The Best Beaches Near The Olympic National Park
Hollywood Beach in Port Angeles
Distance from Port Angeles: Downtown Port Angeles in front of the Red Lion Hotel
Dogs Allowed: Yes
What You'll See
Small but scenic, Hollywood Beach is a convenient way to sink your toes into the sand. To the south, the Olympic Mountains soar above the city of Port Angeles. To the north you can gaze over glassy Salish Sea waters or launch a kayak right from the shore. The City Pier, public art, and picnic tables are scattered around to make a wonderfully mellow day at the beach.
Why We Love This Beach
There is no shortage of activities at Hollywood Beach. Nestled right in downtown Port Angeles, there is great people-watching and ferry-watching. Paddle the easy waves and admire the mountains from your kayak or paddleboard. Take your dog on a shoreline trot on the Olympic Discovery Trail that runs adjacent.
Beaches from Downtown Port Angeles to Ediz Hook
Distance from Port Angeles: 4 miles, 8 minutes driving
Dogs Allowed: Yes
What You'll See
Cruise along the Olympic Discovery Trail past stretches of coastline to the parks and beaches that dot the Ediz Hook. Ediz Hook is a sandy 3-mile outcropping, creating a runway to the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Launch a kayak from Sail and Paddle Park. Soak up the views of Port Angeles below the Olympics’ snowy peaks. Harbourview Park is a prime spot for a shoreline picnic.
Why We Love This Beach
There is nothing quite like the Ediz Hook. The way this sandy catwalk sprawls into the ocean makes you feel you are floating. Ediz Hook envelops you with salt air, calming waves and mountain views. There are also some inspiring views to be had on the water as well, from a kiteboard or kayak or even a scuba session. It’s also not uncommon to spot resident and migrating whales from the hook!
Elwha River Beach in Port Angeles
Distance from Port Angeles: 10 miles, 15 minutes driving
Dogs Allowed: Yes
What You'll See
Wander a wide open beach at the mouth of the Elwha River. This beach is actually growing thanks to the removal of the Elwha Dam in 2012. For almost a century, the dam architecture had not accounted for the ecological and tribal needs of the river. Now prize-winning salmon species and cutthroat trout are beginning to return. Spend a day paddleboarding, picnicking or simply relaxing on the sprawling shore.
Why We Love This Beach
Fully recharge your batteries on Elwha River Beach. The wetlands and coast join up together attracting a variety of wildlife. Watch for geese, beavers, eagles and seals. This is a peaceful spot to savor natural beauty, where people like the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe have been walking for centuries.
Salt Creek Recreation Area Beach in Port Angeles
Distance from Port Angeles: 16 miles, 21 minutes driving
Dogs Allowed: Yes
What You'll See
Spend the day exploring mysterious tidepools, forested bluffs and stunning coastline at Salt Creek Recreation Area. There are 200 acres to enjoy, including hiking trails to remnants of World War II bunkers. The emerald and sapphire arms of the Pacific Northwest will wrap themselves around you in this beautiful park.
Why We Love This Beach
This is not your typical beach; it beckons you to explore. Cliffs covered in evergreens dramatically give way to sandy shores. Time your visit for low tide to investigate the tiny sea creatures that live in the nooks and crannies of the shoreline. The views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca cannot be beat.
Kalaloch Beaches
Distance from Port Angeles: 88 miles, 1 hour 45 minutes driving
Dogs Allowed: Yes
What You'll See
Take a day to go beach-hopping down the Kalaloch (prouncouned ‘clay-lock') Beaches. You’ll find wide beaches with alcoves for picnics as well as tidepooling. Windswept trees rooted atop weathered rock walls run parallel to the sand. The salty ocean mist rolling around jagged sea cliffs will leave you mystified.
Why We Love This Beach
Choose your adventure. The first beach at the foot of Kalaloch Lodge is known for whale watching. Quiet your mind and gaze over a craggy shoreline along Beach 3. Discover sea stars and anemones during low tide within the thriving tidepools at Beach 4.
Ruby Beach
Distance from Port Angeles: 83 miles, 1 hour 40 minutes driving
Dogs Allowed: Yes
What You'll See
Amble over gentle boulders and soft sand for some low tide starfish hunting. Sea stacks and driftwood are scattered all around you. Study the horizon and you’ll get a view of Destruction Island and its 94-foot tall lighthouse that has been standing since 1890.
Expect closures in summer of 2022 as crews work to improve accessibility of the trail. Before visiting, check the Olympic National Park Service for alerts and closures.
Why We Love This Beach
Ruby Beach gives off a spooky yet enchanting vibe. The colorful, delicate driftwood balances the gnarled rock formations and towering sea stacks. Get cozy and splash around in the inlet that stays protected at low tide.
La Push Beaches
Distance from Port Angeles: 69 miles, 1 hour 25 minutes driving
Dogs Allowed: Yes (First Beach)
What You'll See
Strike a balance of wild and serene along the three beaches of La Push. Waves crash against ominous sea stacks and seals, otters and sea lions gather for meals. Twilight fans may recognize First Beach as filming location. Close to the Quileute Nation’s Oceanside Resort, this beach makes for an easy stroll and oceanside nosh at the lodge. Hike a tranquil .7 path to Second Beach for a sprawling beach with momentous sea stacks. Adventure through 1.5 miles of coastal forest to discover Third Beach. Descend down a bluff of spruce to a stunning, blissful beach. You may want to stay the night and camp under the Milky Way as the ocean lulls you to sleep.
Why We Love Each Beach
Beachcombers will definitely appreciate the heaps of knotted and intricate driftwood along First Beach. This beach also features drive up access making it convenient for all abilities. The sea stacks of Second Beach are alluring. The wide shore reflects the sunlight and lofty rock formations making a photographer’s dream. The short hike of the Third Beach gives you a diverse dose of nature with forest, shore and even a waterfall. Visit at low tide for some spectacular tidepool studies.
Rialto Beach
Distance from Port Angeles: 67 miles, 1 hour 20 minutes driving
Dogs Allowed: Yes (to to Ellen Creek)
What You'll See
The mighty Pacific churns energetically beyond the shore of Rialto Beach. Gaze over a horizon of sea stacks and shadowy fog that floats around tiny islands. Wander around rocky bluffs and over ocean-smooth boulders. Get nose-close to a tiny underwater world of sea anemones. As always, plan to visit at low tide if you can to maximize your tidepool time..
Why We Love This Beach
Rialto Beach features a shoreside hike to a natural archway known as Hole in the Wall. Cross over a percolating stream and delicate driftwood. A mile and a half sandy stroll flanked by crashing waves and coastal forest will lead you to the stony passage.
Shi Shi Beach
Distance from Port Angeles: 85 miles, 2 hour 22 minutes driving
Dogs Allowed: No
What You'll See
Lace up your boots for a two mile trail through lush forest with a pot of sandy gold at the end. You’ll encounter bridges, boardwalks and some mud before reaching Shi Shi Beach. Let the salt spray of crashing waves against towering sea stacks ease your mind. Get lost exploring tidepools or keep ambling south along the beach another 2 miles to reach Point of the Arches for out-of-this-world rock formations.
Shi Shi Beach is part of the Makah tribe reservation and you’ll need a Makah Recreation Pass to park. They can be purchased at the trailhead.
Why We Love This Beach
Shi Shi Beach is the wild Washington coastline at its best. Hike through a verdant jungle. Take a rest along the wide smooth shore or enjoy the vibrant thriving scenes of a tidepool.