OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WA :: Chances are you’ve heard of Shi Shi Beach and Point of Arches. The Travel Channel recently included the two-mile stretch of pristine sand on their list of the country’s ten best beaches.
The media attention along with a brand new boardwalk trail instilled a sense of urgency in our backpacking plans. We wanted to beat the crowds that would overwhelm the area as the days grew longer and warmer. I called the ranger station to inquire about campsites. Reservations aren’t required, but that may change soon to control the crowds. During a typical summer weekend last year, over 100 overnight permits were registered for the area.
The forecast promised rain, and we were prepared for it. But other than an hour long drizzle, the entire weekend was sunny and relatively warm. We saw a few dozen groups of dayhikers, backpackers and surfers, but the beach wasn’t crowded. Near the Point of Arches, we found a cozy campsite among the trees. Someone before us had used driftwood to construct a nice table and a pair of benches.
From twilight to midnight, we enjoyed a blazing bonfire and a naked view of the Milky Way. Several man-made satelites were tracked amongst the stars. As we sipped whisky and chianti, we pondered the cosmos and felt our insignificance. The steady sound of crashing waves in the darkness further isolated us from the stressful distractions of the modern world.
Morning was greeted with sunshine, fighting to burn off a thick layer of ocean fog. The tide was out, so we visited the tidepools around the haystacks. As we made or way back to our cars, I tried to soak in all the scenery my senses and my camera could take. Perhaps enough memories to last me until next year when we’ll undoubtedly return.
The media attention along with a brand new boardwalk trail instilled a sense of urgency in our backpacking plans. We wanted to beat the crowds that would overwhelm the area as the days grew longer and warmer. I called the ranger station to inquire about campsites. Reservations aren’t required, but that may change soon to control the crowds. During a typical summer weekend last year, over 100 overnight permits were registered for the area.
The forecast promised rain, and we were prepared for it. But other than an hour long drizzle, the entire weekend was sunny and relatively warm. We saw a few dozen groups of dayhikers, backpackers and surfers, but the beach wasn’t crowded. Near the Point of Arches, we found a cozy campsite among the trees. Someone before us had used driftwood to construct a nice table and a pair of benches.
From twilight to midnight, we enjoyed a blazing bonfire and a naked view of the Milky Way. Several man-made satelites were tracked amongst the stars. As we sipped whisky and chianti, we pondered the cosmos and felt our insignificance. The steady sound of crashing waves in the darkness further isolated us from the stressful distractions of the modern world.
Morning was greeted with sunshine, fighting to burn off a thick layer of ocean fog. The tide was out, so we visited the tidepools around the haystacks. As we made or way back to our cars, I tried to soak in all the scenery my senses and my camera could take. Perhaps enough memories to last me until next year when we’ll undoubtedly return.
