Finding the Beach

Driving distance from the home: 2.4 miles, 5 minutes

Lands: Olympic National Park

Google Maps Turn left from the driveway and continue to the Rialto Beach parking lot.

Beach Access

Plenty of parking is available in two parking lots at the beach. The unimproved parking lot to the left is Quileute Tribe land and the right side parking lot is on ONP land. The beach is just footsteps away from the beach making it perfect to catch a sunset or enjoy the day in sunshine.  

Exploring the Beach

It's a place where the wild Pacific Ocean crashes against a shore sculpted by ancient forces. The first thing that hits you is the invigorating scent of salt air, tinged with the earthy aroma of the towering, wind-blown trees that fringe the beach.

As you walk the pebbled shore, the rhythmic whoosh of the waves becomes a constant companion. Look out and you'll see sea stacks jutting defiantly from the water, remnants of a long-lost coastline whispering tales of the sea's power. See if you can find Cake Rock and a seastack we call Gary, it looks like a snail.  

Now, for the truly adventurous, Rialto Beach offers a hidden gem – Hole in the Wall. This natural archway, carved by the relentless waves, is a sight to behold. 

Speaking of low tide, that's when Rialto Beach truly transforms at Hole in the Wall. The exposed shoreline becomes a wonderland of hidden treasures. Explore tide pools teeming with vibrant starfish, anemones clinging to the rocks, and the occasional shy crab scuttling sideways. Due to the steepness of Rialto Beach at the parking lot, stones get ground down as they slide up and down the beach forming flat stones, which are a treasure for rock-skippers. Keep an eye out for polished driftwood treasures, smooth stones perfect for skipping across the water, or maybe even a flat, perfectly round, stone waiting to become a cherished reminder of your visit.

Witness a Breathtaking Sunset

As the day winds down, head back to the shore and witness a spectacle that will leave you speechless. The sky ignites with fiery hues of orange, pink, and purple, casting a magical glow on the ocean and the dramatic sea stacks. It's a moment of pure enchantment, perfect for sharing with a loved one or simply soaking in the beauty on your own. 

When at our vacation rental, when you see the sun starting to leave the very top of the trees surrounding the house, you might think about going to Rialto Beach or down to the river for a sunset.

Restrictions and Tips

Olympic National Park restrictions apply, however, the normal national park restrictions do not apply to tribal lands at this beach. Unlike other national parks, it is OK to take stones as souvenirs.