Location

The Kalaloch Beach is situated inside the Olympic National Park. The beach community is unincorporated and lies in the Jefferson County’s western side, in the Washington State of the USA.

Tourist attractions

At the first sight of the beach, one gets the impression that an ocean storm had recently ravaged the place. There are dead wood logs lying at the beach. The wide beach is also punctuated at many places by rocky projections. Near one end of the beach is the Kalaloch Creek.

The Olympic National Park is listed in the World Heritage Site by the United Nations. As the beach lies inside the protected reserve it is untouched by development. This is also the reason why the beauty of the place remains unappreciated by many. The beach is divided into beaches 1, 2, 3, and 4.

There are a number of log cabins that house those who come to see the beautiful scenery here. Campers usually stay at one of the three campgrounds. Hiking is the best way to find out the hidden beauty of the place. These campgrounds also have picnic facilities and overnight accommodation is allowed at these campgrounds. During one of these hiking trips, hikers are likely to come across the Kalaloch Creek.

Kalaloch was made part of the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary. This happened in the year 1994. The protected marine habitat is the home of the sea lions and other marine mammals. The sanctuary houses other wildlife forms and lots of sea birds. This protected park is also home of the American Bald Eagle.

One can enjoy the beautiful view of the beach from the Kalaloch Lodge. This lodge is the meeting place of campers and it serves tasty coffee and also has dining facilities. The beach can be dangerous during high tide. The logs on the beach were washed ashore during high tide and going to the beach during high tide presents the danger of being thrown onto these logs. The high tides also flood the tide pools which are otherwise a great sight during hiking trails along the beach.

The beaches here have different terrains and this is a special feature of the Kalaloch Beach. The lodge provides a beautiful view of Beach 2. A little distance on the southern side of this beach on a path passing through forested terrain is the Beach 1. Beach 4 lies south of this beach and further down lies Beach 3. This beach is hidden because of the towering trees. These evergreen trees, because of their thick growth do not allow a clear view of the beach. But the most popular beach among visitors is Beach 4, which has pebbles and tide pools. There is a strong undercurrent here, so one has to be careful while going into the water. One of these beaches even has the remains of a ship that was shipwrecked here during the mid 1800’s. The other three beaches can be driven to easily from the Kalaloch Lodge. The beaches here are a favourite haunt of the clam diggers.

Best period to visit

It is best to avoid going to the beach during storms. But some tourists come here particularly to watch these Pacific storms.

Access

These beaches can be accessed while driving on the Highway 101. The campgrounds are located a few miles from Highway 101.

Emergency services

For all emergencies including police, fire, and medical, dial 911.

Lifeguard service

There are no lifeguards available at the beach hence it is not safe to go into the water without any knowledge of the undercurrents.

Police service

(360) 385-3831 - Jefferson County Sheriff's Office,

79 Elkins Road, Port Hadlock, WA 98339.

Fire service

(360) 797 – 7711 - Jefferson County Fire District 5,

2000, Old Gardiner Road, Gardiner, WA. 98382-8778.