Kalaloch Beach

Kalaloch Beach is the broad, sandy shoreline by the campground and lodge on Olympic’s southwest coast, reached directly from US 101. Come for a beachcombing walk among driftwood and open Pacific surf; it’s a different visit from nearby Ruby Beach’s rocky headlands and sea stacks. The access trail from Kalaloch Campground’s Loop A leads to this shore. For a photo, put a large drift log in the foreground with surf and the bluff beyond; it shows the scale of the coast.

High tides can make some coastal sections impassable. Check tide timing before walking far, and use the overland trail where the shoreline is cut off. Don’t assume you can follow the water’s edge continuously.

Western gulls and bald eagles feed and nest along the southern coast. Harbor seals and harbor porpoises are commonly seen; whales, dolphins and sea otters are possible but harder to spot. Take a minute to scan the water and kelp offshore.

Sea otters were brought back to Washington from Alaska in 1969 and 1970, after the fur trade had nearly wiped them out along the Pacific coast. By eating sea urchins, otters help maintain kelp forests, which soften waves and shelter marine life. Spotting an otter takes patience, but the kelp is part of the bigger story here.

Kalaloch Lodge is a separate stop near the beach, with a restaurant, gift shop, and camp store. Dogs are allowed on Kalaloch area beaches on leash.