Rialto Beach is a very accessible backpacking location on the Olympic Peninsula.
Now in saying that, it will be a 3 to 4 hour drive from Seattle, and you can choose the ferry or drive the scenic route, I personally prefer to drive.
For a day hike you can enjoy the beach and restrooms at the parking lot, however if you would like to stay overnight a permit is required.
This site as lots of details about warnings, closures etc: https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/rialto-beach.htm
Step 1: Get a Permit ( Note this can be quite complicated!)
a) Wilderness Camping Permit are required and be reserved at the https://www.recreation.gov/
b) Search for Olympic National Park Wilderness Permit
c) Select Overnight and the date you would like to start
This will take you to the next page where you can see a list of available locations.
Note: some of your data might not carry across to the new page, so you may have to enter "overnight again" etc.
d) You will also NOT see Rialto Beach, you need to select "North Coast" and your "Group Size" before the actual locations show up.
e) At this point select "Hole in the Wall"
f) You can now finally "select" each date which will be represented by a "check mark"
g) and finally click Book now and pay.
Now that we are all set to "legally" stay overnight lets get to the fun bits..
Step 2:
a) okay okay there is still some safety checklists to go through: Food Storage: you NEED a BEAR canister, this is a rule.
b) Check the Tides: this is not a rule, but it can be interesting to walk along the beach when the tide is high...and you holding on....𝅘𝅥𝅱𝅘𝅥𝅱
c) Always ensure you follow Leave no trace.
Right lets talk about backpacking:)
Since this is such an easy hike to Hole in the Wall and you can camp anywhere north of the creek, I indulge myself and carry lots of funs things!
Sleep system:
I also use a Sea to Summit Talus 3 sleeping bag, this is no longer manufactured, but I have had this for over 7 years and its great.
When I use a cot I do not use a sleeping pad.
I really love the Toaks ultralight 450ml cup, it can be used on fires and stoves and is durable.
Tent:
I use window film for the footprint, as I did not want to spend the extra $50 bucks...lol
As you can see from my list, I do carry lots of extras that are fun for myself, I suggest you find items that bring you joy and use them to have fun!!
For a fishing rod / reel is a must, as you can fish!
I love to eat, so there's a lot of food involved ! lol
aaaand wine and beer and whiskey 😋
Lunch: soup and pastrami sandwich toasted, with lightly sauteed kanksy, with peppers and onions.
Snack: Dark Beer and toasted chicken and Potato tortilla with cilantro, onions, lettuce and cheeeese..
Breakfast: eggs, sausage and smokey coffee
Dessert: biscuit dough toasted using Cobbler sticks and blueberry filling.
(hmm I guess the whiskey has take effect based on the angle of the horizon..lol)
There is an abundance of driftwood, so I saved my gas canisters for another day and cooked all my food / coffee with the fire.
So the Hole in the Wall, if you time the tide right you can see the starfish and tide pools, and of course walk through the hole in the wall.
The Hole in the Wall from the little hike up ... look at these miniature people 😂😂😂😂
As the night rolls in a good fire is required!!
And of course the most important item!!
Amazing company!
If go you a place like this with the right people you will have an experience to share :)
Happy Backpacking!!!
Stay safe:)
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