North Coast Route — Saturday, Sep. 7, 2024

Plan was to do 3 days and 2 nights from Rialto to Shi Shi beach. First day was Rialto to Norwegian Memorial, day 2 Norwegian to Cape Alava, day 3 Cape Alava to Shi Shi. Overall it is a beautiful but rugged section of coastline. Day 2 was the most challenging between Norwegian and Yellow Banks. There were long extended periods of slippery tidal rock fields and edges or loose sand and deep rotting seaweed beds. Due to the slow going nature of navigating so many slippery tidal rock fields with a pack we ended up stuck at Yellow Banks due to the tidal schedule (it just took us a lot longer than expected). I think we could’ve made it with some wading but the last day to Shi Shi and Point of Arches would’ve been challenging with the schedule. We ended up heading out to Ozette the last day instead.

Overall this is a beautiful and rustic hike with many cool overland routes (with ropes) over tidal crossings. Be warned, however, not all crossings have overland routes and there are many of them from Rialto to Shi Shi. Purchase the Custom Correct Map with the marked crossings. The websites we found did not have nearly enough info about these crossings. Also, plan your pace thoughtfully. Since there are many sections of wet slippery rocky tidal fields it is pretty slow going at times with a pack.

Would def do it again! But likely would plan another night so we could enjoy the scenery more and not have to rush to the next tidal crossing due to the tide schedules.  

Last words of advice:  Don't forget your gloves.  They were super handy for the roped overland crossings as many were splintered or ragged.  They also came in handy on the tidal rocks due to the barnacles, and times when you have to crawl under driftwood.  Also...watch out for dead seal carcasses...there were 3 we noticed, one right along one of the paths (almost stepped on it)..