Rialto Beach Olympic National Park
Explore a rugged Washington coast with giant driftwood, rocky shores, and the iconic Hole-in-the-Wall arch.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Explore tide pools & Hole-in-the-Wall
Rialto Beach Olympic National Park
Best Time
Explore tide pools & Hole-in-the-Wall
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a rugged Washington coast with giant driftwood, rocky shores, and the iconic Hole-in-the-Wall arch.
"The rugged, moody atmosphere and unique landscape make Rialto Beach a must-visit in Olympic National Park."
🎯 Check Tide Charts First!
Crucial for Hole-in-the-Wall access & tide pool exploration. Low tide is your best friend here!
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The beach is covered in smooth rocks, not sand. Good grip is essential for walking.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hole-in-the-Wall
North end of Rialto Beach
A stunning natural sea arch, best explored during low tide for tide pools and unique rock formations.
Giant Driftwood
Along the entire beach
Massive, ancient driftwood logs litter the shore, creating a dramatic and unique landscape.
Tide Pools
Near Hole-in-the-Wall during low tide
Discover vibrant marine life like crabs and anemones in these fascinating natural pools.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything: Low Tide is Key
Parking and Crowds: Weekends are Busiest
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Tide Charts First!
Crucial for Hole-in-the-Wall access & tide pool exploration. Low tide is your best friend here! 
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The beach is covered in smooth rocks, not sand. Good grip is essential for walking.
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
Arrive early or consider street parking if the lot is full, especially on weekends.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Washington coast weather is unpredictable. Be prepared for cool, cloudy, or breezy conditions.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Tide Charts First!
Crucial for Hole-in-the-Wall access & tide pool exploration. Low tide is your best friend here!
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The beach is covered in smooth rocks, not sand. Good grip is essential for walking.
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
Arrive early or consider street parking if the lot is full, especially on weekends.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Washington coast weather is unpredictable. Be prepared for cool, cloudy, or breezy conditions.
📸 Capture the Moody Vibes
The PNW atmosphere is perfect for dramatic photos, especially during sunrise or sunset.
🦭 Look for Wildlife
Keep an eye out for seals, pelicans, and other coastal birds.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Rialto Beach's unique beauty, from its massive driftwood to the fascinating tide pools and the iconic Hole-in-the-Wall. The rugged, moody atmosphere of the Pacific Northwest coast is a major draw. However, parking can be a significant challenge, especially on weekends, and planning around low tide is crucial for the best experience.
"I love this place! I came here after going to the Hoh rainforest. I was at the beach in the afternoon. It was cloudy that day, but thankfully no rain! It was cool but not too cold. It felt like the perfect weather to be there at the beach. Dare I say I love the twilight vibes the place offered! The cliffs, the trees, the birds, the beach - everything was just perfect! I couldn’t have asked for anything better. I would love to come back here again and again and again! One of my favorite places in Olympic national park!"
Vyshnavi Vennelakanti
"Beautiful and unique. Humongous white driftwood trees along the shore - diameter of 4 or 5 feet, weighing who knows how many tons each. The beach is not sand - it’s hundreds of thousands of small, smooth gray rocks, which you can brush against your cheek & feel like a baby’s skin they are so soft. Highly recommend."
Tonius Clay
"Absolutely beautiful place! Parking sucks! Always busy on the weekends. Seems to really be busy at low tides and sunsets. Had to park along the street last time and there were no issues. Love this beach!"
Alfredo Romo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rialto Beach is a short drive from Forks, Washington, typically about 20 minutes. Follow signs for the beach from Highway 101.
Yes, Rialto Beach is a popular coastal section within Olympic National Park.
Yes, there is a parking lot at Rialto Beach, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak times.
Hole-in-the-Wall is accessed by hiking north along the beach from the Rialto Beach parking lot. It's about a 1.5-mile walk each way.
Public transportation is very limited in this remote area. Driving is the most practical way to reach Rialto Beach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, as Rialto Beach is within Olympic National Park, you will need a valid park pass for entry. You can purchase passes at visitor centers or online.
