Nature has a way of bringing families together, and our recent adventure to Rialto Beach in the Olympic National Park was a testament to that.
With my family of five, we embarked on a memorable journey filled with hiking, camping, and the thrill of whale watching along the Pacific Northwest coastline. The shoreline beauty of Rialto Beach and the view of Hole in the Wall promised an experience we would cherish forever.
Camping at Rialto Beach was a bargain at just $22 for a reservation. Considering the beauty and serenity of the location, this fee felt like a steal. With our reservation confirmed, we eagerly looked forward to our beachfront home for the night. The wilderness of Olympic National Park is home to an array of wildlife, including black bears. Before setting out, we picked up a bear canister from the wilderness information center in Port Angeles. Safety is always the most important thing, and this precautionary measure allowed us to store our food securely and minimize potential human-wildlife interactions. The thought of encountering bears during this camping trip was a little nerve-wracking. Well, at least it was for me.
As we arrived at Rialto Beach, the anticipation of pitching our tent on the sandy shore was so exciting! However, we soon discovered that the designated camping area was situated just under two miles away from the parking lot and bathrooms. This was a bit of an inconvenience, as we packed much more than our arms could carry one way. We decided to ditch half of what we packed and bring along the minimal amount necessary to have a successful camping trip on the beach for that night. An oversight I wish we would have prepared for prior. Even still, the thought of spending the night closer to the sound of the ocean made the trek to our camping spot totally worth it.
One of the primary reasons our family chose Rialto Beach for camping was the opportunity for whale watching. The coastal waters of the Olympic Peninsula are known for their vibrant marine life, and the chance to catch a glimpse of an Orca or a pod of Orca whales in their natural habitat was something we didn’t want to pass up. Before dinner, we decided to take a hike to Hole in the Wall -- a geological wonder carved by the powerful forces of the sea. The hike was relatively short but offered breathtaking views along the rugged coastline. As we reached Hole in the Wall during low tide, we were able to explore the tide pools and I'm pretty sure the kids spotted some otters. It was an educational and enchanting experience for our entire family!
Before sunset, we returned to our campsite on the beach, surrounded by the rhythmic sounds of waves crashing. Justin started up a campfire so we could eat dinner, and the kids flew their kites up and down the beach. I really like how there were already fire rings set up from previous campers and it was tucked away in an area that wasn't terribly close to where we would be sleeping. After dinner, Justin made the nearly 4-mile hike to and from the car to get some of the necessities we'd left behind the first time. I was a little nervous with the tide changing and Justin walking alone. I got the kids tucked into their sleeping bags and I patiently waited to see Justin walking up the coast towards us. I was surprised by how quickly Ava and Olivia fell asleep. I knew they'd be exhausted from the excitement of our trip but also, all the walking we did. Liam held out much longer than I thought he would but I was okay to have his company while we waited for his daddy.
Darkness fell soon after and I think we were all incredibly beat by the day. I went to bed with the sound of the waves from the ocean crashing and the stars and trees from the view of the tent. It was the most beautiful nature site I had ever seen. So beautiful! In the middle of the night Justin and I both woke up to the mist of the water hitting our tent. Justin put on the rain fly and I learned how to use "nature's bathroom" for the first time in my life. I peaked out of the tent for whales a couple of times but ultimately we didn't have any luck in our whale-watching adventure.
Our family's escapade to Rialto Beach in Olympic National Park was a perfect blend of adventure, nature, and togetherness. While Justin and I both agreed we wouldn't do a trip like this until our kids are old enough to carry their own bags and walk the length of the trail themselves (Liam gave out less than a mile to our campsite), we are also so glad we had this experience. Even though the PNW is home, there is still so much beauty to uncover, discover, and enjoy with our family!
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