331 Things to Do in Port Angeles – #167 Seaside Silhouettes
Discover tidepools, stacks and sea otters on the serene beachscape near Second Beach.
Find More Beaches to Explore in and around the Olympic National Park and Port Angeles below.
Hollywood Beach in downtown Port Angeles
This beach makes a great spot to watch the ferry come and go to and from Victoria, B.C. Canada, or launch a kayak or paddleboard from the mellow shore. You’ll often see seals swimming around and can easily get “hands-on” with the local sea life at the Feiro Marine Life Center. There’s also a beachfront playground for the kids and the the Olympic Discovery Trail — a paved bike and walking path that extends for over 70-miles — makes for a scenic shore ride or walk out to Ediz Hook.
Ediz Hook in Port Angeles
Hunt for sea glass on a natural sand spit that creates a calm harbor for beach play and paddle sports like SUP-ing and kayaking as well as a hot spot for bird watching. The Olympic Discovery Trail leads the way to several beachfront parks. Keep an eye out for not only sea life, but also wild kitty cats scampering across the logs and rocks.
Freshwater Bay
Low tide reveals a walkable sandy beach dotted with anemone-covered rocks and pools teeming with crabs and tiny fish.
Salt Creek Recreation Area
A 196-acre county park with forested trails, sandy beach and rocky tide pools that open to Crescent Bay. This bay is part of the Whale Trail where whales can be seen from shore. Hiking and walking trails and even an old World War II bunker are located in the park and this is an official location on the National Audubon’s Olympic Loop Washington State Birding Trail. Beachcombing, tide pooling, kite flying, surfing and kayaking are common beach day activities here.
Rialto Beach
Named one of the top 10 best west coast beaches by USA Today. It’s an easy walk for kiddos because you don’t have to take a trail to get to the beach — the beach is your trail! Walk about two miles to the Hole-in-the-Wall, a sea arch where you can explore saltwater pools. Watch for whales, sea lions, otters and bald eagles here.
Main photo of Second Beach in Port Angeles by Michael Matti. Sunset over Second Beach Photo by Josh Williams Photography
