Bottom Line:
After the mesmerizing Rialto Beach hike yesterday, more stunning beaches within the Makah Tribe recreation area out of Neah Bay. Hobuck and Tsoo-Yess beaches are not as remote as say, Shi Shi just to the south, but very beautiful in their own right and have better access. Excellent beach hiking and a great spot for sunset!
Stats:
- Distance: 5+ miles
- Duration: 3+ hours (both over 2 days)
- Road/Parking: SR 112 is down to one lane for a short section east of Neah Bay due to a washout; I LOVE this road - reminds me of the Hana road in Maui with its trees and ocean views. Makah recreation permit required (available at mini mart on Neah Bay waterfront); parking and toilets available at Hobuck Resort; public beach access to Tsoo-Yess Beach as noted on permit map (most of the road has "no parking" signs)
- Trail: North of Shi Shi beach lie Tsoo-Yess and Hobuck beaches offering miles of beautiful beach hiking with somewhat easier access. The two beaches are separated by the Tsoo-Yess river (too wide to ford) breaking the hike into two (Hobuck beach is about 1-1/2 miles long; Tsoo-Yess north to the river from the south public access is longer). The beaches are mostly flat sand with interesting rocky headlands and spits. Eagles, sand dollars, bull kelp, seals, streams and teaming tide pools with coralline algae, starfish and anenomes. Some folks were surfing Hobuck in the morning. Variable surf. Per permit, no beach collecting. The grasslands ringing the beach were blanketed in daisies. CAUTION: A few spots one could get caught by a high tide; consult tide charts.
- Takeaway: Excellent alternative beach hiking destination for the early spring muddy trail into Shi Shi. Easy access had us coming back again and again over several days. Also an excellent place to camp at the Hobuck campground/cabins. Will paddle or packraft the calm Tsso-Yess River separating Hobuck and Tsoo-Yess beaches next time.
More pics of that sunset at my Instagram link below. I posted a YouTube "short" (with its 9:16 format) with link below.
Comments