Olympic Peninsula Getaway - Day 2: Cape Flattery and Shi Shi Beach

My first stop today was the western most point in the continental United States , Cape Flattery, on the Makah tribal lands. It is a short and lovely walk through the verdant woods to the rocky point. The water and waves at the point making caves and islands and arches is really beautiful and it is a wonderful spot to stop and think about one’s place in the universe.

But my main hike today was to Shi Shi Beach for an overnight backpack. This was my first time here and I’m so glad I came. Today was very foggy on the coast and I didn’t fully appreciate Shi Shi with its arches and haystacks until the fog started to lift around 8 o’clock at night. We were even treated to a sunset! I am also proud of myself for putting together an awesome driftwood campfire. It is so loud sleeping on the beach, especially where I set up my tent against a cliff wall that just echoes the waves off of it. But it is a magical place and very calming for sure. 

I camped at the beginning of the beach and then did a day trip south another few miles to Point of Arches. This worked really well for me to explore, but without carrying the heavy pack as long. I don’t believe the camp sites get significantly better further south. I really love where I am camping. It was so foggy. I could hardly see the Point of Arches. I didn’t realize there were so many of them until the fog lifted a few hours later. It is a pretty incredible grouping. We were treated to a dusky pink sunset to cap off the evening. I woke to low tide and a bunch of rocks exposed that I never saw yesterday. The mussels, anemones, starfish, and other creatures were a riot of color.