Shi Shi Beach - Olympic Wilderness

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Tents along Shi Shi Beach
Sarah Bouska, NPS

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.
Pets, use of weapons, and wheeled devices are prohibited on coastal beaches and trails.
A Makah Recreation Pass must be purchased in Neah Bay prior to arriving at any trailheads on the Makah Indian Reservation.
Overnight parking for Shi Shi is permitted only at designated private parking lots.
Utilize existing fire rings or build campfires on the beach to prevent damage to tree roots. Use driftwood only.
Expect large crowds at Shi Shi Beach during summer months. There have been as many as 50 to 250 campers along Shi Shi Beach on busy weekends.

Description

Ecosystem type: Coastal Forest and ocean beach
Trail tread types: Well-maintained boardwalk, muddy road bed, sandy beach
General elevation trend: Flat
River crossings: Petroleum Creek may be difficult to cross in winter during heavy rains
Unique features: Wilderness coast, bald eagle viewing, tidepools
Level of difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2.0 to 4.5 miles
Elevation change: 200 feet to sea level
Best Season: April through October

Camping

Permits/Reservations: Obtain permits in person at the Wilderness Information Center (WIC) in Port Angeles or at the South Shore Lake Quinault Ranger Station. Call for hours. Before your trip, contact the WIC at (360)565-3100. If you are hiking south of Shi Shi beach & camping, reservations are required May 1 through September 30.
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. Hanging food is prohibited because raccoons climb trees, jump onto food bags, and tear them open.
Location and sites: Sites are scattered along the beach and in the forest.
Toilet Facilities: Three pit toilets are available at Shi Shi Beach: one at the south end of the campsites in the woods at the park boundary; one behind the wooded campsites on south side of Petroleum Creek; and one near Willoughby Creek. Always use toilets!
Water Sources: Petroleum Creek and Willoughby Creek. 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.

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. Do not build driftwood furniture; leave the wilderness wild.

Campfires: At Shi Shi Beach, protect coastal forest by burning driftwood only. Utilize existing fire rings or build fires on the beach to protect tree roots in forested sites.

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. Bear canisters can be rented from the WIC in Port Angeles.

Headland Overland Trail Marker — Target marking headland overland trail access
NPS

Safety

Know the tides.
Carry a map and 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, be sure to camp above the high tide water line.