Hike of the Week: Shi Beach
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| With Point of the Arches in the distance, Shi Shi Beach is one of the prettiest spots in the entire Northwest. |
Shi Shi Beach
Northwest’s most beautiful beach is once again easily accessible
by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin
April 29, 2005
Shi Shi Beach
Quick Facts
Location: Olympic National Forest, Coastal Strip
Land Agency: National Park Service
Roundtrip: 3.5 miles
Cumulative Elevation gain: 200 feet
Access: From Port Angeles head 5 miles west on US 101 to SR 112. Proceed west on SR 112 for 65 miles to Neah Bay on the Makah Indian Reservation. Pass the Tribal Center and in 1.5 miles turn left on Cape Flattery Road. In 2.5 miles come to a junction; turn left towards Hobuck Beach (road signed for Hatchery/Beaches). Continue on this road for 4.25 miles to the trailhead (just before fish hatchery).
Notes: Makah Recreation Pass required ($7.00, available at Washburn’s General Store in Neah Bay). Overnight hikers should consider parking at Donna Wilkie’s (360-645-2554) located .25 mile before trailhead (secure parking-$10/night). No dogs allowed at Shi Shi.
Green Trails Map: Cape Flattery, WA- No. 98S
Consistently rated by Northwest hikers as one of the region’s most beautiful beach, Shi Shi has been revered throughout the ages. From First Peoples, to naturalists, to counter-culture disciples, to politicians, to just plain ordinary folk; Shi Shi has left an indelible mark in the hearts and memories of many. However, this natural gem’s history has a few blemishes on it, including access issues. But, thankfully, those problems have now been washed away to sea.
Shi Shi’s inclusion in 1976 to the Olympic National Park coastal strip was met with some resistance. Squatters had to be removed, developers had to be discouraged, and abutting landowners had to be convinced to allow access. All of that has been achieved-and there’s more good news. The Makahs recently developed a new trailhead and built a trail to the beach that is topnotch in design and standards.
The first mile winds through pockets of mature Sitka spruce and traverses saturated bogs via boardwalks and bridges. A half-mile of somewhat muddy terrain must still be negotiated before coming to the park boundary. Now the only thing separating you from the beach is a steep trail down a 150-foot bluff.
Put your knees to the test and emerge at the northern end of the two mile beach. Taste the salty air-feel the pounding surf at your feet-embrace the incredible beauty before you. Amble down the wide sandy beach and immediately forget about the civilized world.
Dunes and bluffs hem you close to the surf. Giant logs dance in the breaking waves. Eagles let out high-pitched welcomes from overhanging snags. In the distance is Point of the Arches, a mile-long cavalcade of sea stacks and natural arches. In low tide, there’s no better place on the Olympic Coast for admiring these wind and water sculptured landmarks.
The only thing grander than Shi Shi’s natural beauty is its resilience to the forces that tried to deny us from enjoying and admiring this national treasure.
