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.