It’s nearly impossible to find an unimpressive spot on the Olympic Peninsula. But Rialto Beach, Washington—with its unique Hole in the Wall rock formation and unusual Tree Graveyard—is extra-gorgeous. If you’re looking for a stunning Olympic National Park landscape, set your GPS for Rialto Beach.
This stone and sand beach, with its eerie Tree Graveyard and massive collection of driftwood, is unlike anyplace else. And if you time your visit right, you can hike to Hole in the Wall. This unique rock formation at the end of the beach is only accessible at low tide, when you’ll also find tide pools and a path to a remote stretch of sand.
Some of my favorite features of Rialto Beach, WA:
- Tree Graveyard: line of standing bleached trees along the shore
- Driftwood: piles of twisted wood washed ashore
- Stone beach: a mix of agates (some as big as a fist) and volcanic rock (many perfect for skipping)
- Hole in the Wall: a majestic rock formation less crowded than the main Rialto Beach
- Sea stacks: offshore islands, called sea stacks, dot the horizon
- Wildlife: home to eagles, shorebirds, sea otters, sea lions and whales
Read on for all the details you need on visiting Rialto Beach, Washington. My post outlines the must-know info for the hike to Hole in the Wall, where to park at Rialto Beach, COVID-19 restrictions and Rialto Beach camping.
Background on Rialto Beach, WA
Rialto Beach is just north of La Push, WA, a town on Quileute Native land. (You can see La Push from Rialto Beach by looking south across the Quillayute River.)
As of this writing, all Native land in this area, including La Push, is closed to restrict the spread of coronavirus. That means no visitors at all. As a result, First Beach and Second Beach are inaccessible. Once we’ve moved past the worst of this virus, I’m excited to visit for La Push Days, a July event that celebrates Quileute culture.
Rialto Beach is about 20 minutes west of Forks, Washington. Forks has the most lodging, restaurants, cafes and grocery stores in this area if you need to stock up on anything.
And if any of these places or names sound familiar, it might be because you recognize them from the Twilight series. These books are set in Forks, WA and the surrounding area. Jacob Black and the other characters who can turn into werewolves are members of the Quileute Nation.
Exploring Rialto Beach, Washington
Rialto Beach is a gorgeous, easily accessible beach on the Olympic Peninsula. Unlike many other beaches in the area, you don’t have to hike at all to reach the shoreline. What’s more, an accessible sidewalk leads to a viewpoint that overlooks the beach.
Millions of round rocks cover the shore here. They’re primarily volcanic stone, their edges worn into smooth ovals after years and years. Keep an eye out for agates, too. We found some that were the size of my fist. (A reminder to leave everything you find, as this is part of a national park and marine sanctuary.)
From the Rialto Beach access point, you can walk a short ways south. Before long, though, you’ll reach Quileute land, which is currently closed to visitors.
When you turn north, though, you have more than 1.5 miles of beach to explore. The farther you walk, the fewer people you encounter.
Rialto Beach is part of the Olympic Peninsula so you need to be prepared for any kind of weather. One day we visited and the beach was blanketed in a thick fog. Another day I returned and saw nothing but sun; I ended up in my tank top. Even if it’s sunny and hot where you’re staying, the micro-climates along the Olympic Peninsula could cause a weird pocket of fog, rain or clouds.
As Rialto Beach is primarily rock, we left our sand toys in the car. I also recommend wearing sturdy shoes, not flimsy flip flops, as you’ll be walking over lots of rocks.
Finally, check out the sea stacks that rise out of the Pacific Ocean. These rock islands, or outcroppings, used to be part of the stone headlands where land met the sea. Over time, the ocean eroded the softer rock around what are now sea stacks, leaving them standing alone in the water.
Tree Graveyard and driftwood at Rialto Beach
One of the most striking features of Rialto Beach: the line of bleached tree skeletons lining the shore, nicknamed the Tree Graveyard. These eerie trees stand like sentinels watching the ocean. I like to imagine them staying on the lookout for pirates. (Maxine is all about playing pirates at the beach!)
These wind-battered sitka spruce trunks create a border between the beach and the green forest inland. They look a bit like rib bones sticking up from the shore.
Enormous piles of driftwood also draw visitors and professional photographers to Rialto Beach. We loved checking out the gnarled roots and splintered trunks that line the beach. Most of these are safe to climb or sit on, but be careful: You never know when one could shift.
Previous beach-goers built forts of driftwood, many of which are still standing. Maxine and Edie explored every one, creating imaginary games inside.
Tides and storms constantly reshape this beach, so it’s different every time you visit. I can’t wait to be surprised by the changes next time we go!
Hike to Hole in the Wall, WA
First and foremost: Hole in the Wall is accessible only at low tide. You’ll need to time your hike so you don’t get stranded with no way back until the next low tide.
Aim to arrive at Hole in the Wall about a half-hour before low tide. (Check tide charts here.) That will give you enough time to explore the rock formation and tide pools before heading back as the tide turns.
I needed less than 2 hours round-trip to do the Hole in the Wall hike. That said, I was walking very quickly (since low tide was shortly before sunset) and I didn’t have kids with me. You may need more time than I did.
About 1.5 miles north of the access point to Rialto Beach, you’ll find a dramatic rock formation called Hole in the Wall. Here, time and the constant push of the tides have carved an opening in the basalt cliff.
