Shi Shi Beach
Neah Bay, WA
A two mile hike through Makah tribal land and coastal forest gets you to sea stacks at Point of the Arches that look like a different coastline entirely. It is remote enough that most visitors are locals willing to make the walk, not tourists passing through.
Sea stacks at Point of the Arches look like a different coastline entirely, but the two mile hike and the tribal permit requirement keep it to people willing to make the effort.
How we score beachesA Makah recreation permit and a Washington Discover Pass are both required. Buy the tribal permit in Neah Bay before you start the hike.
Dogs are not allowed on Shi Shi Beach or Point of the Arches, since the beach lies within Olympic National Park, which prohibits pets on its wilderness coast trails and beaches.
The Olympic Peninsula's wettest months run October through April, so the two mile hike out here is at its best, and driest, from July through September. Water stays cold year round, in the 50s, this coastline is for hiking and tide pools, not swimming.
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