Camp
Cape Alava
MI 11.6 · 11 ft
Westernmost point in the lower 48 states, site of important archaeological finds
Booked one camp per night, in order
Olympic Coast Trail Permit
Olympic National Park · Washington
Wilderness beach traverse along Washington's wildest coastline, from Shi Shi Beach to Rialto Beach, with sea stacks, tide pools, and rainforest headlands.
Get an alert when any night of your Olympic Coast itinerary opens.
Yes. You need a permit to thru-hike Olympic Coast Trail in Olympic National Park. It is the Olympic Coast Trail Permit, and it is booked in advance through a reservation system rather than won in a lottery. Cost: $8/person/night + $20 Makah Pass (if using Shi Shi).
70% of the openings our scanner caught on Olympic Coast were gone within 30 minutes.
Olympic Coast reservation dates
- route distance, about, measured along the route, point to point
- 32mi
- max group size
- 12people
Plan your Olympic Coast Trail camps, night by night
Olympic Coast Trail runs 32 miles from Shi Shi Beach to Rialto Beach. You book a camp for each night.
Pacific Ocean
Shi Shi Beach Trailhead
Shi Shi Beach
Point of the Arches
Seafield Creek
North side Ozette River
Ozette River
South side Ozette River
Cape Alava
Wedding Rocks
Sand Point
South Sand Point
Yellow Banks
Norwegian Memorial
Cedar Creek
Cape Johnson
Chilean Memorial
Hole-in-the-Wall
Ellen Creek
Rialto Beach
Shi Shi Beach Trailhead
Mile 0 of 32150 ft
Starting point with descent through coastal forest to the beach.
Olympic Coast Trail landmarks, Shi Shi Beach to Rialto Beach
Map of the Olympic Coast Trail, Shi Shi Beach Trailhead to Rialto Beach
9 of 9 places in this section
Loading the map
Terrain USGS 3DEP · Water USGS NHD · Trail © OpenStreetMap contributors
How to get an Olympic Coast permit
As of October 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. Canceled Olympic Coast permits are re-released on the booking system, and PermitSnag alerts you the moment one opens. The Olympic Coast route covers about 32 miles, measured along the route, rated strenuous.
- Type
- Thru-Hike
- Location
- Olympic Peninsula, Washington, WA
Step 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.
Step 2: Know the release schedule
Permits release on a rolling basis. Check the release time for your dates.
Step 3: Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
Step 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:
The camps you book on Olympic Coast
One a night, in route order.
- Shi Shi Beach
- Seafield Creek
- North Side of Ozette River
- South Side of Ozette River
- Cape Alava
- Wedding Rocks
- Sand Point
- South Sand Point
- Yellow Banks
- Norwegian Memorial
- Cedar Creek
- Chilean Memorial
- Hole-in-the-Wall
More on Olympic Coast: Live availability activityWhen Olympic Coast permits open upChance of an openingOlympic Coast Trail permit itineraryDo I need a Olympic Coast Trail permit?
Guides: Olympic Coast Trail permit guideEnchanted Valley permit guideSeven Lakes Basin permit guide
How much an Olympic Coast permit costs
Olympic Coast permit fee: $8/person/night + $20 Makah Pass (if using Shi Shi).
The Olympic Coast hike
- Distance
- about 32 miles, measured along the route
- 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
- Strenuous
- High Point
- 267 ft
Walk one of America's wildest coastlines where tide tables replace trail maps and sea stacks rise from the mist like ancient sentinels.
About this permit
The Olympic Coast Trail offers a wilderness beach experience unlike any other in America. This 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 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.
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 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.
Olympic Coast hike highlights
- 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
How hard the Olympic Coast hike is
- Physical DemandFitness and endurance required4/5
- Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills3/5
- Exposure RiskSteep dropoffs and fall potential4/5
- NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity4/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route4/5
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.
Trailhead information
Shi Shi Beach Trailhead
Primary200 ft elevation
Northern terminus accessed through Makah Reservation, 2-mile trail to beach
- No 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
Trailhead information
Rialto Beach
Alternate10 ft elevation
Southern terminus with beach access and parking, the 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
When to hike Olympic Coast
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.
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (150 ft)
⚠️
Backcountry Tips
- Today: 79% chance of precipitation. Pack rain gear.
- Tomorrow: 61% chance of precipitation. Pack rain gear.
- Snow expected: Check current trail conditions before departing.
Today
❄️
31°
23°
79%
Thu
❄️
30°
24°
61%
Fri
❄️
30°
23°
31%
Sat
❄️
31°
20°
25%
Sun
☁️
33°
18°
Mon
☁️
41°
23°
Tue
☁️
46°
28°
View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.
Olympic Coast 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
Olympic Coast rules, gear and safety
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 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)
Rules & regulations
- 01Wilderness permit required year-round for overnight stays
- 02Makah Recreation Pass required for access to Shi Shi Beach trailhead
- 03Bear canisters required for all food storage
- 04Campfires only on beach below high tide line, driftwood only
- 05No fires between Wedding Rocks and Yellow Banks
- 06Group size limited to 12 people
- 07Camp in established sites only to protect vegetation
- 08Permits are limited year-round for camping from Yellow Banks to Point of the Arches (the Ozette area)
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
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Olympic Coast.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Olympic Coast · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
Some links may be affiliate links. Purchases support PermitSnag at no extra cost to you.
Olympic Coast FAQ
How do I get a Olympic Coast permit?
PermitSnag alerts you the moment a Olympic Coast cancellation opens, so you can book it before anyone else. Olympic Coast permits use a reservation system.
When is the best time to visit Olympic Coast?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays 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 every minute, 24/7; free accounts are checked hourly.
Olympic Coast trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
Sign in to report trail conditions.
Questions
No questions yet
Be the first to ask about Olympic Coast.
Alternatives to an Olympic Coast permit
- Easier AlternativeNo permit needed
Shi Shi Beach Day Hike
8-mile round trip to Shi Shi Beach and Point of the Arches, one of the most beautiful day hikes on the coast.
Tradeoffs
Day use only without permit. Requires Makah Recreation Pass. Still see the most iconic scenery.
- Easier AlternativePermit required
Ozette Triangle
9-mile loop from Ozette via Cape Alava and Sand Point: flat boardwalk trails with coastal stretch.
Tradeoffs
Much easier terrain, permits more available. Shorter commitment.
- Similar ExperiencePermit required
South Coast Route
Third Beach to Oil City: similar coastal wilderness experience south of Rialto Beach.
Tradeoffs
Less iconic scenery but also less crowded. Same tidal challenges apply.
Where to stay near Olympic Coast
Plan the full trip, not just the permit
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