A quick moment to geek out: Geologists believe that this part of the Olympic Peninsula formed from the cooled eruption of undersea volcanoes. When volcanoes spewed lava far offshore, that lava hardened into basalt on the ocean floor. Then, as two tectonic plates slowly collided, this basalt buckled up—forming the cliffs we admire today.
So when you explore Hole in the Wall, you can impress everyone by explaining how they’re actually walking on cooled lava from more than 34 million years ago.
To get to Hole in the Wall, you’ll start at the main Rialto Beach access point. Take a right when you reach the beach. Walk north along the shore for about 1.5 miles, when you’ll arrive at Hole in the Wall.
Along the way, you’ll cross Ellen Creek at about the 0.8 mile mark. Dogs are not allowed past this point. (Our pup Finn stayed behind on this hike.)
As you hike, watch the waves—I spotted a few sea lions. I also counted at least four bald eagles soaring overhead.
The hike to Hole in the Wall is more of a beach stroll than a proper hike: There’s no elevation gain, and your “trail” is just the shoreline. That doesn’t diminish this area’s stunning beauty.
Accessibility: Hikers will have to cross Ellen Creek. When I hiked to Hole in the Wall, I was able to walk up and around the creek so didn’t get my feet wet, but conditions are always changing. You may need to scramble here.
Additionally, you can see Hole in the Wall a bit from the south. But to really experience it, you’ll need to climb over uneven rocks and slippery spots. This is not a good hike for people with mobility limitations.
Tide pools at Hole in the Wall
Once you arrive at Hole in the Wall at Rialto Beach, you’ll want to explore. The outgoing tide leaves behind pools of water that collect in dips in the rocks. Sea anemones, sea stars, crabs and little fish all make their homes in these tide pools.
As you walk, be very careful. First of all, the seaweed that grows on the rocks is quite slick. Secondly, you’re walking over someone’s home. Watch where you step so you don’t crush a sea creature.
Remember that the tide pools are protected as part of the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary. Look but don’t disturb the animals or habitats in the tide pools.
The tide pools extend for yards and yards toward the sea. As you make your way around the tide pools, you’ll come to the north side of Hole in the Wall. Lots of people stop here to take a photo of themselves in the hole.
Remember, keep an eye on the time and the tides. You’ll need to head back when the tide turns. This area becomes cut off from the main Rialto Beach as the tide comes in.
Rialto Beach camping
We haven’t camped at Rialto Beach—yet—but are excited to try!
Many folks camp north of Ellen Creek and even on the stretch of sand past Hole in the Wall, which is accessible only at low tide.
Campers must buy an overnight permit for Rialto Beach camping. Permits can be found at the Wilderness Information Center in Port Angeles. *Coronavirus update: The WIC is closed for social distancing. As of now, you must reserve your wilderness camping permit online. Here are instructions to get your permit online.
Although camping here is rugged—there are no toilet facilities and few semi-established sites—it’s quite busy. You will be sharing the area with plenty of other campers. Rialto Beach’s popularity as a camping spot makes it even more important to stick to leave no trace principles: Pack out all garbage and bury waste far from water sources (i.e. Ellen Creek).
As this camping area is remote, you’ll need to pack in all food and supplies. You can purify the fresh water at Ellen Creek for drinking water. All food must be stored in a bear canister. This is a national park wilderness after all! The hardware store in Forks also sells a variety of bear canisters.
Dogs are not allowed on overnight stays. Plenty of trees make excellent spots to hang hammocks, though—bring one that’s compact and lightweight like this one, which stuffs into a little bag for easy transportation!
Must-know details to visit Rialto Beach
Rialto Beach is within the Olympic National Park. That means you’re not able to collect rocks, driftwood or any other souvenirs from the beach.
Rialto Beach is even more popular now that access to First Beach and Second Beach is restricted. The parking lot is small and fills up quickly.
The shoulders along Mora Road have quite a lot of parking spots, though. Whenever I’ve visited Rialto Beach, I’ve had no trouble finding a parking spot on the side of the road, even during the summer. Note: All your wheels must be completely off the pavement or else you could get towed!
Safety reminder: If you park on the shoulder, you’ll need to walk on the road to reach the beach. (There is no sidewalk or trail.) You won’t be alone, and drivers move slowly on this stretch of road. That said, be extra-aware of your surroundings and move to the shoulder whenever cars pass. Hold onto children and keep dogs on a very short leash.
Rialto Beach maintains vault toilet facilities but bring your own TP and hand sanitizer in case it’s not well stocked.
Remember to wear your mask. You’ll pass plenty of people walking to and from the entrance to Rialto Beach. Once you get to the beach, you’ll be able to maintain social distance.
An unforgettable Olympic National Park beach
My family has officially fallen in love with the Olympic Peninsula and the Olympic National Park. From the forests and the hikes to the beaches and rock formations, there’s simply so much to experience in this gorgeous corner of the country.
Our five days camping and exploring in this area felt cruelly short. But I’m a big believer in leaving something to look forward to the next time we visit. We have plenty of plans to return as soon as we’re able!
Something tells me you’re hankering for a trip to the Olympic Peninsula, too. When you go, stop at Rialto Beach and let me know what you think.
