Shi Shi Beach
A wild, remote beach on Washington's coast, featuring dramatic sea stacks, tide pools, and challenging hikes. Part of Olympic National Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Explore tide pools & arches
Shi Shi Beach
Best Time
Explore tide pools & arches
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A wild, remote beach on Washington's coast, featuring dramatic sea stacks, tide pools, and challenging hikes. Part of Olympic National Park.
"This beach in Washington is a great backpacking adventure. Only 2 miles from the trailhead and you can reach the beach where camping is allowed."
🎯 Get Your Makah Pass
Purchase your Makah Recreation Pass online or in Neah Bay before heading to the trailhead.
🥾 Waterproof Boots are Key
The trail is very muddy; waterproof hiking boots and trekking poles are highly recommended.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Arches
Western end of Shi Shi Beach
Dramatic sea stacks and rock formations that are best explored during low tide. A photographer's dream!
Tide Pools
Along the rocky areas of the beach
Discover vibrant marine life like starfish and anemones clinging to rocks during low tide.
Reflective Sand
Shoreline
On certain days, the wet sand creates stunning mirror-like reflections, especially during sunset.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Makah Recreation Pass is Essential
+1Embrace the Mud: Gear Up!
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Get Your Makah Pass
Purchase your Makah Recreation Pass online or in Neah Bay before heading to the trailhead.
🥾 Waterproof Boots are Key
The trail is very muddy; waterproof hiking boots and trekking poles are highly recommended.
🏕️ Camping Permits Needed
Overnight camping requires both a Makah Recreation Pass and an Olympic National Park permit.
🌊 Check Tide Charts
Plan your visit around low tide to fully explore the tide pools and sea stacks.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Get Your Makah Pass
Purchase your Makah Recreation Pass online or in Neah Bay before heading to the trailhead.
🥾 Waterproof Boots are Key
The trail is very muddy; waterproof hiking boots and trekking poles are highly recommended.
🏕️ Camping Permits Needed
Overnight camping requires both a Makah Recreation Pass and an Olympic National Park permit.
🌊 Check Tide Charts
Plan your visit around low tide to fully explore the tide pools and sea stacks.
📸 Aim for the Arches
Most photographers head to the western end of the beach to capture the iconic sea stacks.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Shi Shi Beach for its wild, untamed beauty and dramatic coastal scenery, especially the iconic sea stacks. The hike, though muddy, is considered worth the effort for the stunning reward. Some find the access requirements and trail conditions challenging, but the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive.
"We walked from the Shi Shi Beach trailhead parking area to Shi Shi Beach. It was about 2.3 miles one way. The trail was very muddy after about the 1st mile. Most of the mud spots had walk arounds that allowed you to bypass most of the mud. There was a stairway that went down to the beach. It was probably 70 or 80 feet straight down so obviously coming back up was a little work. The 5 mile round-trip had about 500 feet of elevation gain. My wife and I are 66 years old and handled it with no problems. Strongly suggest that you wear hiking boots that are waterproof and also have walking sticks to help with your balance on the areas where you have to bypass the mud Boggs. The beach itself was very beautiful. The waves were quite high. It was a real adventure and we had a great time."
Scott Bye
"Like all of the beaches along the western coast of Washington, this did not disappoint. Beautiful hike - and yes, muddy as everyone else has said, but worth it."
Jeni Ware
"Iconic Pacific NW beach. Daytime access via trailhead and parking, overnight need to work on private property. .6 miles along the road.
Well advertised.
Need overnight pass from NP as well as Makah tribe pass ( purchasable at Neah Bay)"
Radim Blazej
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is located on the Makah Reservation. It's a significant drive, often taking 4-6 hours from Seattle, and can be impacted by traffic and road conditions.
Yes, Shi Shi Beach is within Olympic National Park, but the trailhead and initial access are on Makah Tribal land. This means you need passes from both entities.
The drive involves highways and then winding roads on the Makah Reservation. Be prepared for potential delays and a long journey.
