Stats
- Distance: 2 miles (can hike much father, but we came mainly for sunset)
- Duration: 1 hour
- Weather: Sunny with some low cloud and mist; ~40F
- Takeaway: Spectacular spot for sunset with offshore islands and sea stacks, and a relatively flat sand and pebble beach reflecting the setting sun; short descent down to beach, and then miles of available hiking
This is a short drive north from Kalaloch Beach (~20min), where we were based in Olympic National Park. This beach was fun, and different, in both calm and stormy weather.
There are tide pools that are interesting to explore around Abbey Island when the tide is low enough. Good views of Destruction Island and its lighthouse (there are closer points on Hwy101 as you head north from Kalaloch, but here the views are framed by the remnants of sea stacks).
Parking (ample) is up on a bluff, where there are nice tree-framed views of the beach as well. The descent is moderate and well-maintained. You can walk the beach north or south, although heading north you will need to cross the creek, which was runnning quite high from recent storms.
Heading back to Kalaloch is a eye-popping drive along the ocean with the waning sunset, as the ocean turns a deep, inky blue.
Stunning evening :)
We were mostly alone on a stormy visit, but the beach was quite crowded on a sunny day, although walking down the beach the people thinned quickly.
NOTE: While hiking this time of year, with very high tides and potentially rough seas, it is important to pay attention to the tides, and make sure you leave yourself a route back; much of the beach has steep bluffs with log piles at their base, log piles that may float at high tide and be very dangerous.
Comments