Dreaming of beach camping? Just imagine waking up to the sounds of waves crashing & breathing in the fresh air from the Pacific Ocean. Full scoop on our trip to Shi Shi Beach!
Cape Flattery
The Northwesternmost point of the contiguous United States
Shi Shi Beach- Olympic National Park
Pronounced: SHY-SHY
The hike to Shi Shi Beach is an easy-going 2 mile trail through the forest with a final steep descent to the beach. In some parts, the trail is very muddy; be sure to wear waterproof hiking shoes & stay to the outer edges of the trail. Once you reach the beach, any spot is fair game to setup camp. For the best camping view, we recommend hiking an additional 2 miles south on the beach near the infamous Point of Arches, or cluster of sea stacks. To avoid getting flooded out by the continuously changing tides, pitch your tent near the shoreline among the driftwood piles.
Strolling the beach & Point of Arches
Pick up a monthly tide map at the Olympic National Park visitor center or download online to ensure safety & stay informed regarding the expected tides along the Pacific Coast for your visit. During low & negative tides, tide pools can be seen exposing magnificent underwater sealife.
Sunset & Stargazing
Using the small pieces of driftwood on the beach, build a fire, start the stove, & grab the camera for the absolute picturesque sunset & stargazing of a lifetime. Set the mood with a bottle of Washington wine & beach-worthy melodies. Have your best friend by your side, too? Ah, this is the life.
A Sandy Sunday Morning
I’ll take my morning coffee with a side of Pacific Ocean views & the sound of crashing waves, please! Oh, Shi Shi Beach, you sure are special.
Camping on Shi Shi Beach
Permits & Fees
1) Olympic National Park Campsite Vistor Permit
Obtain at the Olympic National Park Visitors Center in Port Angeles
Cost: $22
2) Makah Reservation Recreation Permit
Pick one up in Neah Bay at the: Makah Marina, Washburn’s General Store, Makah Mini Mart, Makah Tribal Center, or Hobuck Beach Resort
Cost: $10
3) Overnight parking at Shi Shi residential lot
Located 0.6 miles before the Shi Shi Beach trailhead, overnight parking is located on the lawn of a nearby residence. Place fee in envelope provided & in dropbox near back porch.
Cost: $20 for 1 overnight, $10 for each additional overnight
Ex: If you’re camping Friday night to Sunday afternoon, the total cost would be $30.
Packing List
Click the blue hyperlinks to find items online
• Backpacking pack
REI Labor Day Sale through Sept. 2nd, 2019
• Tent
• Sleeping bags
REI Labor Day Sale through Sept. 2nd, 2019
• Sleeping pads
Inflatable pad with pillow a must have as the sand is not comfortable
• Lantern
Our favorite solar power lantern lasts for up to 8 hours, 4 settings, no batteries
• Cooking set
16 pcs mess kit & stove buy small propane tank separate
• Food & snacks
Dinner ideas: Mac & cheese just add water cups, soup/canned goods, hot dogs over the fire
Breakfast: Breakfast skillet, oatmeal packets, kind bar, coffee with French press
Snacks: Protein bars, trail mix, fiber one bars, smores
• Bear canister (required)
Required when camping in Olympic National Park, rent one for free at the Port Angeles National Park visitor center, rent at any REI, or buy here
• Portable charging bank
• Water supply/filters
• Matches/lighter
• Bear canister
• Clothes
• Hiking Shoes
REI Labor Day Sale through Sept. 2nd, 2019
The trail leading to the beach is very muddy, be sure to wear waterproof hiking shoes or you risk ruining your shoes. If you don’t own a pair, visit your nearest REI to get fitted for the best hiking shoe for you!
Extras
• Cribbage board & deck of cards
• Frisbee
• Portable speaker
• Bottle of wine (duh!)
• Swimsuit & towel
