North Shi Shi Beach Access - Point of Arches

Headed to Shi Shi Beach this weekend expecting not so great weather, and was surprised by almost perfect weather. Stopped at the visitor center in Port Angeles on the way to get a camping permit ($9) and a bear cannister ($3 donation). Stopped in Neah Bay at the museum to get a "recreation pass" ($10, good for one year) that appears to be required as well.

The parking lot at the trailhead is for day use only. Ended up leaving the car about a mile away at "Donna's" parking lot ($10). The owners of nearer parking lots were nowhere to be found, and some of the places looked a bit dubious. Fortunately the guy at that parking lot offered to drop us off at the trailhead.

The first half of the trail is immaculate and consists of lots of boardwalk. Then things get a bit muddy. Fortunately most of the mud was either dried out or bypassable. After rain or heavy use things might look different... In any case the trail is well marked.

Down at the beach there were three other parties camping, well spaced out. Didn't have trouble finding a good spot, but was glad to have a tide table handy and to be able to compare the evidence of the last high tide with the next expected high tide. There was plenty of firewood lying around, and no garbage (perhaps thanks to the recent coast clean-up day?). Should have brought binoculars to watch the sea otters, and to look out for whales...

The next morning we walked along the beach to Point of Arches and back. The tide was low at -1 so there were plenty of tide pools to peek into, and walking was easy. The only obstacle was a small stream, which could be crossed without getting wet feet on the lower part of the beach.