Top Beach Destinations For Backpackers – If you’re looking for an unforgettable outdoor experience for your family, the Olympic Peninsula is an absolute treasure trove of natural wonders waiting to be explored. Nestled in the pristine wilderness of Washington State, this enchanting region offers some of the best beach backpacking locations for kids, where kids and adults alike can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature while creating lasting memories.
Today, Washington mother of two Teri Walzenbach is taking you on a virtual journey to discover the hidden gems of the Olympic Peninsula coastline. From elegant sea stacks to mesmerizing tide pools teeming with marine life, reveal the top three beaches where you and your little adventurers can embark on an unforgettable backpacking expedition. Whether your family is looking for tranquility, wildlife encounters or exciting outdoor activities, the Olympic Peninsula has something to offer for every taste and preference.
Top Beach Destinations For Backpackers
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to camp on the beach with kids on the beautiful shores of the Olympic Peninsula on the Washington coast?
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Backpacking the beach with kids can be a magical experience. Imagine, the sand is so soft that you don’t really need a mattress. The vast ocean before you with the sound of crashing waves. A bonfire on the beach where your kids roast marshmallows. And a floating wooden playground that keeps your kids climbing for hours.
Does that sound amazing? Is! Although I understand that planning a backpacking trip to the beach is overwhelming. Which beach do you choose? What permissions do you need? How can I prepare for tides? And, of course, packing. I was there once too, but after years (and countless backpacking trips), I’m here to help break it down and share three great beaches on Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula that are a good place to start.
One of the most important things to know when camping/sleeping/playing on the beach is the tide schedule. Some beaches have campsites set up next to the beach in the forest, but others don’t and you can pitch your tent very close to the water. Understanding when and how high the tide will be will help you stay calm and stay safe (and dry).
I can tell you firsthand that when the tide is high in the middle of the night, it can be a little unsettling to sleep. The waves seem to be getting closer and closer. We’ve seen campers run off the beach with wet tents, and it wasn’t pretty. But don’t worry! With a little understanding of the tides, you can avoid any trouble!
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If you need help understanding the pros and cons, check out this great article, “How to Read a Tide Table” by REI.
And not only does this help you stay dry at high tide…you wouldn’t want to miss out on exploring all the goodies you find on the beach at low tide either. It is one of the best parts of the rocky beaches of the PNW. Endless hours of fascinating exploration of tiny (and not so tiny) creatures! This might be the number one reason to go backpacking to the beach with kids!
Need a permit You can reserve your permit at Recreation.gov. You can find the permit under the Olympic National Park Wilderness Permit.
For beaches, look at the tabs listed as North Coast and South Coast and go from there. You will need to enter your dates and party size to access the different beaches. I recommend booking early in the season as they do get booked up.
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Some of the Olympic Coast beaches are on Makah Tribe land and require a separate Makah Tribe Recreation Permit in addition to the permit you pick up at recreation.gov. There is more information about this permit, including where you can pick one up, on this Neah Bay website.
But the best thing about it is that you don’t have to bring your own firewood. You can burn driftwood! And there are a lot of them! My kids love to comb the beach for a fire and help start the fire. It’s a great activity to do together (here’s how to teach your kids how to build a fire and safety tips). I recommend bringing a small handsaw to help cut some of the larger pieces. Just collect some rocks, make a ring of fire and there you go. Don’t forget to pack waterproof matches. Bring accessories to make S’mores, and dessert is covered! If the children get their clothes wet, the fire helps speed up the drying process. It’s a win-win-win.
Definitely bring a bear canister. Not only for bears but also for raccoons. It is a requirement in Washington on the Olympic Peninsula. I love using a bear container because it comes in handy at the beach. It can also be used as a seat or a clean surface to work on, which is much appreciated at the beach. Another option is to hang bags on trees. If you go this route, make sure you hang your bag properly. I have seen them hanging from a tree. This is basically a hanging snack for bears!
Be sure to bring plenty of water and a water filter. Some beaches have freshwater creeks that flow down to the beach and feed into the ocean. I recommend looking at a map to see if it’s available. Also consider how far water access may be from where you plan to set up camp. Two out of three beaches on this list have access to fresh water.
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And if you plan to camp in the trees by the beach, a hammock might come in handy. We took ours on a trip and I couldn’t get my kids out of it. Fun entertainment for hours!
Remember I said that camping at the beach with your kids is a magical experience? I’m still hanging on, but there is a downfall, it depends on how you look at it…the sand. Be prepared for sand to be everywhere. Stuck on everything. There is no way around it, so I suggest you try to accept it. It’s too stressful to fight it. Accept the fact that for weeks you will find sand in all sorts of places. Especially in your washer and dryer.
If you’re just backpacking, keep your reach (how far you’re going to your location) on the shorter side. For us, in the beginning, this was very important. My kids have done a lot of walking, but carrying a bigger pack was a new thing for them. And that way, there’s no stress about getting to your destination if you’re running a little behind or want to take your time en route! Plus, if you forget something in the car, you can always run back and grab it if you’re nearby. This happened to us once and it saved our trip!
I recommend making a list and keeping it updated over time as much as you can. I have a backpacking essentials checklist that I always use when packing for a trip. It’s a great way to make sure you have everything you need. Every time I return from a trip, I think about all the lessons learned and modify the checklist if necessary. It’s amazing what each new trip teaches you!
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Okay, ready for the fun part?! Let’s explore the best backpacking beaches on the Olympic Peninsula! As we explore these kid-friendly beach backpacking locations, I’ll offer some valuable tips and insights to help you plan and prepare for your expedition. As a mother, I understand the importance of safety, comfort and educational opportunities, so I will guide you on how to make the most of your time in this nature park while ensuring a perfect experience for the whole family.
So get ready to put on your backpacks, lace up your hiking boots and embrace the sense of wonder that comes with exploring the stunning coastal landscapes of the Olympic Peninsula. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or a family new to the joys of outdoor adventure, this guide will equip you with everything you need to know to embark on an unforgettable trip with your loved ones. Let’s immerse ourselves in the wonders of the Olympic Peninsula and create memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.
Rialto Beach is hard to beat! A jewel nestled on the rugged coastline of the Olympic Peninsula, Rialto Beach offers a stunning combination of natural beauty, fascinating history and remarkable scenery. Located in Olympic National Park, this iconic beach is a haven for families looking for a backpacking experience like no other for kids. With its dramatic sea stacks, vast stretches of sandy coastline and a plethora of tide pools to explore, Rialto Beach presents a delightful playground for young adventurers. Plus, plenty of wood can make for some epic beach bonfires.
One of the defining features of Rialto Beach is its impressive sea stacks. These rock formations rise majestically
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