Rialto Beach and Hole-in-the-Wall
Forks, Washington
Details
Distance
3.35 miles
Elevation Gain
66 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Jeff Richards
Enjoy this Olympic National Park scenic beach hike to sea stacks and Hole-in-the-Wall. There is access to tidepools at low tide.
Start at the very well kept parking lot at the end of Mora Road outside of La Push, Washington. There is no clearly marked trail to get to the sea stacks that are in all the pictures. It's about a mile hike down the beach to them. Although it is short, the hike can be difficult as the beach is made up of very loose rocks, and you will end up sliding sideways with every step you take.
About halfway down the beach you will have to cross Ellen Creek. It is not big, and there is a convenient fallen tree that can be used as a bridge to cross it, just make sure not to fall. After crossing, continue on, as the sea stacks will start to become more visible.
Once you get to the sea stacks, there will be many opportunities to take beautiful pictures should you choose to bring your camera equipment, or even just your phone. Beyond the stacks is the famous Hole-in-the-Wall sea cave. This entire area, and especially Hole-in-the-Wall can only be reached during low tide, so be sure to check tide times before you set out.
The headland that Hole-in-the-Wall is located on has a trail that goes up and over it allowing you to explore more of the beach. There is also a small, but beautiful tidal zone right next to Hole-in-the-Wall.
When you are ready to leave, simply head back down the beach to your car. Make sure to take in the sights of the nearby First Beach as you walk back!
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Rialto Beach and Hole-in-the-Wall Reviews
The colors here were amazing. Biodiversity was wild. The hole-in-the-wall (despite the pictures posted) can become overrun by other people hoping to enjoy it. Lovely walk on the beach to get there.
5.0
Be sure to check the tide schedule and go at low tide to explore the tidal pools. You can check this online or at the visitor center in Port Angeles.
4.0
The beach is beautiful and feels very secluded. The facilities are old and run down but that's not why you're there, right?
4.0
Rialto is such a special beach. Lots to explore.
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Rialto Beach to the Sea Stacks
Chilean Memorial via Rialto Beach
Camp at First Beach
Second Beach in Olympic NP
Camp at Third Beach
Strawberry Point on the Olympic Coast
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