Point of the Arches

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For a real hiking or camping experience on the remote Washington coastline, take a hike out to Shi Shi Beach. There is much to explore in the area including some of the highest cliffs and best sea stacks along the coastline. There are even some historic WW2 bunkers that are there but difficult to find. In times past, this area was a real nightmare for parking and hiking. Today, the parking is much better (see requirements) and the trail has been improved a lot. Expect to see lots of people so have fun with it, you'll see groups doing yoga to groups in their pajamas.

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Washington Coast

Olympic Nat. Park

Shipwreck

Sneeker wave

Big driftwood

Looking north toward Cape Flattery

The old trail

The bunkers

Inside the bunkers

Me as a boy scout ready for nightly war games or maybe I always dressed this way.

The first mile of trail is new with bridges and boardwalks, taking hikers past some of the worst puddles. The second mile is still on the old trail (road) which is notorious for its muddy puddles. There are lots of side trails to avoid the puddles but depending on the season, you may want to bring some rubber boots for this section. Once you drop down to the beach, you will find lots of camping in the trees (bad weather camps) and plenty of spots out on the beach. Hike a mile down the beach for more good wooded camps at Petroleum Creek. Other camps exist beyond as you get closer to Point of the Arches. During busy times, you will find people camping above high tide the entire length of the 2 miles of beach. Water can be filtered at several creeks but be aware it will have a strange color to it from a type of leaf in the water.

Route

Years ago, right when you arrived in the National Park, right before dropping down to the beach, you had this view, now it is blocked by trees that have grown up

You must get a permit to camp from the National Park Service, not needed for dayhiking. If overnight, you are required to have bear canisters for your food (available for nominal fee by park service). You must purchase a Makah Recreation Access Permit for your vehicle. If parking overnight, you can't park in the day-use parking but must park in the private paid parking offered by homeowners just before the trailhead.

Some Requirements