No, you cannot drive directly to the beach. You must park at the designated trailhead and hike in.
Public transportation options are extremely limited to non-existent for reaching the Shi Shi Beach trailhead. A personal vehicle is necessary.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, you need a Makah Recreation Pass for parking at the trailhead and an Olympic National Park permit for day use or overnight camping.
You can purchase the Makah Recreation Pass online and print it, or buy it in person at various locations in Neah Bay, such as the Makah Marina or Makah Culture & Research Center.
The Makah Recreation Pass typically costs $20 per vehicle.
Permits for overnight camping at Shi Shi Beach can be obtained through the Olympic National Park website. For day use, the Makah pass is the primary requirement.
The primary fee is for the Makah Recreation Pass for parking. Olympic National Park may have separate entrance fees or require a wilderness permit for overnight stays.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The hike is approximately 2 miles from the trailhead to the beach. It's known for being very muddy, especially after the first mile. There are some elevation changes and a steep stairway down to the beach.
The hike from the trailhead to the beach is about 2 miles. However, if you plan to reach the iconic 'Arches' area, it's an additional 3 miles along the beach, making it a longer day.
Waterproof hiking boots are essential due to the mud. Layers of clothing are recommended as coastal weather can change quickly. Trekking poles can also be very helpful.
Restroom facilities are typically available at the trailhead parking area.
You might spot marine life in the tide pools, such as starfish and anemones. Keep an eye out for seabirds along the coast.
🎫 🏕️ Camping
Yes, overnight camping is allowed at Shi Shi Beach. You'll need to secure both a Makah Recreation Pass and an Olympic National Park wilderness permit.
Camping permits are managed by Olympic National Park and can be booked online. It's advisable to book well in advance, especially during peak season.
Campers typically set up tents in designated areas behind the beach, often near where the trail meets the sand.
Campfire regulations can vary. Check with Olympic National Park for current restrictions and guidelines regarding campfires.
Campsites are primitive. Expect no facilities like running water or restrooms. Pack out everything you pack in.
📸 📸 Photography
The western end of the beach, featuring the dramatic sea stacks known as 'The Arches,' is a prime photography location.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic light. Low tide is crucial for capturing the tide pools and exploring around the sea stacks.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastline and sea stacks. A tripod is useful for low-light conditions and long exposures.
While generally open for photography, be mindful of the natural environment and any specific rules set by the Makah Tribe or Olympic National Park.
Yes, camping overnight allows you to capture both sunset and sunrise at Shi Shi Beach, maximizing your photographic potential.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎒 Backpackers & Adventurers
+1 Remember to secure your Makah Recreation Pass and Olympic National Park wilderness permit well in advance. +1📸 Photographers
Sunset and sunrise offer incredible light, and many photographers opt to camp overnight to experience both. +1 A wide-angle lens and tripod are highly recommended to capture the dramatic scale of the coastline. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Makah Recreation Pass: Your Key to Access
+1 It's a small price to pay for access to this stunning coastal gem. Beyond the Makah pass, if you plan to camp overnight, you'll also need a wilderness permit from Olympic National Park. This ensures you're following park regulations for overnight stays and helps manage visitor impact. Always check the latest requirements and purchase your passes and permits in advance, especially during busy seasons.
Navigating the Muddy Trail
The trail itself is about 2 miles to the beach, but reaching the iconic Point of the Arches adds another 3 miles along the sandy shoreline.
Capturing Shi Shi's Coastal Majesty
Visiting during low tide is essential to fully appreciate these formations and explore the vibrant tide pools teeming with marine life. For an even more magical experience, aim for sunrise or sunset. The soft, golden light can transform the beach, creating stunning reflections on the wet sand.
Some photographers even choose to camp overnight to capture both the sunset and sunrise, maximizing their time in this breathtaking location. +1 Remember to pack appropriate gear, including a wide-angle lens and a tripod, to make the most of the unique photographic opportunities. 
Social
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