Shipwreck Coast

Key information: Shipwreck Coast

Astounding Olympic Peninsula coastline which is still very wild in all senses - wild pounding sea, wildlife, wild weather.
Shipwreck Coast provides fantastic tidal pools and sea stacks, along with just exploring this beautiful beach.
20 miles of trekking along the Olympic coastline on the North Coast Trail, starting from Rialto Beach to Lake Ozette Ranger Station, then on another 15 miles to Shi Shi Beach. This is a multi-day trek. You can get a shuttle back.
This hike can be slow due to areas of headlands, where you have to hike around to escape from the higher tides.

This is remote mountain walking, on which you will have to be self-sufficient and the weather is often bad here. Come prepared.

ANYONE GOT ANY GOOD PHOTOS? WE WOULD BE DELIGHTED TO POST THEM!

For more information and photos, including detailed practical information and some warnings, see our Olympic NP walk page.

Walkopedia rating

Walkopedia rating85
Beauty33
Natural interest17
Human interest5
Charisma32
Negative points2
Total rating85
Note: Neg: likely bad weather

Vital Statistics

Length: 4 days
Maximum Altitude: N/A
Level of Difficulty: Moderate

This walk description page is at an early stage of development, and will be expanded over time. Your comments on this walk, your experiences and tips, and your photos are very welcome.

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COMMUNITY COMMENTS AND PHOTOS

Name: mco1515
Posted on: 02/02/2016
Absolutely incredible walk. The terrain varies tremendously from stretch to stretch of the walk - some stretches are packed sand, some loose gravel, others are large boulders, etc. The sea stacks are magnificent and provide for ample photo ops along with a sunset over the water every night. Between the marine life (crabs, sea urchins, fish, etc.), the bald eagles flying overhead and the deer that are unbothered by human presence, there is ample wildlife for a hiker to enjoy. The walk is can be challenging given the variable terrain and the sometimes grueling headland crossings, but extremely rewarding. Most stretches of the walk are extremely isolated, but people tend to congregate around Rialto Beach and the Ozette area. You absolutely must have a tide chart and sufficient rain gear. Summer is typically the driest season and consequently the best time to do this walk.

Walkopedia says: THANK you!

Name: Bookman
Posted on: 06/07/2018

Comprehensive description with photos from 2016 http://bookmantravelreports.blogspot.com/2016/05/backpacking-washington-states-wild.html

Your comments on this walk, your experiences and suggestions, and your photos are very welcome. Where appropriate, you will be credited for your contribution.

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Other accounts: share your experiences

Your comments on this walk, your experiences and suggestions, and your photos are very welcome. Where appropriate, you will be credited for your contribution.

Anyone planning an expedition to this place should see further important information about this walk.

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Shipwreck Coast