Hike North Coast Route Trail (Rialto to Shi Shi Beach), Olympic National Park, Washington

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The North Coast Route Trail covers 20 mile along the pacific coast of Olympic National Park from Ozette Trailhead to Rialto Beach (allow 3-4 days) and 15 miles from Shi Shi Beach Trailhead to Ozette Trailhead (allow 2 days). It's part of the Pacific Northwest Trail. The Ozette River should be forded at Low tide. It may be impassable in winter and during periods of heavy rain. Other coastal creeks may be difficult to cross during periods of heavy rain. Log jams may be very slippery and hazardous. Level of difficulty: Easy to strenuous sections Elevation change: Sea level to 200 feet Best Season: April through October Permits/Reservations: Obtain permits at the WIC in Port Angeles. Contact the WIC for other locations where permits are issued. Reservations required May 1 through September 30 for camping from Yellow Banks to Point of the Arches. Group Size Restrictions: Maximum group size is 12 people. Associated groups of more than 12 must camp and travel at least 1 mile apart and may not combine at any time into a group of more than 12. Food Storage Method: As of May 2013, all food, garbage, and scented items must be stored—overnight and when unattended—in park-approved Bear Canisters along the entire Olympic National Park Wilderness Coast. Buckets or other hard-sided containers are no longer permitted. Check with the WIC for rental locations. Campsites: Primary destinations are Ellen Creek, Chilean Memorial, Cedar Creek, Norwegian Memorial, Yellow Banks, South Sand Point, Sand Point, Wedding Rocks, Cape Alava, South side Ozette River, North side Ozette River, and Shi Shi Beach. Toilet Facilities: Pit toilets are available at Ellen Creek, Cedar Creek, Norwegian Memorial, Chilean Memorial, South Sand Point, Sand Point, Cape Alava, South Ozette River, North Ozette River, and Shi Shi Beach. In other areas bury waste 6-8" deep and 200 feet from campsites and water sources. Pack out toilet paper. Water Sources: Most coastal water sources have a tea-stained appearance. The light tan color originates from tannin leached from leaves. Cryptosporidium and giardia exist in coastal streams and rivers. Always filter or boil water. Iodine is ineffective against cryptosporidium. At high-tide, some streams may contain saltwater. Campfires: To protect coastal forests, build fires on the beach and burn only driftwood. Wood burning fires are prohibited between the headland north of Yellow Banks and the headland at Wedding Rocks. This includes the Sand Point area.

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