Can You Hike From Rialto Beach To First Beach?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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It is different than most other hiking you'll do, as once you're on the beach there is no “trail.” Any part of the beach not underwater is your “trail.” Pending the route you take, this is a

20-33 mile one way hike

, (Rialto to Shi Shi Beach).

Do you need pass for Rialto Beach?

Pro Tip:

You'll need a National Park Pass to visit Rialto Beach

. You can purchase an America The Beautiful annual pass online, or a day pass at a local ranger station. The closest station to Rialto Beach is the Lake Quinault Ranger Station.

Which is better Rialto Beach or Ruby Beach?

Visited both and was much more impressed with Rialto, though if u are not up for a hike,

Ruby might be easier and better

. I hiked north at Rialto about 1.5 miles to the Hole in the Wall. Went near low tide and saw lots of starfish. There are lots of “stacks” north of the parking area but worth the hike.

What time should I go to Rialto Beach?

The best time to visit Rialto Beach if you want to hike out to the tidepools at Hole-in-the-Wall is

any low tide during daylight hours

!

Can you swim at Rialto Beach?


You can't swim at the beach because of the risk of getting struck with driftwood

.

Is Rialto Beach part of the reservation?

The Quillayute River blocks access from Rialto Beach to First, Second, and Third Beaches.

First Beach is part of the Quileute Indian Reservation

; Second and Third Beaches just to the south are located within Olympic National Park and are part of the Olympic Wilderness Coast. Always check the tides!

Is it illegal to take sand from the beach in Washington?

Washington Shoreline Management Act Guidelines. Use Activities – Mining:

Local governments should strictly control or prohibit the removal of sand and gravel from marine beaches

. When authorized, removal should be conducted in the least sensitive biophysical areas with adequate protection against siltation and erosion.

Can you park overnight at Rialto Beach?


There's a large parking lot for overnight campers

so there shouldn't be any issues finding a spot. Once you start heading north along the beach, there's no trail.

Which is the best beach in Olympic National Park?


Ruby Beach

is arguably one of the most popular (and family friendly) beaches in Olympic National Park, and for good reason. This beach is 8 miles north of Kalaloch Beach and also located right off of highway 101.

How do you get to the point of Arches?

From Port Angeles, drive US-101 west for 5 miles. Turn onto SR-112 west for 64 miles to Neah Bay. Continue on Bayview Ave. for 1 mile; left on Fort St; right on Third Street; left on Cape Flattery Road.

Can you drive through Hoh rainforest?

Getting to the Hoh is a long drive from anywhere!

You will definitely need a car to get there

. Located on the west side of the Olympic Peninsula, it's a solid four hour drive from Seattle, 3.5 hours from Tacoma and five hours from Portland.

What is Rialto Beach known for?

Rialto Beach is

one of the many spectacular scenic beaches along the Washington coast

. Magnificent sea stacks rear out of the surging coastal waters, and the abundant cobbles and waves provide a cacophony of natural sound. Driftwood dots the rocky shoreline at Rialto Beach.

Where is First Beach in Washington?

1st beach is

about 15 miles west of Forks near the town on LaPush

.

Can you collect rocks at Rialto Beach?

Rocks:

The beach comber will find Rialto beach covered with rock beds of gray basalt and various other quartz and jasper specimens

.

Is Rialto Beach part of Olympic National Park?

Rialto Beach lies just north of the mouth of the Quillayute River and the Quileute Nation, about 14 miles west of Forks, Washington.

It's part of the coastal lands of Olympic National Park

on Washington State's Olympic Peninsula.

What city is Rialto Beach in?

Rialto Beach Location

Clallam, Washington

, United States
Coordinates 47°54′30′′N 124°38′32′′WCoordinates: 47°54′30′′N 124°38′32′′W Geology Beach

Are dogs allowed on Rialto Beach?


Leashed pets are allowed on Rialto Beach 0.8 mile north to Ellen Creek during daylight hours

(camping with pets is prohibited.)

Is La Push Beach Open 2021?


As of July 12, 2021, the Quileute Reservation is now open to non-tribal members

. This include First Beach at La Push, Second Beach, and the Quileute Oceanside Resort.

Is La Push second beach open?

21:

The Quileute Reservation including First Beach at La Push and the trailhead to Second Beach is now open to visitors

.

Can you swim at Ruby Beach?

You won't regret it! Ruby Beach is where you go when you want to have the perfect day at the beach along the Washington Coast.

You don't go here to swim

, or sunbathe or even surf. You go here to hike, explore tide pools, watch for birds, seals and otters or catch a glimpse at whales swimming by.

Are Olympic National Park beaches open?


The Kalaloch area is open

. This includes Ruby Beach and Beaches 1-6 . Kalaloch Ranger Station is now closed for the season.

Is Cape Flattery open to the public?


Currently closed to the public

.

Cape Flattery is the Northwest most point on the contiguous United States. To park at the trailhead, obtain a permit from the Makah Tribe. There is a restroom at the trailhead, and daytime parking for cars and RVs. Please pack out all litter.

How long is Damon point?

With

four miles

of beach walking and water on three sides, Damon Point is one of the best places to hike and view wildlife in the North Beach area of Washington's Pacific Coast.

Why is it illegal to take sand from the beach?

You can not legally take sand from the beach as you would be contributing (even if only in a small way)

towards the weakening of the defensive barrier the beach provides from the sea to the land

. Sand is off-limits though.

Why can't you take sand from the beach?


The beach is noticeably less pink than it used to be due to humans snagging a little souvenir

. While this may sound excessive and possibly even amusing, taking sand is illegal from beaches all over the world.

Can I take shells from the beach?

In the case of seashells,

you're generally okay collecting a few shells as a tourist, assuming you aren't on a beach that lies in a national park or protected area

. Even on public beaches, this of course assumes you bring home a reasonable amount and aren't in violation of altering the landscape in any way.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.