and breathtaking coastline. Olympic National Park in Washington State is one of the rare pockets of land where you can witness it all. This park spans across 922,000 acres, and includes 73 miles of wilderness coastline, over 3,000 miles of rivers and streams, 14 developed campgrounds, and 660 miles of trails. If you only have a few days to experience the PNW, this is where you want to be.

With so much to do and see, it can be hard to narrow down your trip itinerary. But one destination you must include is the park's National Natural Landmark, Point of Arches. This natural wonder is reached by hiking the Shi Shi Beach trail, which allows you to take in the beautiful Pacific Northwest coastline before you're rewarded with a mile-long stretch of rocky sea stacks, tide pools, coastal critters, and prize-winning sunsets.

If you're not an avid hiker but still love nature, this may be the best and most rewarding hike at Olympic National Park. It's 8 miles out and back, but don't let that deter you. There's only 200 feet of elevation gain, and you'll walk through some of the best landscape the park has to offer. The trek starts at the fish hatchery on Makah tribal land. The first few miles take you through a forest of Sitka spruces and over bridges and boardwalks. Then you'll walk a few miles through a beach to reach the Point of Arches headland. You'll know you're close when you see unique rock pools.

If you plan your hike for a low-tide day, you may be lucky enough to explore the tide pools. If you look closely, you may be able to spot beautiful and unique sea stars, sea anemones, chitons, crabs, sculpins, kelp, isopods, and more. It's a marine enthusiast's dream! If you prefer to admire the water from a distance, there are sea caves you can shelter in and take in the beauty before you. Be sure to stay long enough to catch a sunset, and if you obtain a Wilderness Camping Permit, you can stay overnight and rest in the serene setting of Olympic National Park.

Before you embark on this adventure, there are a few things to keep in mind. Since you will be on Makah tribal land, you will need to purchase a $20 Makah Recreational Permit prior to your hike. You can buy them online or in person at various locations on the reservation. Before your trip, track the tide and try to visit on a low-tide day, especially if you're camping, as part of the beach will be inaccessible during high tide. And be sure to stay long enough to catch one of the beach's breathtaking sunsets.