Hoh Rain Forest & Rialto Beach
Explore the mossy Hoh forest with a naturalist, then spend the afternoon among driftwood and sea stacks at Rialto Beach.
- Full day · around 9 hours
- Port Angeles departure
- Guided forest hike and coastal walking
The wild Pacific coast
Rialto Beach · NPSRialto Beach: coastal walks & a rainforest day trip
Walk among driftwood and sea stacks, or follow the shore toward Hole-in-the-Wall. Rialto brings the Pacific into a rainforest-and-coast day from Port Angeles.
Choose it forPacific shoreline and sea-stack scenery
Time to allowShort beach visit or a dedicated longer walk
Your baseForks, or a tour from Port Angeles
Pairs well withHoh Rain Forest
Beach access and the Hole-in-the-Wall walk
Take US 101 west toward Forks, then SR 110/La Push Road and Mora Road to Rialto Beach parking. NPS allows about 1 hour 15 minutes from Port Angeles to the Mora area; continue to the beach and add time for parking. Use the restrooms at the parking area before heading along the shore.
Hole-in-the-Wall is about 1.5 miles north of the beach access, or 3 miles round trip over sand, stones and possible driftwood obstacles. Plan it as a tide-timed coastal hike. Use NPS tide and coastal safety guidance for the day; a shorter beach visit can still be the right choice. Compare Ruby Beach if your route continues south on US 101.
A shoreline stop or Hole-in-the-Wall?
For a short visit, explore the shoreline near the parking area and take in the sea stacks. For a longer outing, walk north toward Hole-in-the-Wall, about 3 miles round trip.
Sand, stones and driftwood make beach walking slower than a paved trail. Set your turnaround around daylight, the tide window and the pace of your group.
Time the longer walk for the tide
Use NPS tide and coastal safety guidance for the longer walk. Low water opens more shoreline; waves and headlands still determine where it is safe to go. Stay clear of wave-tossed logs.
For a relaxed stop, stay near the main beach access and enjoy the view. The sea stacks and Pacific horizon are the draw even on a shorter walk.
Combine coast and rainforest thoughtfully
Hoh forest followed by Rialto gives you two of Olympic’s most distinctive landscapes in one full day. Join the local guided itinerary for transport and interpretation, or stay near Forks to set your own pace.
Arrive in the region the night before. That leaves the day for forest trails and the shore, with the Seattle transfer on a separate day.
Pick the right base
Choose Port Angeles for a guided day returning to town. Stay near Forks for several rainforest and beach visits: shorter drives leave more time for the shore and a tide-timed walk.
Our hotel-area comparison matches the region to the trip. Port Angeles covers the northern highlights; a western overnight puts the coast closer to your next morning.
Go with a local guide
Make this part of your park day.
Choose it for the experience
Rainforest & wild coast
Explore the mossy Hoh forest with a naturalist, then spend the afternoon among driftwood and sea stacks at Rialto Beach.
Travel from Port Angeles with a guide and return after the outing. See available dates and the full itinerary on GetYourGuide.
Compare all three tours →Choose your next night
Compare overnight areas ↗Book around your coast day.
Choose Port Angeles for the guided return trip; add a western overnight for more beach time.
Keep planning
More places to explore.
Moss, ferns & ancient trees
Hoh Rain Forest
Explore Hoh Rain Forest: Hall of Mosses, Spruce Nature Trail and a Pacific beach pairing. Book a local guided day or plan a western Olympic overnight.
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Compare your bases
Port Angeles vs. Forks vs. Sequim
Port Angeles, Forks or Sequim? Compare park access, waterfront evenings and onward routes to choose the best town for your Olympic stay.
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Find your base
Where to stay for Olympic National Park
Find where to stay for Olympic National Park: Port Angeles, Lake Crescent, Forks, Kalaloch, Quinault or Sol Duc, matched to each part of your route.
Explore the guide →Build on this part of the trip