By:
Submission
Wilderness Camping Permits are required for overnight stays at Shi Shi. Visit our Wilderness Backpacking Reservations page to learn how to obtain a permit.
As of March 15, in alignment with the reopening of the Makah Reservation by the Makah Tribe, the coastal wilderness area north of Cape Alava (including Shi Shi Beach) has reopened.
All food, garbage, and scented items must be stored—overnight and when unattended—in park-approved bear canisters along the entire Olympic National Park Wilderness Coast.
A Makah Recreation Pass must be purchased in Neah Bay prior to arriving at any trailheads on the Makah Indian Reservation.
Overnight parking for Shi Shi is permitted only at designated private parking lots.
Utilize existing fire rings or build campfires on the beach to prevent damage to tree roots. Use driftwood only.
Expect large crowds at Shi Shi Beach during summer months. There have been as many as 50 to 250 campers along Shi Shi Beach on busy weekends.
Pets, use of weapons, and wheeled devices are prohibited on coastal beaches and trails.
Location and sites: Sites are scattered along the beach and in the forest.
Toilet Facilities: Three pit toilets are available at Shi Shi Beach: one at the south end of the campsites in the woods at the park boundary; one behind the wooded campsites on south side of Petroleum Creek; and one near Willoughby Creek. Always use toilets.
Water Sources: Petroleum Creek and Willoughby Creek. Most coastal water sources have a tea-stained appearance. The light tan color originates from tannin leached from leaves. Cryptosporidium and giardia exist in coastal streams and rivers; always filter or boil water. Iodine is ineffective against cryptosporidium.
Stock: Prohibited on all park beaches and beach trails.
Amazing views, great beach and fun camping spot. Definitely worth the hike in. Don't forget your water shoes, though. Lots to explore at low tide, but the rocks are sharp.
There were volunteers removing debris (buoys and boat remnants). There wasn't rotting seaweed odor on the beach. The beach was beautifully pristine especially 2 hours after the lowest tide on a sunny cool day. We were lucky timing-wise, based on other reviews.
The hike is mostly flat with much rocks to navigate over as well as muddy portions that took both my hiking shoes off. Haha. Just walk around these areas on drier ground or wear boots.
We approached the beach from the north via tribal land and obtained a pass from the cultural center. $20 for the 2022 calendar year. The local cafes and recreation areas apparently had just opened up this year after the pandemic.
Google map may take you to a dead end southern route which is private property with obvious signs, indicating no entrance to shi shi beach along with an enthusiastic post-2020 U.S. election political sign.
