Reservation8/10
Olympic Wilderness permit
The single overnight permit for backpacking anywhere in Olympic National Park's ...
Olympic Coast Trail Permit
Olympic National Park · Washington
Booked one camp per night, in order
73-mile wilderness beach traverse along Washington's wildest coastline, from Shi Shi Beach to the Hoh River, with sea stacks, tide pools, and rainforest headlands.
70% of the openings our scanner caught on Olympic Coast were gone within 5 minutes.
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Olympic Coast Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodReservation
Demand LevelHigh8/10
Cost$8/person/night + $20 Makah Pass (if using Shi Shi)
Max Group Size12 people
Olympic Coast Permit Facts
- As of September 2026, Olympic Coast in Olympic National Park, Washington requires a permit issued via reservation.
- Olympic Coast is a high-demand permit, rating 8/10 on PermitSnag's demand index.
- The Olympic Coast route covers 32 miles, rated strenuous.
- Cancelled Olympic Coast permits are re-released on the booking system; PermitSnag monitors availability and alerts watchers when dates open.
Key Information
Permit Details
TypeThru-Hike
Booking MethodReservation
Demand Level8/10
LocationOlympic Peninsula, Washington, WA
What to Expect
Route Details
Distance
32 miles
Route Type
Point to Point
Duration
5-6 days, per the NPS allowances of 2 days for Shi Shi to Ozette and 3-4 for Ozette to Rialto
Difficulty
StrenuousHighlights
- •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
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.
Hazards & Considerations
- !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
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (0 ft)
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Backcountry Tips
- Today: 61% chance of precipitation. Pack rain gear.
- Tomorrow: 65% chance of precipitation. Pack rain gear.
Today
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53°
42°
61%
Sun
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52°
41°
65%
Mon
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51°
40°
Tue
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59°
38°
Wed
☀️
67°
40°
Thu
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74°
47°
Fri
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74°
51°
View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.
How to Get This Permit
1
Create a National Park Service account
Sign up at National Park Service if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
2
Know the release schedule
Permits typically release on a rolling basis. Check the specific release time for your desired dates.
3
Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
4
Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
Learn More
Difficulty Assessment
Physical Demand4/5
Fitness and endurance required
Technical Skill3/5
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Exposure Risk4/5
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Navigation4/5
Route finding and trail clarity
Commitment4/5
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
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.
Recommended Experience
Should have multi-day backpacking experience in wet conditions. Coastal hiking experience helpful. Must understand tide tables and be comfortable with route-finding.
Not Recommended For
Beginners, those uncomfortable with uncertainty, anyone unable to maintain a tide-dependent schedule. Not suitable for hikers who need predictable daily mileage.
About This Permit
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 Experience
Why It Matters
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 Route
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.
The Feeling
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.
Trailhead Information
Shi Shi Beach Trailhead
200 ft elevationNorthern terminus accessed through Makah Reservation, 2-mile trail to beach
Restrooms
No water
No Service
Parking
NO overnight parking at trailhead. Must use paid private lots near Tsoo-Yess Beach (~1 mile back).
Getting There
Remote access via Makah Reservation roads from Neah Bay. Last 2 miles on rough gravel.
Nearest Services
Neah Bay (10 miles) - limited groceries, gas. Forks (70 miles) for full services
Rialto Beach
10 ft elevationSouthern terminus with beach access and parking—most accessible trailhead
Restrooms
Water on site
Weak Signal
Parking
Large paved lot, can fill on summer weekends. No overnight fees.
Getting There
Paved road from Forks via La Push Road, easy access
Nearest Services
Forks (14 miles) - groceries, gas, lodging
Rules & Regulations
- •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 Checklist
Required
- 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
- 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)
Plan Your Trip
🎒
Gear Checklist
Required and recommended gear for Olympic Coast
🚐
Shuttle Services
Trailhead transportation options
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Guide Services
Experienced wilderness guides
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Key Landmarks
⛰️
267ft
High📏
34.0mi
DistanceClick on a marker to view details•7 landmarks
Landmarks (7)
Olympic Coast FAQ
How do I get a Olympic Coast permit?
Olympic Coast permits use a reservation system. PermitSnag sends lottery open, deadline, and results reminders; you can also enable cancellation alerts if spots open later.
When is the best time to visit Olympic Coast?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Olympic Coast permit?
This permit has a demand score of 8/10, making it highly competitive. We recommend having backup dates and using PermitSnag's cancellation alerts.
What if I can't get a Olympic Coast permit?
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. Pro and $19 single-permit alerts are checked about every minute, 24/7; free accounts are checked hourly.
👥Community
Trail Conditions(7)
Questions
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Photography Guide
Golden Hour
Sunset at Point of the Arches creates silhouettes of the sea stacks against orange skies. Morning mist at Shi Shi Beach offers moody, atmospheric shots.
Best Light
Overcast days actually produce excellent conditions—fewer harsh shadows and more saturated colors in the green headlands. Sunset and sunrise at beach camps offer the best light for sea stack photography.
Beat the Crowds
The coast sees fewer visitors than interior Olympic trails. Mid-week trips in shoulder season (May, late September) offer near-solitude. The northern section (Shi Shi to Ozette) is less traveled than the southern stretch.
Classic Shots
- 📍Point of the Arches with sunset light
- 📍Sea stacks emerging from morning mist
- 📍Hole-in-the-Wall arch at low tide
- 📍Bald eagles on driftwood
- 📍Tide pools with starfish and anemones
- 📍Cape Flattery from offshore viewpoints
Can't Get a Olympic Coast Permit?
Consider these alternatives if your preferred dates aren't available.
Shi Shi Beach Day Hike
Easier Alternative4-mile round trip to Shi Shi Beach and Point of the Arches—one of the most beautiful day hikes on the coast.
No permit needed
Tradeoffs
Day use only without permit. Requires Makah Recreation Pass. Still see the most iconic scenery.
Ozette Triangle
Easier Alternative9-mile loop from Ozette via Cape Alava and Sand Point—flat boardwalk trails with coastal stretch.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
Much easier terrain, permits more available. Shorter commitment.
South Coast Route
Similar ExperienceThird Beach to Oil City—similar coastal wilderness experience south of Rialto Beach.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
Less iconic scenery but also less crowded. Same tidal challenges apply.
🏕️
Where to Stay
Nearby campgrounds to complete your Olympic Coast trip
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