Clallam Bay Spit — Explore Washington’s deserted and spectacular North Coast

Quick Facts:

Location: Strait of Juan de Fuca, North Olympic Peninsula

Land Agency: Clallam County Parks and Washington State Parks

Roundtrip: 2.1 miles

Elevation Gain: minimal

Contact: Clallam County Parks

Notes: Dogs permitted on leash

Access:  From Port Angeles follow US 101 west for 5.4 miles to SR 112. Continue west for 44 miles on SR 112 to the community of Clallam Bay. At a sign indicating, “Clallam Bay Community Beach,” turn right into a large parking area and trailhead

Good to Know: Kid-friendly, dog-friendly. Snow free winter hike, beach walking, bird watching

A wild and deserted “Ocean Beach” on Washington’s “North Coast;” the Clallam Bay Spit on the Strait of Juan de Fuca is a breathtaking beautiful place to catch a sunset or just to wander aimlessly. Never crowded; most likely you’ll only be sharing this wide sandy beach with gulls, sanderlings, oystercatchers and eagles.

From the trailhead, head down the short trail and span the fickle Clallam River to behold one of the finest stretches of ocean beach in the state.  Wander west towards the river. You’ll have to ford the chilly river if you plan on hiking the half mile of beach towards Middle Point. This may be tricky during periods of heavy rainfall. If so, skip the crossing and venture east instead a glorious half mile to the headland at Slip Point, home of a coast guard station and lighthouse. If the tide is out plan on spending some time combing the pools left behind.

The Clallam Bay Spit is the type of destination where you can easily spend hours just walking back and forth or staring into the pounding surf. If possible, try to stick around for sunset. It is absolutely radiant from this wild and stunningly beautiful stretch of beach.

For more detailed information on 136 other hikes on the Olympic Peninsula, pick up a copy of my best-selling and most-trusted Day Hiking Olympic Peninsula 2nd edition (Mountaineers Books). Accurate, in depth and covering trails found in no other guidebooks, it’s no surprise this book is the number one selling and trusted hiking book on the Olympic Peninsula

For trusted information on family friendly places to stay and things to do around the Olympic Peninsula, consult Northwest TripFinder.