The Best Places to Go in Washington: Shi Shi Beach (Olympic Peninsula)

Probably any literature you come across about Shi Shi beach will start by saying something to the effect of, "Shi Shi beach is one of the most scenic spots on the Washington coast and one of the best beaches in the US." Well, you can't argue with the truth. And if you've ever been lucky enough to take in Shi Shi's beauty, you know exactly what everyone is talking about.

Take in a sunset at Shi Shi and consider yourself even luckier, as it will be forever embedded in your memory. Capture that sunset on film, and it will be a digital photo that you actually get printed - most likely to go in a frame to hang on your wall. In fact, the picture at the beginning of this article is hanging in my own home. Looking at it brings me back to that day I was sitting on the warm sand next to my tent. I can smell the briny ocean, hear waves lapping the shore, and see a whale breeching in the distance.

At Shi Shi, the sea stacks, the beach caves and the tidal pool life all transport you further back in time, to a period when life was much simpler and things like the internet, cell phones, cable and even cars did not exist yet. To me, this is a sign of a GREAT trip. If you can get yourself there it will be hard to leave - which is a part of Shi Shi's magic.

Shi Shi has about two miles of beach to walk. And it's hard to decide where to keep your eyes. Either on the great seascape in front of you or on the sand in hopes of finding beach glass - especially the coveted blue glass (I found three pieces on my last trip!).

The Northern entrance to Shi Shi is on the Makah Reservation. From Port Angeles, drive west on U.S. 101 to Highway 112. Turn right onto Highway 112 and drive north to Neah Bay. At the west end of town, turn left onto Cape Flattery Road and drive 3 miles to Hobuck Beach Road. Turn left, cross the Waatch River, and drive to Sooes River. Hobuck Beach Road eventually turns into Sooes Beach Road. Cross the Sooes River and drive to the trailhead on the right.

Landowners near the trailhead allow you to park on their property for a fee. This is advisable as parking at the trailhead is for day use only. Vandalism is also a known problem. Drop your packs here at the trailhead and have at least one person guard your gear, while someone else drives back to the last house to park and pay.

From the trailhead, it is an easy 2 mile hike to the beach. It is pretty flat, except for the last bit down to the beach. Be warned: the trail can be muddy.