Hike of the Week: Clallam Bay
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| A deserted beach awaits you at Clallam Spit |
Clallam Bay
Explore Washington’s deserted and spectacular North Coast
by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin
February 16, 2007
Quick Facts
Location: Strait of Juan de Fuca, North Olympic Peninsula
Land Agency: Clallam County Parks
Roundtrip: 2.5 miles
Elevation gain: none
Contact: Clallam County Parks (360) 417-2291
Access: From Port Angeles follow US 101 west for 5 miles to SR 112. Continue west for 44 miles on SR 112 to the community of Clallam Bay. At a sign indicating, “Clallam Bay Community Beach,” (near an auto center) turn right into a large parking area and trailhead.
Notes: Dogs must be leashed
A wild and deserted “Ocean Beach” on Washington’s “North Coast;” the Clallam Bay Spit on the Strait of Juan de Fuca is a breathtaking beautiful place to catch a sunset or just to wander aimlessly. Never crowded; most likely you’ll only be sharing this wide sandy beach with gulls, sanderlings, oystercatchers and eagles.
In the winter of 2003, Mother Nature decided to mess up access to this unspoiled natural gem. She ushered in a severe storm causing the Clallam River to shift, breaching the spit. In the process the lovely bridge spanning the river, allowing you to easily reach the spit was rendered useless, becoming surrounded by water. The County Parks Department plans on restoring the bridge but you better give them a call first before venturing this way. But, if the bridge is still out-don’t worry- there are public access points both east and west of the main entrance.
Assuming the bridge is in place, head down the short trail and span the fickle Clallam River to behold one of the finest stretches of ocean beach in the state. Wander west towards the river. You’ll have to ford the chilly river if you plan on hiking the half mile of beach towards Middle Point. This may be tricky in winter. If so, skip the crossing and venture east instead a glorious half mile to the headland at Slip Point, home of a coast guard station and lighthouse. If the tide is out plan on spending some time combing the pools left behind.
The Clallam Bay Spit is the type of destination where you can easily spend hours just walking back and forth or staring into the pounding surf. If possible, try to stick around for sunset. It is absolutely radiant from this wild and stunningly beautiful stretch of beach.
For information on lodging and other attractions near Clallam Bay, visit
Click here for link to Olympic Peninsula
