Rialto Beach

Seastack at Rialto Beach

Notices
Description
Trail Conditions
Camping
Special Concerns
Safety
Map

 

Notices:

• As of May 2013, all food, garbage, and scented items must be stored—overnight and when unattended—in park-approved bear canisters along the entire Olympic National Park Wilderness Coast. Buckets or other hard-sided containers are no longer permitted..
• Wilderness Camping Permits are required for overnight hikes. Visit our Wilderness Backpacking Reservations page to learn how to obtain a permit.
• Utilize existing fire rings or build campfires on the beach to prevent damage to tree roots. Do not gather firewood from the forested areas; use driftwood only.
• Leashed pets are allowed on Rialto Beach 0.8 mile north to Ellen Creek during daylight hours (camping with pets is prohibited.)
• Use of 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 area
• Elevation change: None
• Best Season: April through October

 

Camping

• Permits/Reservations: Obtain permits in person at the Wilderness Information Center in Port Angeles. Contact 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.
• 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 into a group of more than 12.
• Food Storage Method: As of May 2013, all food, garbage, and scented items must be stored—overnight and when unattended—in park-approved Bear Canisters along the entire Olympic National Park Wilderness Coast. Buckets or other hard-sided containers are no longer permitted.
• 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 near the "split rock". In other areas bury waste 6-8" deep and 200 feet from campsites and water sources.
• Water Sources: Ellen Creek, various streams. Most coastal water sources have a tea-stained appearance. The light tan color originates from tannin leached from leaves. Cryptosporidium and giardia exist in coastal streams and rivers. Always filter or boil water. Iodine is ineffective against cryptosporidium.
• Stock: Prohibited on all park beaches and beach trails.

 

Trail Conditions

 

Special Concerns

• Leave No Trace of your stay to protect vegetation and prevent further camping restrictions from being imposed. Camp in preexisting sites or on sand to prevent damage to vegetation.
• Fires: Utilize existing fire rings or build fires on the beach to prevent damage to tree roots. Do not gather firewood from forested areas; use driftwood only.
• Wildlife Precautions: Due to the ingenuity of raccoons and other wildlife in obtaining human food, As of May 2013, all food, garbage, and scented items must be stored—overnight and when unattended—in park-approved Bear Canisters along the entire Olympic National Park Wilderness Coast. Buckets or other hard-sided containers are no longer permitted.

 

Safety

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 the high tide water line.