Make a Wish Upon a Starfish ✨ Rialto Beach, Olympic National Park

Rialto Beach is one of the most iconic coastal stretches within Olympic National Park. The shoreline is covered with massive driftwood and striking sea stacks (offshore rock formations), while to the north, a natural rock arch known as the Hole-in-the-Wall stands against the often misty, moody Pacific skies. Together, they create a scene straight out of a wild, poetic painting—deep, solitary, and beautifully untamed. 🌟 Hike: Rialto Beach Parking Lot → Hole-in-the-Wall ✅ Round trip is about 3.3 miles (5.3 km) along the beach—rated easy to moderate. ✅ You’ll cross Ellen Creek. In the dry season, it's an easy step-over, but during the rainy season, you may need to wade or use fallen logs. ✅ Tide timing is critical! Check tide charts and go at low tide. This is when you can explore the intertidal zone, full of tide pools teeming with life like starfish, anemones, sea snails, crabs, and shellfish 🦀🌟. The path leads you right to the Hole-in-the-Wall arch, with even more tidal wonders on the other side. ✅ At high tide, the intertidal route may be impassable. Instead, use the steep inland trail along the forest edge to bypass the headland. A rope is available on the south side for support; the north side relies on roots and branches. ⚠️ Never attempt to climb wet rocks near the surf—it's extremely dangerous! ✅ Weather here is often rainy, windy, and damp. Wear waterproof layers and sturdy shoes suitable for wading and slippery rocks. ✅ Keep an eye out for wildlife—you might spot whales or river otters if you're lucky! 🐋🍀 Have you visited Rialto Beach? Did you find any starfish or sea anemones in the tide pools? Share your experience below! 👇🌊 #OlympicNationalPark #BeachVibes #SeaArch #SeattleDayTrip #HealingViews #IntertidalZone #TidePooling #SeaAnemone #SeaSnail #Starfish #CoastalHike #WildCoast #PacificNorthwest