Hike to Shi Shi Beach, Olympic National Park, Washington

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The trail to Shi Shi Beach goes along coastal forest and ocean beach. Shi Shi itself offers two miles of hard-packed sand bookended by tall cliffs and sea stacks. Permits/Reservations: Obtain permits in person at the Wilderness Information Center (WIC) in Port Angeles or at the South Shore Lake Quinault Ranger Station. Call for hours. Before your trip, contact the WIC at (360)565-3100. If you are hiking south of Shi Shi beach & camping, reservations are required May 1 through September 30. 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. Hanging food is prohibited because raccoons climb trees, jump onto food bags, and tear them open. Location and sites: Sites are scattered along the beach and in the forest. Toilet Facilities: Three pit toilets are available at Shi Shi Beach: one at the south end of the campsites in the woods at the park boundary; one behind the wooded campsites on south side of Petroleum Creek; and one near Willoughby Creek. Always use toilets! Water Sources: Petroleum Creek and Willoughby Creek. 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. Petroleum Creek may be difficult to cross in winter during heavy rains.

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