How to Get a Olympic Coast Permit
Walk one of America's wildest coastlines where tide tables replace trail maps and sea stacks rise from the mist like ancient sentinels.
Check Olympic Coast permit availability$8/person/night + $20 Makah Pass (if using Shi Shi)
Permit Cost
5-6 days, per the NPS allowances of 2 days for Shi Shi to Ozette and 3-4 for Ozette to Rialto
Duration
35 miles
Distance
strenuous
Difficulty
About Olympic Coast
The Olympic Coast Trail offers a wilderness beach experience unlike any other in America. This 35-mile journey traverses one of the most pristine and rugged coastlines in the lower 48, where tide charts replace traditional trail maps and sea stacks rise from the Pacific mist like monuments to ancient time. The route combines beach walking, boulder scrambling, and forest trail over headlands. It demands careful planning around tides—many headlands become deadly traps during high water. This is not a casual hike but a true wilderness expedition where the ocean sets the schedule. From the Makah lands at Shi Shi Beach to Rialto's famous Hole-in-the-Wall, the trail reveals ancient petroglyphs, abundant wildlife, and some of the most dramatic coastal scenery on Earth. Eagles soar overhead, seals watch from offshore rocks, and at night, the Milky Way blazes above sea stacks silhouetted against the Pacific.
The Olympic Coast remains one of the most pristine stretches of Pacific coastline in the lower 48, protected as both wilderness and marine sanctuary. Indigenous peoples have walked these shores for over 10,000 years.
The Experience
Salt spray stings your face as you scramble over slippery boulders, watching the tide charts like your life depends on it—because sometimes it does. At camp, the sunset paints sea stacks gold while bald eagles patrol overhead and harbor seals haul out on offshore rocks. The rhythm here is dictated not by miles but by tides.
The North Coast route begins at Shi Shi Beach, descending through coastal forest to one of Washington's most beautiful beaches. Point of the Arches greets you with a maze of sea stacks before the route turns south through a world of headland scrambles, beach walking, and tide-dependent passages. Each headland requires careful timing—arrive at the wrong tide and you're trapped. The journey ends at Rialto Beach, where the famous Hole-in-the-Wall arch marks your return to civilization.
What to Expect
Beach walking on sand, cobble, and slippery kelp-covered rocks
Multiple headland crossings on steep, muddy trails with fixed ropes
Tide-dependent passages requiring careful timing
River crossings including the challenging Ozette River
Constant sound of surf and potential for rain at any time
Wildlife encounters with eagles, seals, and occasionally whales
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Permit Requirements
Wilderness permit required year-round for overnight stays
Makah Recreation Pass required for access to Shi Shi Beach trailhead
Bear canisters required for all food storage
Campfires only on beach below high tide line, driftwood only
No fires between Wedding Rocks and Yellow Banks
Group size limited to 12 people
Camp in established sites only to protect vegetation
Gear & Preparation
Required Gear
- •Current tide table (printed copy essential)
- •Custom Correct North Olympic Coast map
- •Bear canister (required)
- •Water filter (streams are tannin-stained but potable)
- •Waterproof boots with aggressive tread
- •Rain gear (expect wet conditions)
Recommended Gear
- •Gaiters for muddy headland trails
- •Camp shoes that can get wet (for river crossings)
- •Binoculars for wildlife viewing
- •Trekking poles for stability on slippery surfaces
- •Dry bags for electronics
- •Extra socks (feet will get wet)
Hazards & Safety
Tidal headlands can trap hikers against cliffs—study tide charts carefully
Slippery rocks and kelp cause frequent falls
Hypothermia risk from wet conditions even in summer
Rogue waves can sweep beaches unexpectedly
Ozette River crossing dangerous at high water
No cell service for most of the route
Fixed ropes on headland trails may be old or damaged
Best Time to Visit
June through September offers the driest weather, though rain is possible any time. July and August have the longest daylight for tide timing. Spring and fall can be spectacular but require more weather preparation.
100+ wilderness permits, extensive backcountry experience
This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a Olympic Coast permit?
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Olympic Coast permits require advance reservations. Book online as soon as reservations open for your desired dates.
When is the best time to visit Olympic Coast?
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June through September offers the driest weather, though rain is possible any time. July and August have the longest daylight for tide timing. Spring and fall can be spectacular but require more weather preparation.
How difficult is Olympic Coast?
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Experienced backpackers comfortable with challenging terrain and variable conditions. Must be able to read tide charts and make time-critical decisions. Good for adventurous hikers seeking wilderness isolation.
What gear do I need for Olympic Coast?
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Essential gear includes: Current tide table (printed copy essential), Custom Correct North Olympic Coast map, Bear canister (required), Water filter (streams are tannin-stained but potable), Waterproof boots with aggressive tread. Additional specialized gear may be required based on conditions.
Don't Miss Your Olympic Coast Permit
Cancellations happen every day. PermitSnag monitors Olympic Coast availability 24/7 and alerts you the moment a spot opens up.
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