Pretty busy on Memorial Day weekend, but that's to be expected. Parking lot was full and cars were parked along the road by early afternoon.
Based on a sign at the overnight parking spot for Shi Shi, you don't need to get a Makah parking pass if you're only going to park there. We bought a parking pass anyway, so can't confirm 100%.
As others have noted, trail is very muddy in sections, so be prepared to get wet and/or dirty. Trail is a bit overgrown with salmonberries in some areas as well.
Were able to find one of the last forest spots when we arrived at Point of the Arches ~3:30pm. Passed rangers checking permits, just fyi.
About a -1.5 tide which allowed us to explore Point of the Arches quite extensively. Lots of starfish, hermit crabs, snails, anemones, and tiny fish in the tide pools. Cool caves to explore and many an arch to walk under. Some of the arches looked like caves but then opened up to the other side of Point of the Arches which made for fun exploration.
First time at Shi Shi. Would say it's easier than Strawberry Point and the rope inclines, but harder than Cape Alava or Sand Point at Ozette due to the beach to trail elevation and muddy sections. Beach was easier to walk along than the Cape Alava to Sand Point section at Ozette because there are fewer downed trees and rocky tidepool sections. The beach is mostly sandy at Shi Shi.
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