AN EPIC GUIDE TO BACKPACKING SHI SHI BEACH

Exploring the Wild Beauty of Shi Shi Beach: A Backpacker’s Guide

Backpacking on Shi Shi Beach, on Washington’s northwestern coastline, offers a unique experience in the Pacific Northwest. Known for its striking sea stacks, dense tide pools, and remote, wild beauty, Shi Shi Beach is part of Olympic National Park’s coastal wilderness. It is a true gem for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure. We spent two nights camped on the sand, in the rain, playing in caves and had the absolute best time.

Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your Shi Shi Beach backpacking trip.

Why Shi Shi Beach?

In my opinion, Shi Shi Beach could be one of the most beautiful beaches in the Pacific Northwest. Its remote location means fewer crowds, giving a sense of solitude that can be hard to find. With unique rock formations like the Point of Arches, lots of caves and tide pools and sweeping views of the Pacific, this is a place to unplug and immerse yourself in the wild beauty of the Washington coast.

Getting There & Permits

Directions: Shi Shi Beach is located on the Makah Indian Reservation, about a 4 and a half hour drive from Seattle including a ferry. Its not the quickest trip but its definitely worth it. Taking a ferry across anywhere always adds to the fun and adventure and of course has the views. The closest town is Neah Bay.

Permits + Regulations

To camp on the beach here, you will need (2) permits.

A wilderness camping permit which you can book one on Recreation.gov. A Makah Recreation Permit required to access the reservation, available at local stores in Neah Bay. Or the Makah Tribal Museum on the way in from Seattle.

Note: You can rent a Bear canister from Olympic National Park visitor centers or outdoor gear shops in nearby towns. This requirement helps keep wildlife safe and reduces the likelihood of animals becoming habituated to human food.

The Hike to Shi Shi Beach

Hiking to and from the beach might have been my favorite part of the entire trip. I found the this coastal hike to be SO BEAUTIFUL! The trail to Shi Shi Beach is about 2 miles each way, winding through lush coastal forests, across bridges and over boardwalks. It was quite novel, all the boardwalks. The trail is quite muddy, especially after rainfall. Therefore, just wear waterproof boots and you should be just fine.

Once you arrive at the beach, it’s about a 1.5-mile walk south to reach the Point of Arches. Once you reach the beach you can set up your camp at any point. With tired kids, we found ourselves halfway to the Point of Arches setting up camp. If I could do it again, I would go much closer. The Point of Arches were like a giant playground for the kids.

Where to Camp

You can camp right on the beach, and the best spots are near the Point of Arches, which offers jaw-dropping views, especially at sunset. Make sure to set up camp above the high-tide line and away from cliffs, as rockfalls can occur. This area has limited camping spots, so arriving early will give you a better choice of locations. Truth be told, when we spent two nights on this beach we were the ONLY ones there!

What to Do at Shi Shi Beach

  1. Explore the Point of Arches: The Point of Arches, a natural arch and rock formation, is the star of Shi Shi Beach. The area is accessible only at low tide, so check the tide tables before exploring. The arches make for stunning photography and an unforgettable backdrop.
  2. Tide Pooling: The tide pools here are some of the best on the Olympic coast. They’re filled with vibrant sea stars, anemones, and other marine life. Be gentle around tide pools—these ecosystems are delicate, and stepping on marine creatures can harm them.
  3. Sunsets and Stargazing: The sunsets at Shi Shi Beach are breathtaking, especially with the Point of Arches in the foreground. Once the sun sets, stargazing on this remote beach is phenomenal, with very little light pollution.

Safety Tips for Shi Shi Beach

  • Tide Awareness: High tides can block access to certain areas, including the Point of Arches, so plan your movements around the tide schedule. Getting caught at high tide can be dangerous and even life-threatening.
  • Weather Preparedness: The coast’s weather is unpredictable, often wet and windy even in summer. Dress in layers, and bring a waterproof jacket, pants, and a warm sleeping bag. We spent two days in rain but it was no big deal with proper clothing. And despite the rain we had a fire going for most of it. Great way to dry out clothes!
  • Food Storage: Raccoons are notorious food thieves on the coast, so store all food and scented items in a bear canister, placed away from your tent.

Packing Essentials

Sleeping Gear: sleeping bags, pillows and pads.

3-season tent suited to windy beach conditions.

Clothing: Layers, including rain gear, quick-dry clothing, and hats; PNW weather can change rapidly especially in the mountains and on the coast.

Footwear: Waterproof hiking boots or mud boots for kids (the beach is sandy and has driftwood).

Cooking Gear and Food: Lightweight stove, fuel, pots

Filtration: Filter or purification tablets. Access to freshwater is limited so bring extra water.

10 Essentials

Note: If you are new to backpacking, check out my “how to plan your first backpacking trip”.

Fires are Allowed on the Beach Only

Having a Campfire is allowed on the sand, but not in vegetated areas or near driftwood piles.

Firewood: Collect only driftwood from the beach for your fire. Do not cut down or damage any living or dead wood from nearby vegetation.

Tide Awareness: Build your fire well above the high-tide line to prevent the tide from washing it out.

Leave No Trace: Fully extinguish your fire and scatter the cool ashes to leave no evidence. Help preserve the natural beauty and minimize human impact on this remote beach.

Leave No Trace

Pack Out Everything: This includes food scraps, trash, and toilet paper.

Respect Wildlife: Observe marine life from a distance, and never feed animals or leave food behind.

Final Thoughts

Shi Shi Beach is a truly magical destination—a wild, remote beach with some of the most stunning scenery you’ll find along the Olympic coast. With its unique combination of rugged wilderness and unspoiled coastline, it becomes an especially captivating spot for backpackers seeking a genuine back-to-nature experience. With just a bit of planning, your Shi Shi Beach adventure promises to be an unforgettable journey to one of Washington’s most spectacular coastal wonders.

Happy Trails and Safe Travels!

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