Intro to Backpacking Field Trip - Rialto Beach to Chilean Memorial

Preference to Tacoma Branch Introduction to Backpacking Students. Trip will open to all Mountaineers on April 28

Spend a long weekend near the salty sea and you will be yearning to come back and experience more of what Washington’s wild coast is all about. Bear canisters are required by Olympic National Park for this trip and ~$16 fee (to be confirmed) per person payable to the leader on the first day for the backcountry camping permits.

Craig Romano describes this hike as “...some of the prettiest and wildest coastline and beaches in North America.” Sights include sea stacks, arches, caves, tide pools, and sandy beaches. Besides the spectacular scenery, visit the Chilean Memorial and Norwegian Memorials, which commemorate long-ago shipwrecks along this hazardous coast.

Favorable tides will allow us to hike at a relaxed pace on the beach but expect terrain changes to include hard and soft sand, pea gravel, seaweed, slick rocks, and obstacles like boulders and driftwood. Coastal hiking can be mentally and physically exhausting, but the reward is an experience that often includes seeing eagles feed at low tide along rocky shorelines, seals and otters bobbing in the surf, and deer roaming the beaches. We expect to camp two nights at Chilean Memorial, explore the intertidal life around Chilean Memorial, and/or hike north, depending on the weather and group conditions. Note that camp locations are subject to change based on permit availability which will be determined on April 15.

This is a relaxed pace trip designed for first time backpackers, where backpackers of all abilities are welcome. We will be picking over the beach most of the time and crossing some rocky and slippery terrains, and we are expected expected to be on average 1 mph or less with all of the obstacles we'll encounter and a couple stops along the way for scenery appreciation and beach exploration. If you enjoy a faster pace trip or has a strong desire to reach a specific destination north of Chilean Memorial, this may not be the trip for you.

Anticipated itinerary

Day 1: Hike 3.7 miles to our camp at Chilean Memorial in the morning, taking advantage of -2.1 ft tide @9:51 to cross a rocky beach ~1 mile before our final destination. Arriving there, we will set up camp, have lunch on camp, explore the area around Chilean Memorial. In the later afternoon, we will review the plan for Day 2, have dinner and enjoy the sunset on the beach together.

Day 2: (Optional, not included in the trip total miles) Hike and explore north of Chilean Memorial up to a mutually agreed destination and/or explore the intertidal zone around Chilean Memorial. When we’ve had our fill of exploration we’ll return to Chilean Memorial camp for dinner and sunset on the beach together. 

Day 3: Pack up and hike 3.7 miles to the trail head in the Hole in the Wall in the morning. Explore intertidal zone around the Hole-in-the-Wall, taking advantage of the -0.6 tide @ 11:33am, have lunch and hike out the last mile back to the trail head

I will share a detailed target timeline as we get closer to the trip, and I expect to adjust it as we go based on the weather and group dynamics. 

More information about the Olympic Coast North: The Shipwreck Coast here.

Preference to Tacoma Branch Introduction to Backpacking Students. Trip will open to all Mountaineers based on availability on April 28.

Dates are subject to change pending weather and permits. In case we need to reschedule, we will consider June 14-16th (2nd option) or June 28-30th (3rd option).

MY STYLE

I like to balance a social experience, enjoying the company of others on trips with moments contemplating the beauty of the backcountry or taking pictures of it. I love being in the PNW coast seeing it from the water (paddling) or from land (hiking). I am grateful to have met The Mountaineers, and made lot of friends that are passionate about the nature and life outdoors. I usually enjoy cooking and eating well when I am backpacking, and having time together during the meals. However, I play by ear and follow my intuition, so I like flexibility to change plans and accommodate what each trip participant wants to do as much as possible (and safe), combining group activities with flexible time to enjoy the outdoors the way you prefer.  If these sound like experiences you would enjoy, I'd love your company!

Photo credit: Lisa Elliott

Rialto Beach parking area at 10am. Drive time from Tacoma is about 4 hours one way. From Seattle it will be longer. Participants should review the sailing times before signing up if they plan to travel via ferry to ensure that they can make the meeting time. Alternatively, participants may opt to stay some place local the night before the trip to reduce the drive time. I will share more information about required passes and locations for overnight parking. Carpool is encouraged as parking spaces will be limited.