Rialto Beach is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, visitor services and facilities may have specific hours.
There is no separate entrance fee for Rialto Beach itself, but you must have a valid Olympic National Park entrance pass.
It's recommended to purchase your Olympic National Park pass in advance online or at a ranger station to avoid potential lines, especially during peak season.
Olympic National Park offers various passes, including annual passes and lifetime passes for seniors and military. Check the NPS website for current options.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike to Hole-in-the-Wall is approximately 1.5 miles one-way along a rocky beach. It's best done during low tide.
Wear sturdy, waterproof shoes with good grip as the beach is covered in smooth rocks. Dress in layers as coastal weather can change quickly.
Swimming is generally not recommended due to strong currents and cold water temperatures. It's more of a scenic beach for walking and exploring.
You might spot seals, sea lions, various seabirds, and if you're lucky, whales during migration seasons. Tide pools reveal crabs and anemones.
Dogs are allowed on Rialto Beach but must be kept on a leash at all times.
📸 📸 Photography
The Hole-in-the-Wall arch, the dramatic driftwood logs, and the rugged coastline during sunrise or sunset are prime photography locations.
Early morning for soft light and fewer crowds, or late afternoon for dramatic sunset colors. Moody, overcast days also offer unique photographic opportunities.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the beach and driftwood. A tripod is useful for long exposures during sunrise/sunset or to capture the moody atmosphere.
Generally, photography is allowed, but always be mindful of park regulations and avoid disturbing wildlife or natural features.
Focus on the moody atmosphere, the dramatic driftwood, and the rugged coastline. Early morning or late evening light can enhance this feeling. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While swimming isn't recommended due to strong currents, the beach provides ample space for running, beachcombing, and enjoying the dramatic scenery. Keep an eye out for wildlife, which can be a highlight for children.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
Checking the tide charts is paramount for a successful and safe trek. Embrace the moody PNW atmosphere; it's perfect for introspection and enjoying the solitude. The beach is also a great place for wildlife spotting, adding an element of discovery to your journey.
📸 Photographers
+1 Aim for low tide to get the best shots of the arch and the intricate tide pools. +1Experiment with different times of day: early mornings offer soft, diffused light, while sunsets can paint the sky with vibrant colors. Don't shy away from overcast days; they lend themselves to atmospheric shots that highlight the rugged beauty of the coast.
Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive views and a tripod for sharper images in challenging light. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Hole-in-the-Wall
+2Many visitors emphasize the importance of checking tide charts before heading out. If you miss the low tide window, the walk might still be possible, but the arch itself could be inaccessible or less impressive. The journey along the beach is part of the experience, with stunning views of the rugged Pacific coastline and the chance to see seals and seabirds.
Remember to wear appropriate footwear, as the beach is composed of smooth, rounded rocks, not sand. The walk can be challenging in places, so sturdy shoes with good grip are essential. The effort is well worth it for the unique geological formations and the breathtaking scenery.
Navigating the Rocky Shoreline
Walking on this rocky terrain requires careful footing. Visitors consistently advise wearing sturdy, waterproof shoes with good traction. The rocks can be slippery, especially when wet, and the uneven surface makes comfortable footwear crucial for enjoying your exploration.
Beyond the driftwood, the beach itself is a mosaic of various rocks, including unique green ones from subduction zones and lava rocks. This geological diversity adds another layer of interest to the beach.
Capturing the Moody Pacific Northwest Vibe
For photographers, sunrise and sunset offer spectacular opportunities. The low-angle light can illuminate the driftwood and the rugged coastline in breathtaking ways. Even on cloudy days, the diffused light creates a soft, ethereal glow that is perfect for capturing the essence of the PNW.
Wide-angle lenses are recommended to capture the vastness of the beach and the dramatic driftwood, while a tripod can be invaluable for long exposures, especially during low-light conditions. Some visitors even seek out the specific 'Twilight' vibe that the area evokes, thanks to its filming locations nearby. Focusing on the dramatic natural elements – the mist, the ancient trees, the rugged shore – can help capture this unique aesthetic.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit