Rialto Beach
Split Rock at Rialto Beach in Olympic National Park
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Realto Beach, Olympic National Park.
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Rialto Beach
Rialto Beach is one of the most popular and impressive coastal areas in Olympic National Park. Located along the wild Pacific Coast near the small community of La Push, this rugged beach is known for its powerful ocean waves, massive driftwood logs, rocky shoreline and offshore sea stacks. The scenery is dramatic, and every visit may look different depending on the weather, tides and ocean conditions.
A large parking area provides easy access to the beach, making Rialto Beach a great place for a short visit or a longer coastal hike. From the parking area, you can walk north along the shoreline toward Hole-in-the-Wall, a natural rock arch located about 1.5 miles north of the parking lot. This popular hike follows the beach and provides excellent views of sea stacks, tide pools and the surrounding coastline.
Visitors should always check the tide tables before hiking along Rialto Beach. High tides may block sections of the shoreline and make certain areas difficult or unsafe to pass. The beach is also covered with loose rocks and driftwood, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Rialto Beach is an incredible place to experience the rugged beauty of Olympic National Park’s Pacific coastline. The crashing waves, towering sea stacks and endless ocean views make this an unforgettable stop.
Two Top Attractions: Split Rock and Hole-In-The-Wall
From the Rialto Beach parking area, you can walk north along the shoreline toward the famous sea stack known as Split Rock. It's one of the most photographed sea stack in Olympic National Park. Just beyond Split Rock to the north is the legendary Hole-in-the-Wall, a famous arch-like sea stack. Located about 1.5 miles north of the parking lot, this impressive rock formation is one of Rialto Beach’s most recognizable landmarks and is surrounded by tide pools and several other offshore sea stacks.
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Hole-In-The-Wall, Rialto Beach, Olympic National Park.
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Split Rock at Rialto Beach, Olympic National Park.
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Rialto Beach, Olympic National Park.
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Split Rock at Rialto Beach, Olympic National Park.
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Sea anemone thriving in one of the many tidal pools along Rialto Beach in Olympic National Park.
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Rialto Beach is the most popular beach in Olympic National Park.
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Backcountry Camping on Rialto Beach
Backcountry camping is available along portions of the coastline north of Rialto Beach in Olympic National Park. Most campsites are primitive, with many visitors camping directly on the beach above the high-tide line or in small forested areas near the shoreline. Camping is prohibited between the Quillayute River and Ellen Creek, so you must hike beyond Ellen Creek before setting up camp. A wilderness camping permit is required for every overnight stay, and all food, garbage and scented items must be stored in an approved bear canister. Campers should carefully check tide tables, follow Leave No Trace practices and prepare for changing coastal weather.
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Overnight backpackers on Rialto Beach, Olympic National Park.
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Backcountry campsite on Rialto Beach in Olympic National Park.
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Rialto Beach, Olympic National Park.
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Hole-In-The-Wall at Rialto Beach, Olympic National Park.
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Hole-In-The-Wall at Rialto Beach, Olympic National Park.
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Know the Tide Schedule at Rialto Beach!
Knowing the tide schedule is extremely important when visiting Rialto Beach in Olympic National Park, especially when hiking north toward Hole-in-the-Wall. At high tide, ocean water may cover sections of the shoreline and make some areas difficult or impossible to pass. Visitors could also become stranded on the wrong side of a rocky headland as the tide rises. Always check an official tide chart before leaving the parking area, carry the chart with you and keep track of the time. Strong winds and storms may also create larger waves and hazardous conditions. Never underestimate the power of the Pacific Ocean!
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Rialto Beach, Olympic National Park.
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Split Rock at Rialto Beach, Olympic National Park.
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Rialto Beach, Olympic National Park.
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Rialto Beach, Olympic National Park.
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Split Rock at Rialto Beach, Olympic National Park.
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Rialto Beach sign at the parking lot. Everything starts here!
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Where is Rialto Beach located?
Rialto Beach is located on the Pacific Coast of Olympic National Park, near the community of La Push and about 14 miles west of Forks, Washington. From Forks, travel north on U.S. Highway 101 for about two miles, then turn west onto State Route 110, also known as La Push Road. Continue for approximately eight miles and turn right onto Mora Road. Follow Mora Road past the Mora Campground and ranger station until the road ends at the Rialto Beach parking area. From the parking lot, a short pathway leads directly to the beach and the rugged Pacific coastline to the north.
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Rialto Beach Area Map. Credit: NPS
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