What are the parking and fee requirements for Shi Shi Beach?

Overnight parking at the Shi Shi trailhead costs $20 per night, payable by cash to a private homeowner via a lockbox. As of [August 27](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-08-31.170542995377), this was more expensive than anticipated. Day parking is limited to approximately 5-10 vehicles at the trailhead. A Makah Tribe recreation pass is also required to hike here, as noted on [October 26](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-10-27.095643199756).

Are there any significant obstacles beyond the mud on the trail or at Point of the Arches?

Beyond the mud, the trail can be overgrown in places and has some log obstacles, as reported on [August 27](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-08-31.170542995377). The bluff descending to the beach now has stairs and a railing, making it easier to navigate as of [August 11](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-08-11.080011694127). While exploring south of Point of the Arches, some steep sections with ropes and brushy trails have been noted, with some erosion starting on a section close to the edge, reported on August 27.

Are there any issues with wildlife or bugs reported recently?

Bugs have not been a significant issue, with reports from [October 26](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-10-27.095643199756), [September 20](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-21.222408884242), August 27, August 22, August 21, and August 11 all stating "no bugs" or "bugs were not too bad." Wildlife sightings have included banana slugs and potential whale activity, with a pectoral fin sighting and distant whale blows reported on August 22. Tide pools offer opportunities to see starfish, anemones, and crabs, noted on August 27. The last report mentioning specific wildlife interaction is from August 22.

Shi Shi Beach and Point of the Arches

Olympic Peninsula

updated 2 weeks ago

The trail to Shi Shi Beach features significant mud, particularly on the repurposed road section, with user-created social trails forming alongside. Reports from August 27 and August 11 highlight this muddy condition. The road to the trailhead is suitable for all vehicles, and as of October 26, snow-free conditions prevail. The beach and Point of the Arches are generally accessible, though some trash has been noted on the beach near the trees as of October 26. The initial forest portion and the bluff descent with stairs are in good condition.

Generated from 42 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.

What hikers ask about Shi Shi Beach and Point of the Arches

Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 2 weeks ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.

The trail to Shi Shi Beach is known for being very muddy, especially on the section that was a repurposed road. As of October 26, this section is described as a "giant mud patch after another." While user-created social trails have formed to skirt the worst areas, the mud remains a significant obstacle on this part of the hike. Earlier reports from August 27 and August 11 also noted extensive muddy or wet trail conditions.