Shi Shi Beach to Point of the Arches, Makah Reservation

*weather permitting *
Please read this entire posting for important information.
Low tide is at 1205pm at 1.5 feet on Tuesday.

This is a 9.5 mile round-trip, out and back hike on the Pacific Coast with 500 foot elevation gain/loss. We will start at the Shi Shi Beach trailhead on the Makah Indian Reservation at Neah Bay. The first half of this hike is fairly flat through a muddy forest with some cedar plank boardwalks and bridges. We descend to the beach on a set of steep stairs. The second half is on the beach to the iconic Point of the Arches. This is one of my all-time favorite hikes on the Peninsula. There may be a creek crossing depending on the water flow to the beach.
We will snack and explore here for a while before heading back the same way. We may stop in town at Neah Bay for lunch before driving home.

A Makah Recreation Pass is required for each vehicle. They can be purchased for $20 at several locations on the reservation, including the museum, the marina, the mini-mart and the Hobuck Beach Resort. The pass must be displayed and is valid for the rest of the year. They can now be purchased online and printed at home at;
https://makah.com/attractions/recreation-permits/

This trail has some muddy sections. Trekking poles may be helpful. It is important to stay on the main trail as some of the attempted by-pass trails have hidden, deep mud holes. Some people hike this in shorts and sandals. I wear my rain boots so I can hike straight through the puddles. I do recommend walking the sandy beach in bare feet or with hiking sandals, though. Bring a plastic bag for muddy shoes. Bring bug spray. There are pit toilets at the trailhead and a primitive outhouse near the base of the stairs.

No dogs allowed as this is in the Olympic National Park boundary.

If you wish to camp or try renting a cabin nearby, check out this link to Hobuck Beach Resort. Steve and I won't be able to camp this time.
https://hobuckbeachresort.com/

Carpooling is encouraged. It's about a 2.5 hour drive from Sequim and there may be slow downs on the roads due to construction across the Peninsula this summer. It's also just after a holiday weekend. The trailhead parking lot is quite small, so we need an early start.

*Carpool meets at the Tractor Supply store at 114 E. Lauridson Blvd, Port Angeles. Be ready to LEAVE here at 645am. Please indicate if you can drive and/or if you need a ride. I am limiting this event to 10 people, so please only RSVP up if you intend to go.