Rialto Beach/Hole-in-the-Wall

Rialto Beach, Washington 98331

Trail Statistics

Elevation: 0 Feet

Distance: 3.2 Miles

Trail Details

Rialto Beach to Hole in the Wall is an amazing hiking trail in Olympic National Park that is perfect for families looking for a fun and exciting outdoor adventure. This hike takes you on a beautiful journey along the rugged coastline of Washington state, with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and towering sea stacks along the way.

The trailhead for Rialto Beach to Hole in the Wall is located at the northern end of Rialto Beach, and the hike is approximately 1.6 miles each way, making it a perfect length for families with children of all ages. The trail is well-maintained and relatively easy, with only a few steep inclines and rocky sections to navigate.

As you make your way along the trail, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the ocean and the surrounding wilderness. Keep an eye out for bald eagles soaring overhead and sea otters playing in the waves 😍. You may even spot a whale or two in the distance!

At the turnaround, you’ll come to the main attraction of the trail: Hole in the Wall. This massive sea arch is a natural wonder that has been formed over thousands of years by the relentless pounding of the ocean waves. It’s an impressive sight to behold and the perfect spot for a family photo!  You can follow the path to go above the formation, but it is slippery and steep, so we have never taken our kids up to the top.  

Both kids have been content to stay down and explore the tide pools. These pools are filled with all sorts of fascinating sea creatures, like starfish, anemones, sculpins, and crabs. Just be sure to watch your step and be respectful of the fragile ecosystem.

Overall, Rialto Beach to Hole in the Wall is a fantastic hiking trail for families looking to experience the natural beauty of Olympic National Park. With its easy accessibility and stunning scenery, it’s sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. So pack a picnic lunch, grab your hiking boots, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

Pro Tips 

  • Bring extra clothes… 2 extra sets per kid. TRUST ME!
  • This hike is deceptively long – set sight markers on the way out to help your kids understand how much further it is on the way back.
  • Be prepared for a water crossing 1 mile along the trail at Ellen Creek.
    • you can find a calf high spot, but the creek moves quickly.  We usually taxi our kids across barefoot with our pants rolled up.
  • Check the tides before heading out: NOAA Tide Predictions
    • You’ll want to hit low tide if you want to explore the tidepools
  • Before you head out, check out WTA’s trail reports.

Trail Comments

Leave a Reply

More Trails