Fall Tides Complicate Coastal Walks at Olympic

If you're heading to Olympic's coast right now, pay close attention to the tides. The park's warning specifically includes Rialto Beach, Ruby Beach, and other coastal areas. In fall, high tides can completely cover some coastal routes. That affects how you plan a walk. Scenery alone shouldn't determine which coastal route you choose.

We recommend starting with a practical question. Will your route be passable when you plan to walk it? To find out, locate the stretches of coast you want to explore on a map, then compare your route with the predicted tide times and heights. The goal is to understand how the tides will affect your itinerary. Choosing a time for your walk without checking those details won't tell you whether you can get through.

Once you're there, keep your distance from beach logs and watch for sneaker waves. An unexpected wave can catch beachgoers off guard. Tides can also move logs unpredictably. Don't assume these features of the landscape will stay put. Pay attention to both the water and the logs along the shore.

To plan this part of your trip, consult our guide to Olympic National Park. Factor in the tides as soon as you start considering a walk at Rialto Beach or Ruby Beach. Knowing where to go is only part of the planning. You also need to check how the ocean could change your route.

This warning calls for adjusting your plans to the coastal conditions you find. Before you set out, take time to check how the tide conditions affect your chosen location. During your visit, stay alert to the movement of the ocean and beach logs.