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Overview
Overview
Herons soar overhead as crashing silvery waves rumble over sand and stones, interrupted only by looming sea stacks and towering bluffs fringed with sitka forests. What could be a scene from a land before time is actually Shi Shi Beach, part of Olympic National Park and considered the Northwest's purest stretch of coastline. Having gained notoriety as the most gorgeous of the Olympic Peninsula beaches, Shi Shi has also gained a reputation for being one of the most difficult to reach. The beach's remote location has ensured its safety from developers, and has left the 2-mile, crescent-shaped beach to revel in its own wilderness.
Hikers willing to traverse the coastal and headland trails that lead to Shi Shi are amply rewarded with a beach and coastline so rugged, so truly untouched by all but nature's hand, they are rendered speechless.
The official route to the beach is via a trail starting at Ozette, in the park. Rangers warn the hike is a difficult 13 miles, with slippery, muddy terrain, and hikers often must utilize rope and sand ladders built by park officials. Hikers should carry a tide guide, as part of a river must be crossed. The unofficial route to Shi Shi is a 2-mile hike through the Makah Indian Reservation, to the north. A trail is currently being built there, but is off-limits due to private property concerns. However, these rules aren't strictly enforced and many people reach the beach via the reservation.
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Swimming
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Sand
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Atmosphere
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Non-Beach Activities
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