Point of Arches 3 Day Olympic National Park Backpacking Tour
Backpacking Gear Included
|Fresh Meals Prepared Daily
|Professional Wilderness Guides
Point of Arches 3 Day Olympic National Park Backpacking Tour
-
Cost:
$1347
-
Type:
Guided Backpacking/Camping Tour
-
Length:
3 days
-
Difficulty:
Easy to Moderate
-
Mileage:
12 miles
-
Season:
June – September
Adventure Details
Point of Arches Beach Camp: 3-Day Family Adventure at Shi Shi Beach
Escape to the edge of the continent on this magical 3-day family-friendly backpacking and beach-camping getaway to Washington’s iconic Shi Shi Beach and Point of Arches. Designed for adventurers of all ages, this gentle journey begins with a scenic drive from Tacoma to Neah Bay, including a captivating stop at the Makah Cultural & Research Center to discover the living history and traditions of the Makah Tribe. A short, easy forest trail delivers you to one of the most stunning beaches in America, where you’ll pitch camp just steps from the waves. Spend a full day exploring the otherworldly tidepools and towering sea stacks of Point of Arches—nature’s playground of purple starfish, giant anemones, and secret coves revealed only at low tide. Evenings bring glowing sunsets, beach campfires, and stories under a sky bursting with stars. This is coastal wonder made simple, joyful, and unforgettable.
Tour Highlights
- Camp right on the sand at legendary Shi Shi Beach with front-row seats to Point of Arches
- Guided low-tide exploration of vibrant tidepools teeming with sea stars, crabs, and anemones
- Cultural visit to the award-winning Makah Museum—interactive exhibits the whole family will love
- Easy 6–8 miles round-trip hiking on soft sand and gentle forest trail
- Bald eagles overhead, harbor seals playing just offshore, and dramatic Pacific sunsets
- Small family-focused group (max 10 guests), expert guides, permits, gear shuttles, and delicious meals included
- S’mores around beach campfires and memories that last a lifetime
Perfect for first-time backpackers and kids who dream of real adventure. Limited summer weekends—bring the family and let the wild coast work its magic.
What's included?
- 5pm orientation the evening prior to your hike at Olympia, WA hotel partner.
- Backpacking & Camping permits.
- Tent camping each night on the trail.
- All food while on the trail prepared by your guide - from lunch day 1 through breakfast on the final day.
- Single (solo travelers) or double occupancy tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, backpack, trekking poles.
- A certified, medically trained guide that will lead you safely on your journey.
- An unforgettable experience!
Our prices do not include guide gratuity (10%-20% of tour cost is recommended).
Adventure Itinerary
Day 1: Tacoma to Shi Shi Beach
Distance: ~4 miles one way
Elevation Loss: ~200 ft
Experience: We begin with a scenic drive from Tacoma to Neah Bay, where we stop at the Makah Cultural & Research Center to learn about the history and traditions of the Makah Tribe. From there, we continue to the Shi Shi Beach trailhead and hike through lush coastal forest, emerging onto a wide, sandy shoreline framed by rugged sea cliffs. We set up camp right on the beach, with the sound of the waves as our backdrop.
Highlights: Makah cultural history, forest-to-coast hiking, and a beachfront campsite on Shi Shi.
Day 2: Exploring Point of Arches
Distance/Elevation: Varies based on exploration, ~4–6 miles round trip
Experience: Today we spend the day exploring the iconic Point of Arches, a series of dramatic sea stacks and natural arches just a short hike from camp. At low tide, we wander through tide pools teeming with starfish, anemones, and crabs, while seabirds wheel overhead. Scenic overlooks and secluded coves offer perfect photo opportunities and quiet moments to enjoy the Pacific’s wild beauty.
Highlights: Tide pool exploration, dramatic sea stacks, and abundant coastal wildlife.
Day 3: Shi Shi Beach to Tacoma
Distance: ~4 miles one way
Elevation Gain: ~200 ft
Experience: After a beachside breakfast, we pack up camp and hike back through the peaceful forest to the trailhead. On the return drive to Tacoma, we’ll pass rugged coastline and scenic viewpoints—perfect opportunities for one last family photo before heading home with sandy shoes, tired legs, and big smiles.
Highlights: Morning beach play, gentle forest hike, and scenic coastal drive home.
Pickup Locations
Olympia, WA
What to Bring
Our camping and hiking trips include all pro-quality gear and meals required for your adventure. This includes tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cooking supplies, trekking poles, and daypacks and/or backpacks. All meal preparations will be handled by your guide.
We are happy to accommodate food allergies and most dietary restrictions. Please include your preferences in your Registration Form so that we can prepare accordingly.
Gear Included
Discovery Treks tours are all inclusive tours which include:
- All meals from dinner night 1 through breakfast on the final day of your hike
- An experienced Wilderness First Responder Certified Olympic Backpacking Guide
- Necessary pro-quality backpacking gear including 65 - 75L Osprey backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, trekking poles, double occupancy tent, bear canister (Single tent upgrade available for $50)
- All permits and fees
June
July
Don't see a tour date that works for you?
We may still be able to schedule additional tour dates that fall within your travel window.
Please call our office to inquire at 480-247-9266.