Seastack at Rialto Beach

Notices
Description
Trail Conditions
Camping
Special Concerns
Safety
Map

Notices:

• Hard-sided food containers like bear canisters are required for food storage on the coast because of raccoons.
• Wilderness Camping Permits are required for overnight hikes. Obtain at the Wilderness Information Center (WIC) in Port Angeles. (360) 565-3100
• Build Campfires on the beach not in forested campsites using driftwood only.
• Pets, weapons, and wheeled devices are prohibited on coastal beaches and trails.

Description

• Ecosystem type: Coastal Forest and Ocean Beach 
• Trail tread types: beach
• General elevation trend: Flat with steep overland trails
• River crossings: Ellen Creek
• Unique features: Beach Hiking, Natural Arch
• Level of difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 1 mile to Hole-in-the-Wall camp areas
• Elevation change: none
• Best Season: April through October 

Camping

• Permits/Reservations: Obtain permits in person at the Wilderness Information Center in Port Angeles. Call the WIC for other locations where permits can be obtained. No reservations are required unless you plan on camping in the Yellow banks or Ozette Area. For reservations, contact the WIC. (360) 565-3100
• Group Size Restrictions: Groups are limited to no more than 12 people. Associated groups of more than 12 must camp and travel at least 1 mile apart and may not combine at any time in a group of more than 12.
• Food Storage Method: Hard-sided food containers like bear canisters are required to store all food, garbage and scented items from bears and raccoons.
• Campsites: Numerous campsites between Ellen Creek and Hole-in-the-Wall.
• Toilet Facilities: A pit toilet may be available just south of Hole-in-the-Wall. In other areas bury waste 6-8" down and 200 ft from campsites and water sources.
• Water Source: Most coastal water sources have a tea-stained appearance. The light tan color originates from tannin leached from leaves. Boil, filter or treat your water. Giardia is known to exist at Sand Point and in other coastal streams. 
• Stock: Prohibited on all park beaches and beach trails.

Special Concerns

• Leave No Trace: Leave No Trace of your stay to protect vegetation and prevent further camping regulations. Camp in preexisting sites or on sand to prevent damage to vegetation.
• Fires: To protect coastal forests, build fires on the beach and burn only driftwood.
• Wildlife Precautions: Due to raccoon problems, all food garbage and scented items must be secured in hard-sided containers such as Bear canisters. To protect raccoons, bears and other wildlife, all food, garbage and scented items must be secured from all wildlife 24 hours a day.

When traveling along the coast:

• Know the tides.
• Bring a topographic map and a tide chart to plan your route.
• Be prepared to hike over headland trails during high tides. Some headlands cannot be rounded during the lowest of tides.
• When camping on the beach, camp above high tide water line.