Rialto Beach, La Push - Mora Beach Trails, Olympic National Park, Washington
Rialto Beach - 3.2 miles
La Push - Mora Beach Trails
| Round-Trip Length: | 3.2 miles ((to Hole in the Wall)) |
| Start-End Elevation: | 17' - 0' |
| Elevation Change: | +172' roundtrip elevation gain (with headland overland trail) |
| Skill Level: | Easy-Moderate |
| Dogs Allowed: | Yes |
| Bikes Allowed: | No |
| Horses Allowed: | No |
| Related Trails: |
Rialto Beach - 3.2 Miles Round-Trip
Rialto Beach is located 12.5 miles west of US 101 in Olympic National Park. It runs north from the Quillayute River mouth to Hole in the Wall, an iconic sea arch 1.6 miles from the beach access point. Beach walking is generally easy to Hole in the Wall, past which conditions grow rugged and tidal knowledge is essential for safe, efficient travel.
Visitors will enjoy scenic sea stacks, the passage at Hole in the Wall, land and marine wildlife and rugged wilderness travel north of Rialto Beach.
Note that Dogs are permitted on Rialto Beach north to Ellen Creek (.8 miles), but not beyond. Pets must be leashed at all times:
Cross the surf log jam at the parking lot and turn north on the beach, which is somewhat pebbly with a moderate camber.
You'll reach Ellen Creek at .8 miles, past which dogs are not permitted. The creek is fairly swift, so look for a wide point or fortuitously placed log to cross. Once over you'll skirt the base of two towering, artfully sculpted sea stacks right on the low tide line.
Hole in the Wall comes next (1.6 miles), which at low tide you may walk right through to a placid cove and explore a network of outlying tide pools.
Hole in the Wall is not accessible at high tide, but an overland trail can still be used to reach the north cove and resume travel.
If you travel beyond the arch, first take note of both overland trail access points - there's a good chance you'll need them on the return. The north cove ends at 2.1 miles, where crowds thin and wilderness travel up the coast begins.
There are no overland trails between Hole in the Wall and the Chilean Monument, and many points are only passable at low tide. Proficient tide knowledge is required on this adventurous stretch.
Interactive GPS Topo Map
Key GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84
- N47 55.309 W124 38.316 — 0.0 miles : Rialto Beach Trailhead
- N47 55.985 W124 38.613 — .8 miles : Cross Ellen Creek
- N47 56.508 W124 39.025 — 1.6 miles : Hole in the Wall
- N47 56.785 W124 39.535 — 2.1 miles : End of cove past Hole in the Wall
- N47 56.952 W124 39.690 — 2.5 miles : Round rugged headland
- N47 57.053 W124 39.720 — 2.65 miles : Travel moderates over tidal flats
- N47 57.408 W124 39.921 — 3.1 miles : Headland must be scaled or rounded
Worth Noting
- Rialto Beach is somewhat narrow, and it's many features are best seen at low tide. You may obtain tide information from the WIC to help plan your visit around favorable tides.
- Look for bald eagles all along Rialto Beach, and sea otters in kelp beds in the northern cove. River otters have also been reported along the coast in the Ellen Creek area.
- Always carry - and know how to use - a tide table, topo map, and watch when hiking the Olympic coast. Many points north of Rialto Beach - including Hole in the Wall - are only passable at low tide. Passable points on the way out may not be safe on the return, and it's possible to become stranded.
- Tide tables are available at visitor centers and coastal ranger stations. Red and black symbols mark departure points from the beach on headland - overland trails where it's unsafe to continue on the beach.
Camping and Backpacking Information
- Permits are required for all overnight stays in Olympic National Park. Contact the Wilderness Information Center (360.565.3100) for backcountry camping reservations, permits, and trail conditions. Visit the WIC: 600 East Park Avenue, Port Angeles, WA 98362.
- There's a $5 registration fee per group, plus $2 per person per night (children under 16 excluded).
- Rialto Beach is a self-registration trailhead, where you will find forms, permits, and pay boxes.
- There are no quotas or required reservations for La Push - Mora area beaches. Campsites are not individually assigned, but are available to permit holders on a first come, first served basis.
- Camp only in established sites, which are generally located on the forest edge, or on the beach behind high tide lines. These sites are often concealed behind surf log piles.
- Food Storage: Hard-sided containers (such as bear canisters) are required all along the Olympic coast.
- Campfires: Fires are permitted. Use driftwood only.
- Water: Water is available from coastal streams. This water is typically stained with tannins leached from decaying matter in the forest. Treat or filter all water thoroughly.
Fishing Information
- A Washington State Fishing License is not required to fish in Olympic National Park except when fishing in the Pacific Ocean from shore. No license is required to harvest surf smelt.
- A Washington State catch record card is required to fish for salmon or steelhead and they must be accounted for as if caught in state waters. Fishing regulations are specific to site, species, and season. Contact the Park before setting out.
- Recreational fishing in freshwater areas of Olympic National Park is restricted to artificial lures with single, barbless hooks (exceptions may apply).
- The use of seines, traps, drugs, explosives, and nets (except to land a legally hooked fish or dip-net smelt) are prohibited.
Rules and Regulations
- There's a $25 fee to enter Olympic National Park ($50 annual pass).
- Dogs are permitted on Rialto Beach north to Ellen Creek, but not beyond. Pets must be leashed at all times. Pets are permitted in campgrounds and must be leashed at all times.
Directions to Trailhead
Rialto Beach is located 12.5 miles west of US 101 on Mora Road in Olympic National Park.
From US 101, turn west on La Push Road and drive 7.7 miles to the La Push - Mora Road split. Bear right on Mora Road and continue 4.8 miles to the trailhead.
La Push Road is located 53 miles from Port Angeles on US 101, just as you're entering / leaving the north end of Forks.
Contact Information
Olympic National Park
600 East Park Avenue
Port Angeles, WA 98362-6798
Visitor Information: 360.565.3130
Road & Weather Hotline: 360.565.3131
Wilderness Information Center and Backcountry Permit Office (WIC)
360.565.3100
Mora Ranger Station (seasonal)
360.374.5460
Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center
360.374.6925
Forks Information Station
360.374.7566 or 360.374.5877
Quinault Wilderness Information Office
360.288.0232
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