Backpacking Rialto Beach to Hole in the Wall
It was finally happening! We’d researched and planned for months. We had our backpacks full of the necessary gear. We had our permit. We had our bear canister. Today was the day!
The parking lot was already full when we arrived at Rialto Beach. There were cars lining the road as we approached, but fortunately we were able to find a spot in the area designated for backpackers.
This would be a short hike - perfect for our first time out. We could test our equipment and packing skills, knowing it was only one night, and our car wasn’t too far away.
It also allowed me to do something I’d wanted to do for a very long time. Spend the night on the beach. I wanted to see golden hour, the sunset, the stars, and the early morning light. What better way than to camp on the beach?
It was a gorgeous sunny day. A perfect day to be at the beach. Scott and I strapped on our packs – made extra heavy with all the camera gear – and headed down the beach. We hoped to find a camping spot near Hole in the Wall, but we weren’t sure what we’d find. Camping spots aren’t reserved. You just find a place that looks good once you’re beyond a certain point.
The spot we found was perfect! Up away and away under trees just enough to feel protected but it still felt like we were right on the beach. Near the sea stacks, which is where we wanted to be to view the stars at night.
After setting up camp we walked down the beach watching the pelicans play in the surf. We spied the trail to an upper viewpoint that we would check out later during golden hour and decided on a good location to photograph the stars when it got dark. We ate the packaged backpack meals we had brought for dinner, and then the photo ops began.
First we climbed up to the upper viewpoint near Hole in the Wall. It gave us a view all the way down the beach. The driftwood, the sea stacks, the shoreline and the trees. The blue sky and blue water.
When we came back down to the beach the sun was getting low in the sky. We had fun finding the points where the sun hit the sea stacks in just the right spot making stars of light against the rocks.
As soon as the sun was down the crescent moon became very visible as it was also setting in the west. It was a stunning sight in the evening glow against the rock formations in the ocean. Just beautiful!
Then the thing I had looked forward to most. The stars!
By the time the stars came out we had the beach to ourselves. I set away from the surf a bit knowing the tide would be coming in. I didn’t want to be surprised by any waves, and they’re harder to see in the dark.
It always amazes me how many stars you see when you get away from the city lights. There’s nothing like it. Just incredible! Even the little bit of light from La Push wasn’t enough to get in the way. We stayed up for several hours knowing that our beds were only a few feet away.
Low tide was in the morning, and this is when you can go through Hole in the Wall and really explore the tide pools. We saw lots of bright green sea anemones and an occasional orange, or purple sea star.
Then it was time to head back. We were tired from all the exploring and from carrying our packs, but what a trip!
On to the next adventure!