Join us for a 6 mile round trip backpack into Olympic National Park - Shi Shi Beach. Shi Shi Beach, has breathtaking coastline with dramatic sea stacks, tide pools, and caves accessible through old growth forest. The area is rich with marine life, stunning sunsets and a remote, wild atmosphere perfect for experiencing nature’s raw beauty.
Itinerary:
Prior to trip: Purchase North Shote Olympic National Park Wilderness Camping permits for Shi Shi Beach online at https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4098362/registration/detailed-availability?date=2025-05-24. Purchase round trip Ferry Tickets for Coupeville to Port Townsend online at https://wave2go.wsdot.com/webstore/shop/viewItems.aspx?cg=21&c=54.
May 24, 2025 0800. Take Coupeville ferry to Port Townsend. Drive to Port Angeles for Lunch. Bear Cannisters are required for camping in Olympic National Park. You can borrow one at the Olympic National Park Headquarters in Port Angeles if you don’t already have one. Drive to Neah Bay and purchase annual Makah Tribal Access Permit ($20) if you don’t already have one. Drive to Shi Shi Beach Trail head and drop off gear. Drivers pay $10/day cash for parking 0.5 mile from Trail head.
May 24, 2025 1400. Hike 3 miles to Shi Shi Beach and set up camp. Trail is well maintained for first mile then has several muddy sections during second mile. Trekking poles and mud boots recommended. Recommended Gear: Tent, Backpack, 2 liters of water per person. Water filtration device (there is fresh water in creek). Sleeping bag. Water shoes. Extra pair dry shoes. Camera. Batteries for phone, camera, watch, etc. Food and clothes for four days. Rain gear, fire starter and warm coat/hat. cooking and eating gear. Hot chocolate, coffee. Knife. Firstaid kit. toilet paper. wet wipes. sun protection (glasses, lotion). Compass, map. Tide tables.
May 25-26. Explore Shi Shi beach. Depending on weather, we may decide to leave on 26 instead of 27th.
May 27. 0900. Hike out 3 miles to trail head. Drive to Port Angeles. Drop off any borrowed Bear Cannisters. Drive to Port Townsend. Take Ferry to Coupeville. Drive home.